Assistant Dean of Finance & Administration

Howard University•Boston, MA

1d•$121,000 - $131,000

About The Position

The Talent Acquisition department hires qualified candidates to fill positions which contribute to the overall strategic success of Howard University. Hiring staff “for fit” makes significant contributions to Howard University’s overall mission. At Howard University, we prioritize well-being and professional growth. Here is what we offer: Health & Wellness: Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision insurance, plus mental health support Work-Life Balance: PTO, paid holidays, flexible work arrangements Financial Wellness: Competitive salary, 403(b) with company match Professional Development: Ongoing training, tuition reimbursement, and career advancement paths Additional Perks: Wellness programs, commuter benefits, and a vibrant company culture Join Howard University and thrive with us! https://hr.howard.edu/benefits-wellness Job Purpose The Assistant Dean of Finance and Administration serves as the chief business and financial officer of the Howard University Graduate School. The incumbent serves as the Dean’s principal advisor on finance and administration and ensures the effective stewardship of the School’s financial portfolio. Responsibilities include managing and operating the budget including but not limited to the following types of spending: contracting; purchasing; hiring (of students, researchers, and faculty); and travel and events and programming, technology and equipment, and facilities or operational expenses. This role ensures the integrity and accountability of financial and administrative operations across the Graduate School; establishes administrative controls and business practices that support efficient and compliant operations; and supports capacity-building and professional development and training efforts for all Graduate School staff. Supervisory Authority Directly supervises the Office Manager, provides guidance to other administrative staff as appropriate, and collaborates with senior leadership to support school-wide operations. Nature and Scope Internal Contacts: Administrators, faculty, staff, and students within the Graduate School and across the university. External Contacts: Government agencies, sponsor representatives, vendors, visitors, officials, and the general public. Collaborative Units: Budget Office, Controller’s Office, Human Resources, Information Technology, and schools and colleges with graduate programs in the Graduate School.

Requirements

Demonstrated ability to provide executive-level financial and operations guidance in a complex academic environment.
Deep knowledge of financial modeling, budgeting, forecasting, variance analysis, accounting controls, and resource stewardship.
Expertise in fund and cost accounting, budget planning, and grants administration.
Proficiency in budget software, data mining tools, and Microsoft Office Suite (including SharePoint, OneDrive, Adaptive Planning).
Ability to adapt to and lead change with diplomacy and clarity in evolving systems.
Ability to supervise and evaluate staff performance to ensure accountability and optimal performance.
Strong written and verbal communication skills.
Excellent organizational, time management, and servant leadership orientation.
Collaborative and interpersonal skills to work across diverse stakeholder groups.
Bachelor’s degree in Finance, Business Administration, or related field (required).
7–10 years of progressively responsible experience in financial and operational management, preferably in higher education.

Nice To Haves

Master’s degree (MBA, MPA) or CPA certification (preferred).

Responsibilities

Financial Management & Compliance Develop and manage the Graduate School’s operating budget, multi-year forecasts, and financial reporting. Lead financial operations, including accounting, purchasing, reconciliations, and fund allocation. Ensure compliance with university financial policies, grant agreements, and donor requirements. Prepare monthly, quarterly, and annual financial reports; conduct variance and trend analyses. Build financial models and generate custom queries using enterprise systems (e.g., Workday, adaptive planning).
Budget Planning & Analysis Advise the Dean on budget planning, organizational structure, and financial controls. Evaluate funding requests and allocate resources in alignment with strategic priorities. Coordinate and review program funding submissions. Maintain oversight of gift expenditures and contracts and support grants management.
Operations Ensure administrative operations align with university and school policies. Develop internal controls, process improvements, and best practices for operational efficiency. Designs and implements SOPs, process maps, standard templates, reporting dashboards to ensure transparency, efficiency, and accountability.
Other Duties Maintain and update statistical and financial data related to facilities and operations. Perform additional responsibilities as assigned. Participate in professional development to remain proficient in role.