Senior Associate Dean and Chief Operating Officer- School of Education and Human Development

UVA Health

12d•Onsite

About The Position

The University of Virginia School of Education and Human Development (EHD) is a vibrant academic community dedicated to advancing learning, leadership, and human development through teaching, research, and community partnerships. EHD plays a critical role in preparing educators, researchers, clinicians, and leaders who positively impact individuals and communities locally and globally. The school boasts a remarkable portfolio of work—scholarship that is alive and relevant to the everyday work of professionals in education, health, and social sciences. Our research drives inquiry, discovery, and impact. EHD now seeks an exceptional Senior Associate Dean for Administration & Chief Operating Officer (COO) to serve as the school’s executive leader for operations, administrative infrastructure, organizational effectiveness, and financial stewardship. This is a critical institutional leadership role in EHD—one that partners closely with the Dean and senior leaders to strengthen the school’s operating environment, ensure fiscal sustainability, and advance EHD’s mission with excellence. The Senior Associate Dean for Administration & COO serves as EHD’s senior administrative leader for financial planning and resource management and is responsible for leading, integrating, and continuously improving the school’s operational enterprise. This includes direct supervision of administrative leaders responsible for Business & Finance, Communications & Marketing, Educational Technologies, Facilities & Events, and the Sheila C. Johnson Center for Clinical Services. The COO ensures that each unit’s work is aligned with and responsive to the school’s teaching, research, and service missions. The COO ensures that financial strategies, operational and capital budgets, and controls are aligned with school priorities and long‑term sustainability.

Requirements

Master's degree in related area.
With at least ten years of experience with increasing responsibility in a large, complex organization.

Nice To Haves

Significant senior leadership experience in administrative roles within higher education, academic medicine, nonprofit, or other complex mission-driven organizations; comparable experience in similarly complex environments will be considered.
Familiarity with higher education budgeting models and processes, including financial planning, forecasting, and resource allocation.
Experience leading and integrating diverse operational functions such as finance, facilities, IT, and HR.
Proven ability to partner effectively with academic leaders, governing bodies, and external stakeholders and to drive measurable improvements in organizational performance.
A high level of systems thinking, operational judgment, and the ability to navigate complex governance environments.
Strong commitment to data-informed decision-making, operational excellence, and continuous improvement.
Track record of developing and retaining high-performing teams and fostering a collaborative, service-oriented culture.
Exceptional communication skills, with the ability to explain complex issues clearly, build consensus, and lead in highly relational environments.
A minimum of 10 years of progressively responsible leadership experience in relevant administrative roles.

Responsibilities

Serve as a member of EHD’s senior leadership team and work closely with academic and administrative leaders to implement strategic priorities.
Lead the development and execution of multi-year operational and financial strategies that translate EHD priorities into aligned plans across people, processes, technology, and financial resources.
Serve as a strategic partner to academic leaders to ensure operational capacity, compliance, accreditation, and planning infrastructure align with institutional priorities and program development goals.
Advise the Dean and senior leaders on operational risk, governance, and institutional resilience, using analytics, scenario planning, and environmental scanning to strengthen informed decision-making.
Represent EHD to University leadership on operational, financial, and administrative matters.
Provide integrated leadership of the school’s administrative and operational infrastructure, ensuring cohesive, mission-aligned service delivery.
Ensure an integrated communications and marketing strategy that advances EHD’s brand, strengthens engagement with key audiences, and supports enrollment and institutional priorities.
Oversee facilities, capital planning, renovations, maintenance, space planning, and major school events to create exceptional learning and working environments and high-quality institutional events that reflect EHD’s mission.
Advance IT and digital transformation efforts, adopting technologies that modernize operations, improve user experience, and support academic innovation.
Partner with the Sheila C. Johnson Center for Clinical Services and other academic/clinical units to ensure operational integrity, regulatory compliance, and financial sustainability.
Ensure effective stewardship of philanthropic resources in partnership with the EHD Foundation and University Advancement.
Establish and maintain operational policies, risk-mitigation systems, process improvements, and service‑excellence standards.
Provide executive oversight of financial planning, budgeting, forecasting, reporting, and compliance.
Ensure effective resource management, including endowment use and gift agreement oversight in collaboration with the EHD Foundation.
Anticipate financial challenges, identify trends, and recommend strategies to maintain fiscal health and long‑term sustainability.
Ensure strong financial systems, internal controls, and accurate, timely reporting.
Serve as EHD’s senior administrative leader for staff affairs, partnering closely with UVA HR on workforce strategy, employee relations, performance management, compensation and merit planning, and organizational development.
Shape and sustain a positive, inclusive, and service‑oriented culture that supports staff excellence and engagement.
Develop leadership capacity across operational units and foster professional growth.
Anticipate personnel and organizational challenges and lead proactive solutions that strengthen EHD’s workforce and culture.