From Northeastern University's posting. “We” and “our” refer to the employer.
About the Opportunity
About the College of Science
The College of Science (COS) offers instructional and research programs at the forefront of discovery, invention, and innovation across the physical sciences, life sciences, mathematics, and linguistics. The college comprises six academic departments and is home to 15 research centers and institutes, with faculty and students engaged in collaborative, cross-disciplinary, and often AI-linked research spanning fields such as biotechnology, neuroscience, network science, marine and environmental science, and nanoscience, with locations
expanding across the campus network.
Job Summary
The Associate Dean of Administration and Finance (ADAF) is the principal administrative and budget officer and strategist for the college, reporting to the Dean. A member of the college's senior leadership team, the Associate Dean helps formulate and implement the college's strategic plan in a dynamic and fast-moving university.
As the lead administrator for the college, the Associate Dean is responsible for oversight, implementation, and planning of processes, policies, and projects in budgeting, human resources, sponsored research administration, space management, and college-specific information technology.
The Associate Dean leads a team of professionals responsible for all financial and budget operations, business modeling and planning, space management, personnel actions, and grants and contracts administration originating in the college. The role oversees operating, restricted, development, start-up, renovation, and cost-share accounts and provides strategic analysis and guidance to enhance revenue, support budget projections, and inform decisions related to growth and innovation.
The Associate Dean advises the Dean on annual revenue and expense budgets, develops multi-year financial scenarios, and collaborates with associate deans, department chairs, and staff to support initiatives aligned with college and university priorities.
The Associate Dean leads staffing allocation decisions across the college, develops strategies to address evolving academic and operational needs, and applies change management practices to guide organizational and staffing transitions. The role provides analytical reporting on enrollment, staffing, financial, and space trends to support resource allocation decisions and works closely with Human Resources and Faculty Affairs on recruitment, retention, performance reviews, compensation actions, faculty offer packages, space planning,
and merit review processes.
Working closely with the Associate Dean of Research, the Associate Dean oversees sponsored research administration, including pre-award and post-award grant management, and ensures compliance with federal, state, and sponsor requirements. The Associate Dean also manages the college's space portfolio and coordinates planning, site evaluation, facilities upgrades, renovations, and capital projects across the college's Boston campus and additional locations in Burlington, Oakland, Nahant, New York City, Portland, and Toronto.
The Associate Dean provides financial and space reporting to the Provost's Office and other university-wide units and represents the Dean and the college on committees, working groups, and external engagements.
Qualifications
Master's degree required; MBA preferred
Minimum of 10 years of progressively responsible leadership experience managing all administrative functions of a large, multi-million-dollar operation, preferably in higher education
Minimum of 5 years of managerial and supervisory experience
Experience in grant and contract administration
Experience in project management, change management, and resource and staff allocation
Experience using financial databases and developing analytical reports
Strong analytical, communication, negotiation, and facilitation skills
Demonstrated ability to manage multiple concurrent projects and priorities
Commitment to professionalism and a strong service orientation
Demonstrated ability to work effectively with faculty, students, and staff
Key Responsibilities and Accountabilities
Financial Management & Budget Administration
Develop and manage the college's annual operating budget and multi-year financial models under the university's hybrid budget model
Oversee operating, restricted, development, start-up, renovation, and cost-share accounts
Prepare quarterly budget-to-actual reporting and advise the Dean on revenue planning, expense forecasting, and business operations
Oversee pre-award and post-award grants and contracts administration and ensure compliance with federal, state, and sponsor regulations
Collaborate with central budget, the Office of the Provost, and administrative leaders across colleges on finance and administration matters
Strategic Planning & Analytics
Serve as a member of the college's senior leadership team and support development and implementation of the college's strategic plan
Develop analytical reports on enrollment, staffing, financial, and space trends to guide resource allocation decisions
Support business proposals and strategic initiatives through data analysis and forecasting
Identify opportunities for operational improvement, service optimization, and organizational effectiveness
Proactively identify challenges and recommend solutions to support college and university priorities
People Operations & Management
Partner with Human Resources and Faculty Affairs on recruitment, retention, training, employee engagement, performance management, promotion, position changes, compensation actions, and faculty offer packages
Support faculty space planning and merit review processes
Lead college-wide staffing allocation decisions and organizational change initiatives using change management best practices
Directly supervise, coach, and develop finance, budget, and research administration staff
Operations, Space & Representation
Manage the college's space portfolio, including space planning, site evaluation, capital projects, and facilities renovations
Collaborate with university offices on facilities planning and college-specific IT initiatives
Lead college-wide projects and initiatives as assigned by the Dean
Represent the college on standing and ad hoc committees related to administration, finance, business processes, and institutional reporting
Applicants should include the following documents with their application: Resume/CV
Cover letter
Position Type
General Administration
Additional Information
Northeastern University considers factors such as candidate work experience, education and skills when extending an offer.
Northeastern has a comprehensive benefits package for benefit eligible employees. This includes medical, vision, dental, paid time off, tuition assistance, wellness & life, retirement- as well as commuting & transportation. Visit https://hr.northeastern.edu/benefits/ for more information.
All qualified applicants are encouraged to apply and will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, religion, color, national origin, age, sex, sexual orientation, disability status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law.
Compensation
Compensation Grade/Pay Type:
115S
Expected Hiring Range:
$157,130.00 - $227,840.00
With the pay range(s) shown above, the starting salary will depend on several factors, which may include your education, experience, location, knowledge and expertise, and skills as well as a pay comparison to similarly-situated employees already in the role. Salary ranges are reviewed regularly and are subject to change.
About this listing
LAYIQ is an independent job-discovery service. This listing does not imply a partnership with or endorsement by the employer. Review the original posting for current details and availability.
