Associate Dean for Finance

Carnegie Mellon University is a private, global research university that stands among the world’s most renowned education institutions. With ground-breaking brain science, path-breaking performances, creative start-ups, big data, big ambitions, hands-on learning, and a whole lot of robots, CMU doesn’t imagine the future, we invent it. If you’re passionate about joining a community that challenges the curious to deliver work that matters, your journey starts here!

The Mellon College of Science (MCS) is home to four departments and many programs and research centers that cross disciplines. We approach scientific problems from fresh angles using creative interdisciplinary approaches while drawing on our departmental strengths in the core sciences. MCS faculty members are nationally and internationally recognized for their research in a variety of fields, including polymer science, cosmology, mathematical finance, and neuroscience.

MCS is seeking an Associate Dean for Finance, reporting directly to the Dean of the Mellon College of Science, to be responsible for overseeing the financial affairs of the College. This position supports the overall mission and strategic goals of the College by providing counsel on business strategy, policy, and administration. The Associate Dean for Finance develops and manages relationships with key managers, department heads, and faculty and ensures compliance with internal and external financial policies, procedures, and regulations. The position is accountable for significant financial functions, including budget management, sponsored research administration, and financial reporting, and acts as the College’s top financial officer.

Core Responsibilities:

50% Budget and Financial Management

• Lead the College’s budgeting, forecasting, and other financial planning processes.
• Oversee data-driven allocation of budgets across departments and units, focusing on rational and equitable distribution of resources.
• Analyze financial performance and recommend strategies to improve the College’s financial position.
• Ensure integration and roll-out of Finance Division initiatives within the College.
• Develop and maintain comprehensive documentation of budget and financial processes.
• Ensure the College’s compliance with requirements and regulations of external agencies and adherence to University policies, procedures, and practice guidelines.
• Provide training and guidance to departmental business managers on financial processes and best practices.

35% Strategic Financial Leadership

• Partner with the Dean and College leadership to plan short- and long-term financial strategies.
• Build and maintain relationships with key university stakeholders, including the Finance Division, Provost’s Office, and Office of the Vice President for Research.
• Provide counsel on financial implications of strategic initiatives, growth, program development, and faculty hiring and retention.
• Provide guidance on financial aspects of major capital expenditures, building/lab renovations, and other College investments.
• Lead special financial projects, system implementations, or process improvement initiatives.
• Develop accessible reporting tools to support data-driven decision making throughout the College.

15% Research Administration Oversight

• Oversee financial administration of sponsored research projects.
• Reviews and approves proposal submissions.
• Ensure compliance with sponsor regulations and university policies, collaborating with the Office of Sponsored Research, Office of the Vice President for Research, Contract Office.
• Resolve resource allocation issues including requests for cost sharing, effort, and space.
• Collaborate with faculty and the Associate Dean for Research on budget allocation and resource planning for College-funded research initiatives.

Adaptability, excellence, and passion are vital qualities within Carnegie Mellon University.  We are in search of a team member who can effectively interact with a varied population of internal and external partners at a high level of integrity. We are looking for someone who shares our values and who will support the mission of the university through their work.

Qualifications:

• Master’s degree in business administration, finance, or related field; CPA or CRA preferred.
• Minimum of ten years of relevant experience with at least five years in operational financial leadership; higher education experience preferred.
• Strong analytical and strategic planning skills; advanced proficiency in Microsoft Office; experience with financial systems and reporting tools.
• Knowledge of university financial systems, sponsored research administration, and compliance regulations.
• Excellent communication, leadership, and interpersonal skills; ability to manage multiple priorities and deadlines.
• A combination of education and relevant experience from which comparable knowledge is demonstrated may be considered.

Requirements:

• Successful background check

Joining the CMU team opens the door to an array of exceptional benefits.

Benefits eligible employees enjoy a wide array of benefits including comprehensive medical, prescription, dental, and vision insuranceas well as a generous retirement savings program with employer contributions. Unlock your potential with tuition benefits, take well-deserved breaks with ample paid time off and observed holidays, and rest easy with life and accidental death and disability insurance. 

Additional perks include a free Pittsburgh Regional Transit bus pass, access to our Family Concierge Team to help navigate childcare needs, fitness center access, and much more!

For a comprehensive overview of the benefits available, explore our Benefits page.

At Carnegie Mellon, we value the whole package when extending offers of employment. Beyond credentials, we evaluate the role and responsibilities, your valuable work experience, and the knowledge gained through education and training. We appreciate your unique skills and the perspective you bring. Your journey with us is about more than just a job; it’s about finding the perfect fit for your professional growth and personal aspirations.

Are you interested in an exciting opportunity with an exceptional organization?! Apply today!

Location

Pittsburgh, PA

Job Function

Business Administration and Services

Position Type

Staff – Regular

Full Time/Part time

Full time

Pay Basis

Salary

More Information: