Associate Dean for Administration

Location: Chicago, IL USA

Budgeted salary range: $175,000–$225,000

About the University

UIC is among the nation’s preeminent urban public research universities, a Carnegie RU/VH research institution, and the largest university in Chicago. UIC serves over 34,000 students, comprising one of the most diverse student bodies in the nation and is designated as a Minority Serving Institution (MSI), an Asian American and Native American Pacific Islander Serving Institution (AANAPSI) and a Hispanic Serving Institution (HSI). Through its 16 colleges, UIC produces nationally and internationally recognized multidisciplinary academic programs in concert with civic, corporate and community partners worldwide, including a full complement of health sciences colleges. By emphasizing cutting-edge and transformational research along with a commitment to the success of all students, UIC embodies the dynamic, vibrant and engaged urban university. Recent “Best Colleges” rankings published by U.S. News & World Report found UIC climbed up in its rankings among top public schools in the nation and among all national universities. UIC has over 300,000 alumni, and is one of the largest employers in the city of Chicago.

About the Role

The Associate Dean for Administration serves as the senior budgetary and financial officer for the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences. This role provides strategic financial leadership and expert advice to the Dean on all matters related to budgeting, finance, and resource allocation. The Associate Dean develops and implements policies, procedures, and financial models that support the College's strategic vision and goals. This position represents the College in campus-wide budget and finance forums, and oversees College-level financial operations to ensure efficiency, compliance, and fiscal sustainability.

Responsibilities

• Develop short- and long-term financial projections, model various scenarios, and provide financial reports and analyses to inform strategic decision-making, goal setting, and resource allocation.
• Create and advance a sustainable financial strategy for the College.
• Assess the financial viability of departments by analyzing revenues, expenses, reserves, and sustainability; recommend subsidies or adjustments as needed.
• Advise on efficient organizational structures, centralization vs. decentralization of functions, and funding mechanisms that incentivize alignment with College priorities.
• Prepare the College’s annual recurring state budget and implement annual pay increase programs for unionized and non-unionized faculty and staff.
• Manage cash flow, year-end financial closings, and resolution of account-level deficits.
• Provide ad-hoc reports to College, campus, and unit leadership.
• Advise the Dean and executive officers on resource allocation, policy implementation, and best practices.
• Represent the College at campus-wide budget and finance meetings, task forces, and committees.
• Provide leadership to departmental business managers on finance and budgetary matters, policies, procedures, and best practices.
• Supervise College-level business and financial staff.
• Oversee day-to-day financial and business operations in the Dean’s Office, including budget setting, variance analysis, and resource projections for college-level cost centers including IT, Advancement, Marketing & Communications, and College Student Learning Centers.
• Collaborate with other Associate Deans and College leadership on special projects and initiatives.
• Ensure compliance with College and campus policies and procedures; implement them efficiently within the College.
• Establish internal controls and efficient processes across departments to minimize risk.
• Review documents including gift agreements, contracts, MOUs, and budgets for faculty and new programs.

Requirements

• CPA or Master’s degree in finance, business administration, or a related field.
• Minimum of 10 years of progressive experience as a budget or finance professional in higher education.
• At least 5 years of experience managing and supervising a team of professional staff.
• Expert proficiency in Excel; experience with Tableau or other financial reporting and data visualization tools preferred.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to present complex financial information clearly to diverse audiences.
• Demonstrated ability to think strategically, solve problems creatively, build collaborative relationships, and exercise sound judgment in a complex, fast-paced environment.

Benefits

• Health, Dental, and Vision insurance
• Life Insurance
• Retirement Plan
• Paid time Off
• Tuition waivers for employees and dependents