Carnegie Mellon University’s College of Fine Arts is searching for an Associate Dean for Finance and Chief Business Officer to join their team. This is an exciting opportunity for someone who thrives in an interesting and challenging work environment. You will contribute to the department by providing strategic leadership in financial planning, resource management, and operational efficiency across the college, and also ensure accuracy and compliance in financial operations.

Core responsibilities include:Strategic Financial Leadership: Oversee and develop the college’s financial strategy, including resource planning, administrative processes, and financial forecasting. Ensure fiscal discipline and data-driven decision making by providing clear financial models and guidance to departments. Provide proactive financial insights and help shape sound business practices, supporting the College’s long-term financial growth and stability.Team Leadership: Lead and mentor a team of business and budget managers, fostering professional growth and ensuring effective resource management and financial operations throughout the College.Cross-Functional Collaboration and Strategic Partnership: Build and maintain relationships with key university stakeholders, including Financial Reporting, Budget, and Institutional Effectiveness offices; the Dean, Associate Deans, School Heads, and the Provost’s Office. Serve as a trusted business partner, providing financial insights to support sophisticated financial matters, crafting strategic decisions, prioritizing initiatives, and ensuring alignment with both college and university-wide goals. Collaborate optimally with the Associate Dean for Research. Represent and lead forward-looking business objectives for the college on committees and leadership forums such as the Academic Leadership Group (ALG).Operational Oversight: Oversee financial reporting activities such as accounting, reporting, accounts payable and receivable, payroll, cash flow, etc. Lead all aspects of procurement and contract management, ensuring compliance with university policies. Work closely with central university offices (e.g. Finance Division, Provost’s Office, Institutional Effectiveness) to deliver accurate results.Financial Modeling & Analysis: Create and maintain financial models using advanced tools (e.g., Oracle EPM, Tableau, Excel) for planning, analysis, and reporting. Offer actionable insights into the college’s financial performance and strategic priorities. Provide expertise in financial forecasting and modeling, aligning financial performance with the college’s short-, medium-, and long-term strategic goals.Data-Driven Decision Making: Develop comprehensive and accessible analysis and reporting to support decision-making for budgets, forecasts, and resource planning. Ensure accuracy and continual improvement of financial data. Conduct analyses of key metrics such as enrollment data, grant submissions, and resource allocation models.Process Optimization and Continuous improvement: Evaluate and improve current financial practices to enhance efficiency, policy compliance, and cost-effectiveness. Leverage data analytics to streamline processes, reduce redundancy, and optimize resources. Participate in leading the development and implementation of new university systems.Budget Management: Manage the college’s $35 million annual budget and $191 million in endowed funds, ensuring accurate reporting, forecasting, and performance metrics. Regularly communicate financial performance and develop strategies that support academic and research objectives. Lead procurement and contract activities for efficiency and compliance.Reporting: Human Resources Collaboration: Collaborate with university and college HR departments to support hiring, resource allocation, and staff development, contributing to university-wide initiatives.Special Projects: Direct and contribute to special projects as needed, ensuring alignment with the College’s and University’s strategic objectives.Perform other duties as assigned.

Flexibility, excellence, and passion are vital qualities within CFA. Inclusion, collaboration, and cultural sensitivity are valued proficiencies at CMU. Therefore, we are in search of a team member who is able to optimally interact with a varied population of internal and external partners at a high level of integrity. We are looking for individuals that share our values and who will support the mission of the university through their work.

Qualifications:Education: Bachelor’s degree in business administration or related field.Experience: 10+ years of experience in finance, business administration or accounting. 5+ years in financial forecasting and analysis supporting leadership teams. 5+ years of experience in a complex organizational setting, such as higher education, healthcare, or similar environments is preferred.Experience with financial technologies, financial planning systems, and reporting tools is required.A combination of education and relevant experience from which comparable knowledge is demonstrated may be considered.

Preferred Qualifications:Education: Advanced degree in business administration or related field.CPA or MBA.

Requirements:Successful background check

Additional Information:Work Posture: This position is operating on a hybrid schedule, with an on-campus/in-office presence 3 days a week.

NOMINATION AND APPLICATION PROCEDURES:

Carnegie Mellon University has retained Ferra Executive Search for assistance in this exciting search.

All applications, nominations, and inquiries are invited.

Applications should include a cover letter/letter of interest, CV, or resume.

Application materials should be submitted using CMU’s career page.

If you have any inquiries or nominations, please send an email to:

Kevin Ferra, Founding Partner

Ferra Executive Search

kevin@ferrasearch.com

Please use ‘Associate Dean for Finance and Chief Business Officer – College of Fine Arts’ as the subject line when you contact Kevin.  

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

Those employees who are benefits eligible have the opportunity to experience the full spectrum of advantages from comprehensive medical, prescription, dental, and vision insurance to an enticing retirement savings program offering a generous employer contribution. You can also unlock your potential with tuition benefits and take well-deserved breaks with ample paid time off and observed holidays. Finally, rest easy knowing you are covered by life and accidental death and disability insurance. 

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

For a comprehensive overview of the benefits that may be awaiting you, explore our Benefits page.

At Carnegie Mellon, we value the whole package when extending offers of employment. Beyond just credentials, we consider the role and responsibilities, your invaluable work experience, and the knowledge gained through education and training. We acknowledge and appreciate your unique skills and the diverse 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: 

Please visit “Why Carnegie Mellon” to learn more about becoming part of an institution inspiring innovations that change the world. 

Click here to view a listing of employee benefits

Carnegie Mellon University is an Equal Opportunity Employer/Disability/Veteran. 

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