SSHA Assistant Dean of Finance and Departmental Operations (Hybrid)

The University of California, Merced is required to provide a reasonable estimate of the compensation range for this role. This range takes into account the wide range of factors that are considered in making compensation decisions including but not limited to experience, skills, knowledge, abilities, education, licensure and certifications, and other business and organizational needs. It is not typical for an individual to be offered a salary at or near the top of the range for a position. Salary offers are determined based on final candidate qualifications and experience. The salary range the University reasonably expects to pay for this position is $88,000 - $110,000.

Initial applicant review will begin on or around January 27th, 2025. Posting will remain open until filled.

This position is hybrid eligible.

The University of California, Merced, is the newest of the University of California system's 10 campuses and the first American research university built in the 21st century. With more than 9,000 undergraduate and graduate students, UC Merced offers an environment that combines a commitment to diversity, inclusion, collaboration and professional development. With bachelor's, master's and doctoral degree programs, strong research and academic partnerships, and community involvement, the UC Merced campus is continually evolving and requires talented, knowledgeable and dynamic educators, researchers, management and staff.

Ranked among the best public universities in the nation by U.S. News and World Report, UC Merced is uniquely equipped to provide educational opportunities for highly qualified students from the San Joaquin Valley and throughout California. The campus enjoys a special connection with nearby Yosemite National Park, is on the cutting edge of sustainability in construction and design and supports the economic development of Merced and the region.

The Merced 2020 Project, a $1.3 billion public-private partnership unprecedented in higher education and completed in 2020, nearly doubled the physical capacity of the campus, enhancing academic distinction, student success and research excellence. UC Merced also operates the Downtown Campus Center, a $33 million, three-story administrative building located in the heart of Merced.

The university's mission of educational excellence and rigorous inquiry is powered by three schools and numerous research institutes and centers that seek scientific and social solutions for the Valley, California and the world. In partnership with UC San Francisco, UC Merced is preparing the way for a rigorous medical education program.

The course of UC Merced's evolution is piloted by a long-range strategic plan. Enacted in 2021, the 10-year blueprint is guiding how the values of equity and justice influence our pathway to earning Carnegie R1 research status, growing enrollment, upholding our identity as a minority-serving institution, and operationalizing how commitments to equity, diversity and inclusion are enacted in each campus unit.

The Assistant Dean of Finance and Departmental Operations (FDO) provides leadership and oversight for the financial and administrative operations, as well as departmental services, within the School of Social Sciences, Humanities, and Arts (SSHA). This critical position works closely with SSHA's Dean, Associate Deans, and Assistant Deans to deliver executive management and strategic analysis for the operations of UC Merced's largest school. The Assistant Dean leads and coordinates SSHA's annual academic and operational budget planning process, forecasts resource needs, develops funding strategies, and provides data-driven analysis and counsel to support strategic decision-making on a wide variety of school-wide issues, particularly in relation to resource management in evolving contexts. Strong knowledge of financial policies and collaborative skills within SSHA, across schools, and with campus leadership are essential.

In this leadership capacity, the Assistant Dean oversees and supports the independent and interconnected activities of two primary units: Financial Services and Departmental Services.

Financial Services: The Assistant Dean takes a lead role in long-term financial planning, ensuring the financial health of SSHA, and guiding decisions that support the school's teaching and research missions. Responsibilities include oversight of budgeting, financial reporting, resource allocation, and ensuring compliance with university financial policies. The Assistant Dean works to ensure that financial strategies are aligned with the school's goals, providing proactive fiscal management.

Departmental Services: This unit coordinates and supports critical administrative functions for faculty, such as purchasing, reimbursements, travel, and other departmental logistics. The Assistant Dean is responsible for streamlining operations, implementing workflow efficiencies, and ensuring the timely delivery of administrative services to support SSHA's academic and research activities.

The Assistant Dean also holds primary responsibility for managing the Temporary Academic Staffing (TAS) funding (i.e., TAs, lecturers), ensuring SSHA instructional needs are met in alignment with school and university priorities. The position represents the SSHA Dean's Office in matters concerning financial operations, departmental services, and resource planning, and interfaces regularly with campus and system-wide partners on budget planning, financial analysis, and policy implementation.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

Dean's Office Financial Planning and Analysis

• Lead and coordinate the annual academic and operational budget planning process for SSHA, including resource allocation and forecasting future budgetary needs.
• Conduct strategic financial analysis to support decision-making on resource management, ensuring alignment with the School's academic and research priorities.
• Collaborate with the Dean, Associate Deans, and other stakeholders to develop both short-term and long-term financial models and plans.
• Provide data-driven analysis and recommendations to the Dean's Office regarding financial risk management, resource optimization, internal controls, budget allocations, and policy implementation.
• Represent SSHA in campus-wide budget discussions, financial initiatives, and policy implementation, ensuring that the School's interests are considered.
• Analyze and assess financial performance, identifying areas of concern, and offering solutions to address budget shortfalls or inefficiencies.
• Provide regular updates to SSHA cabinet on financial performance, budget forecasts, and operational efficiencies, ensuring ongoing alignment between SSHA's resources and institutional goals.

Oversight of SSHA Finance Unit

• Oversee the SSHA Finance unit, managing the development, oversight, and execution of the School's budget, including academic and operational budgets.
• Monitor financial performance, ensure timely processing of financial transactions, and lead the review and approval of complex financial transactions.
• Implement and ensure compliance with university policies related to financial management, budget execution, and procurement.
• Develop and implement policies, procedures, and internal controls to safeguard financial assets and maintain transparency in financial processes.
• Provide leadership to finance staff, supporting their professional development and ensuring effective team collaboration in handling finance-related duties.
• Review and approve financial reports, budget adjustments, and financial transactions to ensure alignment with SSHA's strategic goals.
• Liaise with campus partners, the Budget Office, and the Dean's Office to resolve financial issues, address inquiries, and implement financial strategies.

Oversight of SSHA Departmental Services Unit

• Lead the Departmental Services unit in providing essential administrative support to faculty, including purchasing, reimbursements, event coordination, and travel support.
• Ensure efficient and timely delivery of departmental services, implementing operational efficiencies to streamline processes and improve service quality.
• Develop and implement policies and procedures for administrative operations to ensure compliance with university guidelines and enhance service delivery.
• Collaborate with other university offices and departments to address operational inquiries and continuously improve administrative processes.
• Monitor the performance of the Departmental Services unit, ensuring that staff meet deadlines, adhere to policies, and maintain high levels of service.
• Provide leadership and support to the departmental staff, fostering a collaborative environment and promoting professional growth and development.

Other duties as assigned.

EDUCATION and EXPERIENCE

• Bachelor's degree from an accredited university in Business Administration, Public Administration, Economics, Finance, or related area, or equivalent experience / training. (Required)
• Advanced degree from an accredited university: MBA or related Master's degree. (Preferred)
• Five years of directly related, progressively responsible experience in administrative operations, strategy, public administration, organizational development, or a combination of education, training, and experience. An MBA or related degree is preferred and may substitute for one year of experience. (Required)

CRITICAL KNOWLEDGE AND SKILLS

• Advanced skills in strategy development, systems planning and change management.
• Excellent leadership abilities to oversee multiple functions or departments through subordinate managers.
• Advanced knowledge of financial management theory and ability to translate into practice.
• Excellent skills to work collaboratively and act persuasively in sensitive situations; skills in conflict management techniques.
• Excellent ability to establish metrics for department and employee goals which measure effectiveness of contributions to efficient operations of department.
• Advanced project management skills, including the capability to manage capital projects.
• Skills in establishing and implementing customer service standards.
• Advanced knowledge of financial analysis and reporting techniques; risk management planning; accounting and payroll.

Background check will be required.

How to Apply:
An online application is required for each position to apply.The University of California, Merced is aware that some web-based application processes may be cumbersome for differently abled applicants. Where appropriate, alternative accommodations will be provided. For applicants with disabilities who need additional assistance using TAM, or reasonable accommodations during the interview or search process, please contact ucmjobs@ucmerced.edu.

As a condition of employment, the final candidate who accepts a conditional offer of employment will be required to disclose if they have been subject to any final administrative or judicial decisions within the last seven years determining that they committed any misconduct; received notice of any allegations or are currently the subject of any administrative or disciplinary proceedings involving misconduct; have left a position after receiving notice of allegations or while under investigation in an administrative or disciplinary proceeding involving misconduct; or have filed an appeal of a finding of misconduct with a previous employer.

Equal Employment Opportunity:
The University of California, Merced is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer advancing inclusive excellence. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, citizenship, sex, age, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, disability, pregnancy, or status as a disabled veteran or Vietnam-era veteran, or other protected categories covered by the UC Nondiscrimination and Affirmative Action Policy. UC Merced intentionally promotes and maintains a discrimination- and harassment-free workplace by demonstrating it neither condones nor tolerates employment practices that discriminate against or harass any person or specific group of persons on the basis listed above. We seek candidates who will support our vision to cultivate a vibrant, equity-minded, inclusive excellence university community. When applying to UC Merced, we strongly encourage you to reflect on our Principles of Community and our 2021 strategic plan.

Vaccination Program Policy:

As a condition of employment, you will be required to comply with the University of California SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19) Vaccination Program Policy. All Covered Individuals under the policy must provide proof of Full Vaccination or, if applicable, submit a request for Exception (based on Medical Exemption, Disability, and/or Religious Objection) or Deferral (based on pregnancy) no later than the applicable deadline. For new University of California employees, the applicable deadline is 14 days after their first date of employment.

Smoke and Tobacco Free Policy:
The University of California, Merced is a smoke and tobacco free workplace. Information and the Smoke and Tobacco Free policy is available at http://smokefree.ucmerced.edu.

E-Verify:
All employers who receive Federal contracts and grants are required to comply with E-Verify, an Internet-based system operated by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) in partnership with the Social Security Administration (SSA). E-Verify electronically verifies employment eligibility by comparing information provided on the I-9 form to records in the DHS and SSA databases. Certain positions funded by federal contracts/subcontracts requires UC Merced to notify job applicants that an E-Verify check will be conducted and the successful candidate must pass the E-Verify check.

Pay, Benefits & Work Schedule:
For information on the comprehensive benefits package offered by the University of California visit: http://ucnet.universityofcalifornia.edu/compensation-and-benefits/

This position is eligible for the UC Merced Employee Referral Program (ERP). If you were referred by a UC Merced employee, please identify that employee by name in your application as follows:

Step 5 of 7 (on the application) Referrals

How did you hear about the job? (select) "other"

Additional information? (select) "other"

Specific Referral Source? (write in) first and last name of referring employee

Referring employee MUST be named on application for eligibility.