Assistant Vice President for Operations & Planning

Join The New School

At The New School, we redefine the boundaries of education, creativity, and innovation. Founded in 1919 and located in the heart of New York City, we are home to over 9,000 students from over 100 countries, offering more than 135 degree and diploma programs across our renowned colleges, including Parsons School of Design, The New School for Social Research, Eugene Lang college of Liberal Arts, Parsons Paris, and the College of Performing Arts. Our progressive, interdisciplinary approach has earned us recognition as one of the most forward-thinking institutions in the world.

Join The Office of Business & Operations

We are building a new planning and performance discipline inside our Business & Operations division - one that embeds rigor, accountability, and insight into everything we do. As the inaugural Assistant Vice President for Operations & Planning, you will establish a new planning and performance discipline within Business & Operations - embedding rigor, accountability, and insight into decision-making across the university.

The Assistant Vice President (AVP) for Operations & Planning is a senior leadership role within the Business & Operations (B&O) division, reporting directly to the Vice President for Operations & Planning. The AVP provides strategic and operational leadership across B&O functions - Information Technology, Finance & Treasurer, Human Resources, Facilities & Real Estate, and Labor Relations.

This role is responsible for institutionalizing planning, reporting, governance, and policy infrastructure across the division, ensuring strategic priorities are translated into actionable roadmaps, measurable outcomes, and transparent performance tracking. The AVP serves as a critical integrator of cross-divisional initiatives, providing high-level analysis, frameworks, and recommendations that enable data-informed decision-making across the institution.

The AVP also carries accountability for the division's profit and loss (P&L) portfolio related to auxiliary and ancillary services, ensuring financial sustainability and alignment with institutional priorities. In addition to leading a team of professional staff, the AVP influences cross-functional project teams across the division, embedding a culture of accountability, collaboration, and continuous improvement in all administrative operations.

RESPONSIBILITIES

Strategic Operations & Planning

• Develop and oversee frameworks that align divisional initiatives with institutional priorities - translating strategic goals into operational plans with measurable outcomes, timelines, and reporting mechanisms.
• Lead scenario planning, risk assessments, and policy development to ensure operational and financial resilience, consistency, and compliance across the B&O division.

Cross Divisional Coordination & Execution

• Coordinate planning and execution across all B&O functions - including IT, Finance, HR, Facilities & Real Estate, and Labor Relations - to ensure alignment with institutional goals.
• Lead and monitor high-priority, cross-functional initiatives in partnership with the VP/COO, driving progress on strategic and transformation efforts.
• Foster collaboration and accountability across divisions, serving as the primary liaison to strengthen communication, execution, and shared outcomes.

Financial Resource & Stewardship

• Oversee P&L performance of auxiliary and ancillary businesses, ensuring financial sustainability and alignment with institutional goals.
• Partner with Finance on budget planning, forecasting, and performance monitoring to drive data-informed decisions.
• Deliver financial and operational analyses for leadership and Board reporting, identifying efficiencies that optimize resources and reduce costs.

Operational Excellence & Continuous Improvement

• Institutionalize core processes, reporting systems, and governance frameworks for B&O operations.
• Lead business process reviews, benchmarking against higher education best practices.
• Drive improvements in procurement, resource allocation, and technology systems to strengthen decision-making and operational efficiency.

Leadership & Stakeholder Engagement

• Lead and mentor professional and project teams across B&O, fostering accountability, collaboration, and high performance.
• Build divisional capacity in project management, planning, and continuous improvement.
• Partner with HR on professional development, workforce planning, and succession strategies.
• Represent B&O in university-wide committees and Board-level forums, serving as a trusted advisor and communicating complex initiatives with clarity and transparency.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

• Master's degree in Management, Finance, Higher Education Administration, or related field (MBA preferred).
• 12+ years of progressively responsible leadership experience in consulting, operations, administration or higher education.
• Demonstrated expertise in operational planning, performance management, and financial analysis.
• Proven ability to lead cross-functional initiatives in complex organizational settings.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills; ability to present complex analysis to executive and Board-level stakeholders.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Experience with enterprise systems and data-driven decision-making (Workday, Tableau, etc.).
• Background in higher education, nonprofit, or large-scale public sector operations.
• Familiarity with governance and policy frameworks in complex organizations.
• Change management or process improvement certifications (Lean, Six Sigma, PMP, etc.).

WORK MODE

This position is primarily in-person and is based on campus to support effective in-person collaboration and engagement. Hybrid work arrangements may be considered on a case-by-case basis, depending on the nature of the role and operational needs. Any such arrangement must be discussed and approved in advance by the appropriate division lead or their designee. #LI-ONSITE

SALARY RANGE

$165,000 - $180,000 per annum

WHY JOIN US?

This is an extraordinary opportunity to work directly with senior leadership and play a key role in shaping a forward-thinking institution that's redefining the future of higher education. You'll sit at the nexus of strategy, operations, and innovation.

BENEFITS AT THE NEW SCHOOL

The New School is committed to supporting the well-being and success of our faculty and staff. We offer a comprehensive benefits package designed to meet the diverse needs of our employees and their eligible dependents. Highlights include:

Health & Wellness

• Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)

Financial Wellness

• Retirement plan administered by TIAA
• Qualified Transportation Expense Plan

Work-Life Balance

• Paid vacation and sick leave, with accruals starting on your first day
• Paid holidays and floating holidays
• Workmode & Telework Policy (if applicable)

Professional Growth

• Career advancement and professional development opportunities
• Access to university programs, lectures, and events featuring world-renowned speakers and organizations
• Tuition waiver benefit for eligible employees and dependents

Additional Perks

• Employee discounts with local vendors and service providers

We are an equal opportunity employer and do not discriminate in hiring or employment on the basis of race, color, creed, religion or belief, national or ethnic origin, citizenship status, marital or domestic partnership status, sexual orientation, sex, gender identity or expression, age, disability, military or veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local law. The New School recognizes and values the benefits of a diverse workforce.

SPECIAL INSTRUCTIONS TO APPLICANTS *

Interested candidates should submit both a resume and a one-page cover letter that highlights:

• How their experience aligns with The New School's mission and the goals of the Business & Operations division.
• Specific examples of leading cross-functional planning, performance, or transformation initiatives.
• Their approach to building frameworks, systems, or teams that bring rigor, transparency, and insight to organizational decision-making.

The cover letter should clearly articulate how the candidate bridges strategy and execution in complex institutions.

We look forward to receiving your application!

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