"Dean for Administration and Finance"

The Harvard John A. Paulson School of Engineering and Applied Sciences (SEAS) is seeking an experienced strategic leader and manager to serve as Dean for Administration and Finance. This is a critical leadership opportunity for a strategic, results-oriented professional who thrives in a mission-focused environment and brings a strong commitment to advancing innovation, education, and operational excellence at one of the world’s leading research institutions.

Reporting to the Dean of SEAS, the Dean for Administration and Finance leads a team of eight and is responsible for ensuring the strategic, mission-aligned use of resources, promoting financial literacy and transparency, and overseeing the School’s administrative and operational infrastructure. The Dean for Administration and Finance works closely with both SEAS and University leadership to lead financial planning and operational strategy to support academic excellence and innovation, while ensuring long-term organizational sustainability. As an essential partner to the SEAS Dean and a member of the University’s Administrative Council, the Dean for Administration and Finance will be a champion and advocate for the mission, vision, and core values of SEAS and Harvard University.

The ideal candidate will be a skilled operations leader with experience and good judgment in an academic setting. They will have served in the role of trusted advisor and financial steward to leadership on all business and financial matters and will have a record of establishing effective, collaborative relationships with administrative staff, faculty, and leaders. They will have excellent written and verbal communications skills and the ability to present complex information to varied audiences.

They will have excellent judgment, decisiveness, initiative, and discretion in achieving organizational objectives. They will be skilled in analyzing situations accurately and taking effective action; they will be eager to know and understand details without getting mired in them. They will provide a positive personal example through words and deeds and displaying personal integrity; supporting all levels of staff; taking responsibility for their actions and holding others accountable.

They will have extensive experience and demonstrated success in staff management and organizational operations. They will be a hands-on problem solver with the ability to influence change. They will be experienced in guiding and mentoring staff and effectively building and sustaining a culture and practice of teamwork.

They will have demonstrated experience serving as an advisor to senior leaders, adding value beyond the strict definition of the position; able to advise on financial and strategic issues, balancing rigor, structure, stewardship, and effectiveness. They will have proven success inspiring and leading a data-driven, mission-oriented, and service-minded team.

Job-Specific Responsibilities:

Financial Strategy & Stewardship

• Lead the development and implementation of the School’s long-range financial planning, including operational and capital budgets.
• Ensure the effective stewardship of resources in alignment with SEAS’s mission and strategic priorities.
• Promote financial literacy and transparency throughout the SEAS community.
• Oversee accurate and timely financial reporting, including year-end and multi-year forecasts.
• Guide significant capital projects and facilities improvements, regular maintenance, and use of SEAS facilities.

Operations & Administration

• Provide executive leadership for the administrative and operational functions of SEAS, ensuring efficient, compliant, and high-functioning services.
• Develop and implement School-wide administrative policies and practices that align with University standards.
• Ensure compliance with University financial, operational, and administrative policies and procedures.
• Represent SEAS in University-level forums and ensure effective collaboration with University leadership and partners.

Leadership & Collaboration

• Serve as the most senior non-academic leader within SEAS, representing staff interests and operational priorities at the highest levels.
• Work closely with the Faculty of Arts and Sciences (FAS), including the Division of Science, to manage shared interests and financial arrangements.
• Partner with academic and administrative leaders to support the School’s research, teaching, and service missions.
• Represent SEAS as a member of the University’s Administrative Council, comprised of Administration and Finance Deans from each of the University’s schools.

Qualifications

Basic Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree required.
• A minimum of 15 years of progressive experience in financial management and operations.
• Demonstrated ability to lead complex organizations and teams with a collaborative, pragmatic, and mission-driven approach.
• Interested candidates should include both a resume and cover letter with their application to be considered for this position.

Additional Qualifications and Skills:

• Master’s degree in finance, business administration, or a related field preferred.
• Experience in higher education, particularly in research administration or academic operations.
• Proven ability to work effectively in a decentralized, matrixed environment.
• Highly organized and self-directed, able to develop comprehensive short- and long-term strategic and operational plans from broadly stated mission objectives.
• Exceptional communication and presentation skills with genuine comfort in a front-facing leadership role and the ability to integrate qualitative and quantitative information into decision making.