DEPARTMENT ADMINISTRATOR, College of Arts & Sciences, Religion

DEPARTMENT ADMINISTRATOR, College of Arts & Sciences, Religion

Established in 1873, Arts and Sciences is Boston University's largest and most academically diverse unit, encompassing over 8,400 undergraduates, 2,000 graduate students, 800 faculty members, and 300 staff across 50 departments, programs, centers, and institutes.

Our faculty are award-winning researchers, innovative teachers, and dedicated mentors committed to exploring the complexities of our present and past, uncovering new perspectives, and crafting creative solutions to real-world problems. Our staff are dynamic, mission-driven professionals who foster community, inclusion, and belonging to advance every aspect of the college enterprise. Our community thrives on collaboration, bold ideas, and interdisciplinary exploration. Join us in supporting the pursuit of knowledge that changes the world and provides boundless opportunities to inspire the next generation of leaders. We offer generous benefits, including health, dental, and life insurance, tuition remission, retirement savings, paid time off, and holiday leave.

Boston University's College of Arts & Sciences is seeking a highly skilled and experienced Department Administrator to manage the day-to-day operations of the Department of Religion (RN) and the Graduate Program in Religion (GPR). This leadership position is responsible for all administrative, financial, and operational aspects of the Department, including personnel and payroll, student employment, facilities management, budget oversight, faculty actions, and faculty research account and grant administration. The Department Administrator serves as a supervisory leader for staff and is a key partner to the Department Chair, Director of Graduate Studies (DGS), and faculty.

Key Responsibilities:

• Staff Supervision, Training, and Administrative Leadership Hire, train, and supervise a full-time staff member and two work-study student employees.
  • Lead and support departmental staff, establishing clear divisions of labor, expectations, and professional standards.
  • Ensure compliance with union contracts regarding hours, breaks, sick time, and vacation.
  • Maintain a professional, supportive environment for all supervisees.
• Graduate Program Administration and Student Support Administer all aspects of the graduate program in Religion, including budgeting for discretionary student and program expenses.
  • Manage student work assignments on JobX and maintain accurate records of service and non-service schedules.
  • Ensure compliance with the BUGWU contract, including assignments, teaching materials, and performance evaluations.
  • Coordinate graduate student orientation, course registration, and academic progress monitoring in collaboration with the DGS. Interface regularly with other departments, centers, institutes, and administrative offices across CAS.
  • Organize faculty meetings, dissertation prospectus presentations, and comprehensive exams.
• Faculty Recruitment, Search Administration, and Onboarding Coordinate recruitment and hiring of faculty and graduate students, including processing appointment paperwork.
  • Manage all stages of new faculty searches: compiling candidate dossiers, travel arrangements, interview scheduling, and campus visits.
  • Research and submit Affirmative Action data as required. Facilitate faculty onboarding, office setup, and course scheduling in MyBU. Prepare and manage tenure and promotion dossiers using Interfolio.
• Facilities, Technology, and Space Management Coordinate with Building and Grounds to address physical plant issues at 145 Bay State Road (HVAC, plumbing, windows, grounds, etc.).
  • Maintain office technology including copiers, printers, telephones, and fax machines.
  • Oversee office moves and setup for new faculty and adjuncts, including phones, computers, and furnishings.
  • Assist faculty in understanding departmental and University resources and procedures.
• Departmental Budgeting, Financial Administration, and Reporting Work closely with the Chair to plan and monitor operating budgets, process expenditures, and set spending priorities.
  • Manage procurement, vendor invoices, disbursements, Concur reports, and departmental purchases.
  • Oversee faculty research accounts and grants, ensuring compliance and monitoring for over-expenditures.
  • Draft quarterly budget confirmations and assist with annual reports, self-study reports, and strategic planning.
  • Facilitate coordination and communication with CAS Business Office, Deans Office, and shared centers (e.g., Elie Wiesel Center for Judaic Studies).
• Overall Department Operations Manage all aspects of the day-to-day operations of RN and GPR, ensuring smooth workflow, compliance with university policies, and high-quality support for faculty, staff, and students.
  • Serve as a confidential, professional liaison between Department leadership and staff.

Required Skills

• Bachelor's degree required and 3-5 years of relevant experience in academic administration, including budgeting, personnel management, and departmental operations.
• Experience supervising staff and managing complex workflows in a university setting.
• Strong knowledge of HR, payroll, and University policies, including faculty and student employment procedures.
• Excellent organizational, communication, and interpersonal skills.
• Demonstrated ability to manage multiple priorities, collaborate with faculty and staff, and maintain confidentiality.
• Familiarity with research account management and grant administration a plus.

Application Instructions: Please submit a resume/CV and cover letter detailing your relevant experience and interest in the position. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis until the position is filled.