Assistant Dean, Strategic Initiatives

Job Description

POSITION OBJECTIVE

The Assistant Dean for Strategic Initiatives will provide strategic leadership and oversight for the operational functions of the Weatherhead School of Management. This role is instrumental in advancing the school's mission by providing a managerial ¿bridge¿ between Weatherhead School of Management's strategic objectives and operational tactics, ensuring efficient and effective management of resources, and execution of strategic initiatives, while fostering a culture of excellence and innovation.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

• Operational excellence: assess, design, implement and manage processes that support excellent, measurable outcomes across the school's operations. Identify systems, processes and personnel needed to achieve those outcomes. Ensure alignment between overall strategic goals and functional leaders¿, senior staff and faculty directors (of academic programs). Specifically, the chief operating officer will provide the appropriate management bridges between functional silos by linking key processes. Where appropriate, drive the integration of technology solutions to enhance administrative processes, academic delivery, and student services. Monitor key performance indicators (KPIs), assess operational performance, and implement strategies for continuous improvement and innovation. (30%)
• Strategic initiative execution: act as the dean's delegate with key stakeholders to develop and implement strategic plans that align with the school's mission and vision. Identify and prioritize strategic initiatives that enhance operational efficiency and effectiveness. Ensure that strategic initiatives link with tactical plans (in functions and programs) to seamlessly deliver the desired results. Act as ¿project CEO¿ on specific strategic initiatives. Monitor and evaluate progress towards strategic goals, in collaboration with the Assistant Dean of Finance and Business Analytics, and recommend and implement adjustments as needed. (30%)
• Management of departments: Provide leadership and direction to the HR, Marketing, and Building Services departments, as well as department administration, fostering a culture of collaboration, accountability, and continuous learning. Develop and implement policies and procedures to streamline operations and improve productivity by linking end-to-end process across various functions and programs, delivering the desired top-line results. Oversee the implementation of cost-justified technology solutions to enhance operational efficiency. Direct the school's human resources functions, including recruitment, onboarding, performance management, and professional development while ensuring compliance with employment laws and university policies. Provide leadership to the Senior Director of Marketing, regarding the development of marketing strategies and initiatives that align with the school budget. Foster a culture of inclusivity, collaboration, and professional growth among staff. (25%)
• Risk Management: Develop and implement risk management strategies to mitigate potential threats to the school's reputation, financial health, and operations. (15%)

NONESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

Perform other duties as assigned by the dean. (<1%)

CONTACTS

Department: Regular contact with department heads and administrative staff.

University: Regular contact with university administrators and staff.

External: Infrequent contact with external partners, vendors, and stakeholders.

Students: Limited contact with students.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES

Direct supervisory responsibility for the following positions: Assistant Director of Human Resources, Senior Director of Marketing, and Managing Director, Business Services.

QUALIFICATIONS

Experience: Minimum 10 years of experience with a combination of non-profit operations and some private sector experience. Consulting or project delivery experience preferred.

Education/Licensing: Master's degree required in business administration, finance, or related field. Salesforce / CRM / project management tool certifications preferred.

REQUIRED SKILLS

• Strong project execution and management skills.

• Excellent communication and interpersonal abilities.

• Strategic thinking and problem-solving skills.

• Ability to work collaboratively with diverse stakeholders.

• Ability to meet consistent attendance.

• Ability to interact with colleagues, supervisors and customers face to face.

WORKING CONDITIONS

Fast-paced office environment with occasional evening and weekend work. Travel may be required for meetings and conferences.

Hybrid Eligibility

This position is eligible for hybrid work arrangement up to two remote days per week at the discretion of the department. New employees may begin a hybrid schedule upon approval from the supervisor, successful completion of an orientation period and signing the remote work checklist certification form.

Diversity Statement

In employment, as in education, Case Western Reserve University is committed to Equal Opportunity and Diversity. Women, veterans, members of underrepresented minority groups, and individuals with disabilities are encouraged to apply.

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Reasonable Accommodations

Case Western Reserve University provides reasonable accommodations to applicants with disabilities. Applicants requiring a reasonable accommodation for any part of the application and hiring process should contact the Office of Equity at 216-368-3066 to request a reasonable accommodation. Determinations as to granting reasonable accommodations for any applicant will be made on a case-by-case basis.

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