ASSISTANT DEAN, EXECUTIVE AFFAIRS, Wheelock College of Education and Human Development

Boston University's Wheelock College of Education and Human Development is dedicated to transforming the systems that impact learning and human development for a thriving, sustainable, and just future in Boston and beyond. At BU Wheelock, our core values include diversity & belonging, advocacy & agency, integrity, humility, innovation & transformation, curiosity & inquiry, and sustainability.
Visit here to learn more about Wheelock College. Wheelock College is a part of Boston University, a comprehensive research university, and a community unlike any other. To learn more about what makes Boston University unique, visit here .
The Assistant Dean of Executive Affairs (ADEA) at Boston University's Wheelock College of Education and Human Development reports to the Dean and provides strategic and executive leadership throughout the college, overseeing and managing matters of institutional importance on behalf of the Dean. The ADEA will serve as an executive director for the Dean, Dean's Office, and cross-functional leaders at the college; as an integrator connecting work streams that would otherwise remain siloed; as a communicator linking the executive team, the BU Wheelock community, and the broader university; a collaborative project leader advancing special initiatives and priorities; and as a strategic advisor to the Dean, providing a wide-ranging view without turf considerations or an organizational agenda.
This is a full-time position with access to the University's comprehensive staff benefits program. The position maintains a hybrid work modality and has a dedicated office at 2 Silber Way, Boston, MA.
To be successful in this role, we are seeking someone who:

1. Is compelled by the college's mission and leads joyously and optimistically in pursuit of the guidestar.
2. Is proactive and has situational foresight, knowing what needs to be done without being told and anticipating problems before they arise.
3. Is an expert writer and communicates fluently with emotional intelligence, producing talking points or an all-college email quickly, with the right tone.
4. Gets things done and doesn't let details fall through the cracks, staying on top of tasks and priorities.
5. Can envision systems, processes, and procedures to improve efficiency and effectiveness and then implement them.

Key Responsibilities of the Role include:

1. Executive Stewardship and Collaboration (30%): Responsible for the care and development of executive leadership and collaboration within the college, fostering a culture of excellence and decision-making. Specific activities include:
   
   • Lead Executive Team meetings and manage strategic planning processes, ensuring progress aligns with our overarching strategic plan.
   • Facilitate senior leadership engagement, plan effective meetings, and offer advisory support for cross-institutional projects and initiatives.
2. College-wide Leadership and Executive Communications (40%): Responsible for representing the college and overseeing executive communications in alignment with the BU Wheelock identity. Specific activities include:
   
   • Design comprehensive internal communication strategies and create pivotal internal communications.
   • Represent the dean in all matters as necessary.
   • Collect and analyze information and data to respond to key dean- and/or college-level deliverables.
   • Manage the Dean's strategic engagements and ensure follow-up happens as needed.
3. Strategic Management and Oversight (30%): Manage both people and projects across the college with balanced attention to priorities and humanity. Specific activities include:
   
   • Head a dedicated team responsible for various institutional priorities.
   • Project manage priority, cross-functional efforts at the college.
   • Lead efforts to improve operational efficiency within the Dean's Office.

Minimum Qualifications:

1. Master's degree in Higher Education Administration, Business Administration, Public Administration, or a related field and/or equivalent professional experience.
2. Five years of administrative management experience in an executive environment.
3. Exceptional writing and editing skills, with experience drafting high-level communications.
4. Demonstrated commitment to diversity and inclusion and leadership in addressing social justice issues.

Preferred Skills and Qualifications:

1. Experience in a leadership or administrative role within a higher education institution.
2. Proven experience in leading and managing strategic initiatives.
3. Track record of managing cross-functional teams and high-priority institutional projects.
4. Strong emotional intelligence and ability to engage diverse stakeholders.
5. Success in identifying opportunities for organizational improvement.
6. Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
7. Experience navigating complex issues and maintaining professionalism.
8. Proficiency in project management tools and relevant technologies.

Confidential Data: All information that an employee encounters while working at Boston University is considered confidential. Employees must adhere to University and departmental policies at all times.
We are an equal opportunity employer, and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, natural or protective hairstyle, religion, sex, age, national origin, physical or mental disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information, military service, pregnancy or pregnancy-related condition, or because of marital, parental, or veteran status. We are a VEVRAA Federal Contractor.#J-18808-Ljbffr