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

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 https://www.bu.edu/wheelock/about/ 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 https://www.bu.edu/about/dna/.

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:

• Is compelled by the colleges mission and leads joyously and optimistically in pursuit of the guidestar.
• Is proactive and has situational foresight. This means knowing what needs to be done without having to be told and anticipating problems before they arise (and then taking steps to mitigate risks/address them).
• Is an expert writer and communicates fluently with emotional intelligence. This means being able to produce talking points or an all-college email quickly, with the right tone, and an effective level of clarity and nuance required of the situation.
• Gets things done and doesn't let details fall through the cracks. This means staying on top of tasks and priorities throughout the portfolio including individual responsibilities as well as those you are managing for the Dean or delegated within specific initiatives.
• Can envision systems, processes and procedures to improve efficiency and effectiveness and then bring them to life with implementation and operational savvy.

Key Responsibilities of the Role include:

• Executive Stewardship and Collaboration (30%): The Assistant Dean for Executive Affairs is responsible for the care and development of executive leadership and collaboration within the college. Fostering a culture of excellence, improvement and decision-making within a shared governance organization.Specific activities within this area of responsibility include (though are not limited to):
  • 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.

• College-wide Leadership and Executive Communications (40%): The Assistant Dean for Executive Affairs is responsible for representing the college and overseeing executive communications in alignment with the BU Wheelock identity and constantly reinforcing the colleges core values. Specific activities within this area of responsibility include (though are not limited to):
  • Design comprehensive internal communication strategies and create pivotal internal communications to maintain a visible and responsive presence within BU Wheelock and the institution at large.
  • Represent the dean in all matters as necessary.
  • Collect and analyze information and data to initiate and respond to key dean- and/or college-level deliverables (e.g., series of provost memos due annually); develop and prepare presentations.
  • Manage the Dean's strategic engagements and look ahead to prepare and align resources and supports to ensure high-impact interactions; ensure that follow up happens as needed.

• Strategic Management and Oversight (30%): The Assistant Dean for Executive Affairs manages both people and projects across the college with balanced attention to both priorities and humanity. Specific activities within this area of responsibility include (though are not limited to):
  • Head a dedicated team responsible for various institutional priorities, fostering a supportive and goal-oriented environment.
  • Project manage priority, cross-functional efforts at the college; this includes working to set strategy, generate buy-in and overseeing implementation efforts to deliver on goals.
  • Lead efforts to improve operational efficiency within the Dean's Office, implementing processes, systems, and workflows to enhance productivity.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Master's degree in Higher Education Administration, Business Administration, Public Administration, or a related field and/or or equivalent professional experience.
• Five years of administrative management experience in an executive environment.
• Exceptional writing and editing skills, with experience drafting high-level communications such as speeches, presentations, institutional reports, and internal messaging with thoughtful tone and careful nuance.
• Demonstrated commitment to diversity and inclusion and skillful implementation and leadership in addressing social justice issues, equity, diversity, and inclusion within a diverse student population and a range of professional staff, faculty, families, senior administrative colleagues, other university constituents, and external organizations.

Preferred Skills and Qualifications:

• Experience working in a leadership or administrative role within a higher education institution, especially at a Research 1 (R1) university, with a deep understanding of the academic and operational landscape in a complex institution.
• Proven experience in leading and managing strategic initiatives from inception to completion, including experience with strategic planning, goal setting, implementation, and outcome measurement.
• Track record of managing cross-functional teams and high-priority institutional projects, with a focus on collaboration, strategic oversight, and achieving measurable outcomes.
• Strong emotional intelligence, with the ability to engage and build relationships with diverse stakeholders including faculty, staff, senior administrators, and external partners. Skilled in mediating and fostering a collaborative work environment.
• Success identifying opportunities for organizational improvement and leading successful change management initiatives, including the development and implementation of systems, processes, and operational efficiencies.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with the ability to collect, analyze, and interpret data to inform decisions, improve processes, and support strategic initiatives across the college.
• Experience navigating complex issues, resolving conflicts, and addressing challenges effectively while maintaining confidentiality and a high level of professionalism.
• Proficiency in the use of project management tools, customer relationship management (CRM) systems, and other relevant technologies to streamline workflows and manage complex tasks efficiently.
• Confidential Data: All information (written, verbal, electronic, etc.) that an employee encounters while working at Boston University is considered confidential. Employees must adhere to University and departmental policies, guidelines and procedures; and all applicable laws and regulations 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.