CIES Assistant Director Business Administration - University of Pittsburgh

The Comparative and International Education Society (CIES) is a global association for educators and practitioners whose professional work is built on cross-disciplinary ideas, systems and practices in international education. The Society has more than 3,500 members around the world. Through a competitive process, the University of Pittsburgh was selected to provide operational and managerial support for the Society, including the provision of Executive Director, managerial, and operational services. Based in the School of Education, the Office of the Executive Director (OED) infrastructure and staff would support the directives of the CIES officials, the execution of the President’s duties, and management of all aspects of the Society’s business. The OED seeks an Assistant Director – Business Administration to support its activities.

Under the supervision of the Executive Director, the Assistant Director will be responsible for:

• Office & Operations: Manage office records, provide administrative support, draft contracts, reconcile accounts, oversee Special Interest Groups (SIGs), and handle day-to-day operations. Coordinate OED staff meetings and advise on HR, technology, and budget matters.

• Board & Executive Committee: Assist with Board and committee activities, including scheduling meetings, preparing agendas, documenting decisions, and implementing policies.

• Communications: Develop and manage content for the Society’s communications, including social media, newsletters, and announcements. Ensure clear communication of policies and updates, and handle crises effectively.

• Conference Services: Oversee conference planning and execution, including liaising with planning companies, assisting with marketing and member outreach, and ensuring smooth operation of events. Help prepare conference program materials and marketing campaigns.

• Archives: Maintain the CIES digital and physical archives, manage document transfers, and ensure proper documentation of meetings and historical records.

• Special Projects: Recommend, develop, and manage special projects, including creating RFPs and overseeing contracted work.

Qualifications:

• Master’s degree in a relevant field preferred.
• 2-3 years of experience in project management, administration, or a similar role.
• Strong organizational and administrative skills.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills, including experience with social media.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a dynamic environment.
• Strong leadership abilities and a genuine passion for education.

This position is funded by external sources and contingent upon CIES remaining headquartered at the University of Pittsburgh.

Assists in the complex management of daily operations and concurrent administrative functions of a major University organizational unit or a major academic and research department within a school or college. Controls expenditures, develops projects, and ensures regulatory compliance.

• Assists in directing activities related to the daily operations of the University and/or major academic/research unit. Manages multiple, concurrent administrative functions including finance, human resources, payroll, accounting, grants, facility operations, property control, purchasing, and security.
• Facilitates strategic planning for assigned areas and assists in developing and implementing the overall departmental strategic plan and resource allocation.
• Supervises staff, including hiring, distributing and reviewing work, performance reviews, and documenting disciplinary actions and other human resource administration. Manages work schedules and approves timecards. Provides professional development opportunities.
• Establishes performance goals and measures to evaluate success of assigned area of responsibility. Researches and analyzes measured success to develop and implement future programs, policies, projects, and long-range plans.
• Ensures regulatory compliance and fiscal responsibility; controls expenditures and statements of accounts.
• Develops and maintains effective working relationships across University departments and employees.
• Maintains adherence to all regulations for all programs and activities.

Little physical effort required. Duties are primarily sedentary. May be required to move objects up to 25 pounds occasionally.

The University of Pittsburgh is committed to championing all aspects of diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility within our community. This commitment is a fundamental value of the University and is crucial in helping us advance our mission, which includes attracting and retaining diverse workforces. We will continue to create and maintain an environment that allows individuals to discover, belong, contribute, and grow, while honoring the experiences, perspectives, and unique identities of all.

The University of Pittsburgh is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity Employer and values equality of opportunity, human dignity and diversity. EOE, including disability/vets.