Assistant Dean of Business Operations - Division for Land-Grant Engagement

Assistant Dean of Business Operations - Division for Land-Grant Engagement

Company: West Virginia University

Job Location:

Category: Business Deans

Type: Full-Time

The Division for Land-Grant Engagement at West Virginia University is currently accepting applications for an Assistant Dean of Business Operations.

About the Opportunity

The Assistant Dean for Business Operations will report to the Associate Vice President and dean and serve as the chief business and administrative officer. The assistant dean serves as a member of the dean's leadership and strategic planning committee to support the long-range goals of the organization.

We strongly believe in work-life balance and keeping time for things we love outside our work. WVU offers generous benefits, including:

• 37.5-hour work week
• 13 paid holidays (staff holiday calendar)
• 24 annual leave (vacation) days per year (employee leave)
• 18 sick days per year (for when you're ill, for when you need time to care for sick family, for your own, or your family's, regularly scheduled medical appointments. Who is family for the purpose of this leave? A lot of people in your life including immediate relatives and in-laws as well as others considered to be members of your household living under the same roof)
• WVU offers a range of health insurance and other benefits
• 401(a) retirement savings with 6% employee contribution match, eligibility to continue health insurance, and other retiree perks. Looking for more retirement benefits information? Check out retirement health insurance benefits, retirement income, and FAQ's.
• Wellness programs

What You'll Do

Strategic & Financial Management Planning

• The assistant dean for business operations supports strategic efforts through data management, analysis and benchmarking, interpretation and implementation of university policy, procurement support, business operations and management of federal excess property.
• The assistant dean has a highly complex structure to lead and manage which includes a budget of over $66 million in expenditures a year on a wide scope of funding sources to include millions in Federal, State, County, WVU Foundation, Research, and Fee funds. Our land grant mission is supported through federal appropriations from the U.S. Department of Agriculture with corresponding state match and by millions in county land grant support for operations in each of the 55 counties in West Virginia.
• The assistant dean is responsible for 55 County DA accounts, over 600 Foundation accounts, $17 million in sponsored funding, $11 million in federal land grant dollars, and over $53 million in Foundation funds. Also supports the budget development and expenditure of Extension's Jackson's Mill Campus, and each of the 9 WV Ag and Forestry Experiment Stations, forests and farms across the state.
• The assistant dean is the principal financial liaison to the USDA National Institute for Food and Agriculture for preparing financial reports, financial compliance reports, etc. in coordination with WVI Finance, Sponsored Program, and WVU Internal Audit.
• Build and maintain strategic relationships with deans, associate deans, program directors, vice presidents, direct reports, and others within the organization to effectively execute financial and business strategies for the college.
• Create and establish methods of engaging all levels of management in the financial process and procedures so they can understand and contribute to the financial well-being of the Division for Land-Grant Engagement and its units.

Financial Functions

• The assistant dean for business operations works in consultation with the associate VP & dean and associate deans to coordinate and oversee the implementation of strategic financial planning, day to day operations, procurement efforts related to innovations and partnerships, and budgetary and financial management and compliance with state, research, federal and other regulatory requirements.
• Advise the AVP/dean, associate deans, directors, program unit directors, school directors and other Division leaders on all matters related to the strategic, financial, business, and administrative functions.
• Serve as the principal financial officer that interfaces with financial administrative officers at West Virginia University, WVU Research Corporation, and WVU Foundation.
• Evaluate the effectiveness of fiscal and administrative operations. Review, analyze and interpret fiscal activity and make decisions for improving operations and/or the financial position of the college.
• Ensure financial integrity and reliability through effective and efficient execution of financial stewardship responsibilities to help ensure the optimum use of the college resources

Administration & Other Duties

• Supervise Division for Land Grant Engagement Business Operations unit and its personnel.
• Provide leadership to financial related positions across the Division. That encompasses two colleges, Experiment Stations, and one university-wide center.
• Cultivate and maintain selection initiatives by comprising a strategically aligned approach considering the needs of the organization.
• Review vacant positions in the Business Operations unit to determine a course of action for recruiting that aligns with the strategic goals and initiatives of the college and WVU.
• In consultation with the Talent and Culture HR Partner, manage hiring decisions, performance appraisals, scheduling, training, employee development, and disciplinary action for the Business Operations unit.
• Aid in preparing special projects requested by the AVP/Dean, Associate Deans, Unit/Center Directors, Program Directors, School Directors or faculty and staff.
• Serve on University wide committees. And serves as the EBO for each of the two colleges (Extension and the Davis College of Ag and Natural Resources), the WV Ag and Forestry Experiment Stations, and the Center for Community Engagement

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in accounting, Business Administration, Finance, or a related field
• Master's degree, preferred.
• A minimum of five (5) years of experience in the following:
  • Financial experience including accounting, fiscal management, budgeting, forecasting and cost accounting.
  • Experience as a business officer (Assistant Dean, Director, or other at similar level) in a university setting, preferred.
  • Supervisory/management experience of personnel with documented successful leadership.
  • Experience working with Oracle and/or Workday systems, preferred.
• Any equivalent combination of related education and/or experience will be considered.
• All qualifications must be met by the time of employment.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Possess the highest and most contemporary level of knowledge to lead the financial strategy and foundations of the institution to include resource allocation, risk-management indemnity, HR policies and procedures, and facilities management.
• Ability to apply analytical and critical thinking skills to support the institution in achieving its long-range strategic goals.
• Ability to research, draw logical conclusions, and solve complex issues related to financial projections and budgeting.
• Ability to learn and understand University, WVU Foundation, department policies, procedures, and Federal and State laws.
• Demonstrated skill in preparing data-driven analyses and reports.
• Knowledge of financial practice, generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP) and theories, and their application to accounting problems.
• Demonstrated effectiveness in leadership, supervision, and mentoring of direct reports.
• Ability to explain complex guidelines, justify recommendations, and interact with regulatory agencies.
• Ability to independently manage numerous projects and prioritize timely completion.

Preferred Qualifications

• Master's degree in related discipline
• Certified Public Accountant (CPA) strongly preferred

About WVU

West Virginia University is a place of purpose and community. We take pride in our profound impact on the state of West Virginia and are committed to the personal and professional growth of our employees.

From the groundbreaking R1 research at our flagship campus in Morgantown to the career-oriented programs at WVU Potomac State in Keyser, and the technology-intensive programs at WVU Tech in Beckley, the contributions of WVU employees resonate across the state, touching lives and shaping futures.

At WVU, you will discover a supportive community that champions work-life balance and fosters a collaborative atmosphere. Our core values - service, curiosity, respect, accountability and appreciation - unite us as Mountaineers.

Join us at West Virginia University, where your work will make a lasting impact. To learn more about WVU, visit wvu.edu.

West Virginia University is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We invite all qualified applicants regardless of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, or Veteran status.

Job Posting: Apr 14, 2026

Posting Classification: Non-Classified

Exemption Status: Exempt

Benefits Eligible: Yes

Schedule: Full-time