Associate Dean for Administration and Chief Financial Officer

The Opportunity

The University of Virginia's McIntire School of Commerce seeks a strategic, forward-looking leader to serve as its next Associate Dean for Administration and Chief Financial Officer. Reporting directly to the Dean, the Associate Dean leads the School's financial and operational strategy, ensuring that resources are deployed effectively to advance McIntire's academic mission and strategic priorities.This role offers the opportunity to join a top-ranked undergraduate business school as it enters an era of significant growth and innovation. McIntire has recently opened two new academic buildings, launched an innovative three-year undergraduate program, and expanded its minor and graduate offerings-initiatives that reflect its long-standing commitment to excellence, innovation, and student success. By aligning resources with bold academic ambitions and supporting a culture of collaboration and excellence, the Associate Dean will help ensure McIntire's continued strength and future impact.

UVA McIntire School of Commerce

The McIntire School of Commerce offers a comprehensive portfolio of business credentials, including undergraduate and graduate degree programs as well as non-degree and online offerings. Ranked fourth among U.S. undergraduate business programs by Poets&Quants in 2024, McIntire is home to about 1,500 students, 100 faculty, and 80 staff.

Undergraduate programs include the flagship B.S. in Commerce and minors in Entrepreneurship, Leadership, Real Estate, and General Business. Graduate offerings include three, one-year pre-experience master's programs in Accounting, Commerce, and Global Commerce, as well as professional master's programs in the Management of Information Technology and Business Analytics (the latter offered in partnership with Darden). Programs are taught in Charlottesville and at UVA's Sands Family Grounds in Northern Virginia.

McIntire's faculty are renowned scholars, teachers, and mentors, committed to interdisciplinary collaboration, market-relevant teaching, and impactful research. The School hosts seven research centers: the Center for Business Analytics, the Center for Investors and Financial Markets, the Center for Global Commerce, the Center for the Management of Information Technology, the Galant Center for Innovation and Entrepreneurship, the PwC Center for Innovation in Professional Services, and the White Ruffin Byron Center for Real Estate. Equally vital are the School's 80 professional staff, whose expertise and dedication ensure high-quality operations and help deliver McIntire's world-class student experience.

The McIntire community is strengthened by its 22,500 alumni and four leadership boards. The McIntire Foundation Board of Trustees plays a special role in promoting the School, advising leadership, and providing financial support. The Advisory Board, the Young Alumni Council, and the Global Advisory Board also support the School through a wide range of activities that strengthen its community and global reach. Alumni regularly return to Grounds, connect students to the industry, and serve as hosts across the globe.

This is an exciting time at McIntire. The School has recently opened two new academic buildings--Shumway Hall and newly renovated Cobb Hall--designed to support collaboration, innovation, and student success. This fall, McIntire also launched its transition to a three-year undergraduate program, expanding opportunities for students to engage earlier and more deeply in the study of commerce. The School continues to expand the new General Business Minor and recently relaunched the MS in Global Commerce program after a hiatus in the wake of COVID. These initiatives mark the next chapter in McIntire's long-standing commitment to excellence in business education.

The Role and Responsibilities

As the School's Chief Financial Officer, the Associate Dean partners closely with the McIntire Business Office, UVA's Office of Financial Planning and Analysis, and the McIntire Foundation to ensure the sound stewardship of resources, the development of a robust multi-year financial plan, and the effective management of operating and capital budgets. In addition, they lead an exceptional group of operational units-the Business Office, Facilities, Information Technology, and Marketing & Communications-providing strategic direction, fostering collaboration, and helping to align each unit's work with the School's teaching and research mission.

A key partner to the Dean and a visible member of the School's leadership team, the Associate Dean builds and sustains strong, trusting relationships with McIntire faculty & staff and with central university units. They foster cross-unit collaboration and problem-solving and represent the School externally on financial and operational matters. They also serve as McIntire's senior leader for staff affairs, partnering with UVA HR on employee relations, supporting hiring and talent development initiatives, and fostering a positive, high-performing organizational culture. The Associate Dean is a trusted resource and strategic problem solver for leaders across the School. They promote the use of data and analytics to inform decision-making, drive operational improvements, and enhance organizational effectiveness. Through strategic vision, sound judgment, and a commitment to service, the Associate Dean ensures that McIntire has the talent, financial resources, and operational strength needed to deliver academic excellence and impact.

Key priorities include:

Strategic Leadership

• Serve as a key member of the School's leadership team, partnering with the Dean and senior faculty & staff leaders to develop strategic plans and align financial and operational strategies with academic priorities.

• Lead the development and execution of multi-year financial and operational plans that support the School's strategic goals.

• Collaborate closely with the Senior Associate Dean for Faculty & Research on hiring budgets, research support, and resourcing of Centers, and with the Senior Associate Dean for Academic Programs on enrollment targets, tuition planning, and program revenue and profitability goals.

• Anticipate challenges and opportunities, using scenario planning and data analysis to inform decision-making.

• Represent McIntire to University leadership and external stakeholders on financial and operational matters.

Financial Stewardship

• Collaborate with the Assistant Dean for Budget and the Business Office team on financial management issues, including budgeting, forecasting, risk management, reporting, and compliance.

• Partner with the Assistant Dean for Budget and the Executive Director of the McIntire Foundation to support alignment, operational efficiencies, and effective stewardship of resources, including the strategic use of endowment funds and management of gift agreements.

• Monitor financial performance, identify trends, and recommend strategies to maintain a balanced budget and to align financial resources with the school's long-term goals.

• Ensure robust systems, processes, and controls are in place to safeguard assets and support accurate reporting.

Operational Excellence

• Collaborate with unit leaders for Facility Operations, Information Technology, and Marketing & Communications to develop annual plans that align each unit's work with the School's mission and strategic priorities.

• Partner with the Assistant Dean for Operations to ensure resourcing for capital projects, renovations, maintenance, and space planning to create exceptional learning and working environments.

• Partner with the Chief Information Officer to support the adoption of technologies that advance the School's strategic priorities, operational improvements, and data-informed practices to enhance efficiency and service quality.

• Partner with the Executive Director of Marketing & Communications to support efforts to develop, resource, and execute strategies that enhance the School's brand, strengthen engagement with key audiences, and meet enrollment goals.

Talent & Culture Leadership

• Serve as McIntire's senior administrative leader for staff affairs, partnering closely with UVA HR on employee relations, performance management, policy implementation, and organizational development.

• Shape and advance talent strategies that attract, retain, and develop top-tier workforce, partnering closely with UVA HR to align workforce initiatives with organizational goals.

• Collaborate with unit leaders to cultivate a high-performance culture, providing mentorship, guidance, and opportunities that empower staff growth and enhance operational effectiveness.

• Anticipate and address workforce needs and challenges, ensuring a productive, engaged, and resilient team across operational units while leveraging HR expertise.

• Build and sustain strong relationships across McIntire and the University, fostering trust, collaboration, and shared purpose, while cultivating a positive culture that encourages teamwork and strengthens the McIntire community.

Ideal Experience and Characteristics

The successful candidate will be an accomplished financial and operational leader with the vision and capability to guide a complex organization. They will bring a blend of strategic insight, fiscal acumen, and a proven record of managing diverse operational units. The ideal candidate will demonstrate exceptional relationship-building skills, a collaborative leadership style, and the ability to foster a positive, high-performing culture.

Additional qualifications include:

• Significant senior leadership experience in financial and administrative roles within large, complex, or mission-driven organizations.

• Demonstrated success in multi-year financial planning, budgeting, forecasting, and resource allocation, including oversight of substantial budgets.

• Experience leading and integrating diverse operational units, such as finance, facilities, IT, and marketing/communications.

• Proven ability to partner effectively with academic leadership, governing boards, and external stakeholders, and to drive measurable improvements in financial performance.

• Strong commitment to data-driven decision-making, operational excellence, and continuous improvement.

• Track record of developing and retaining exceptional talent and fostering a collaborative work environment.

• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to explain and navigate complex issues and build consensus.

• At least 10 years of relevant experience that includes administrative leadership is required

UVA Executive Search Group (ESG), an internal search firm, is assisting in the recruitment of the Associate Dean for Administration & Chief Financial Officer. Confidential inquiries and nominations should be directed to ESG Managing Director Nalini Turner at nms3bt@virginia.edu.

To apply, submit a letter of interest and resume via Workday. The search will be carried out with full confidentiality.

The University of Virginia is an equal opportunity employer. All interested persons are encouraged to apply, including veterans and individuals with disabilities. Click here to read more about UVA's commitment to non-discrimination and equal opportunity employment.