Exec Dir, Business Admin & Strategic Initiatives

Position Focus :

Reporting to the Deputy Dean for Yale School of Medicine Finance & Administration, this role will support the effective execution of YSM business operations in a consistent manner across the full spectrum of strategic, business, and administrative initiatives and functions.

The incumbent will serve as a strategic advisor and representative of the School of Medicine as strategic initiatives are developed in collaboration with various partners across the School of Medicine, University, and YNHH System. This role will be a key partner to the Office of Continuous Improvement, facilitating the identification, collaboration, and at times, co-leading of key initiatives for process improvements within business operations. The incumbent will support the management and facilitation of key deliverables as identified by the Dean's Office and in support of the Deputy Dean of Finance & Administration, including establishing business administration priorities and supporting the execution of aligned initiatives for the School of Medicine and University. Additionally, this role will serve as a strategic advisor to the Deputy Dean, Finance & Administration, with responsibilities including planning, facilitating, and managing various facets of communications pertaining to the administration, operations, and interests on behalf of the Deputy Dean, and as such, represents the Deputy Dean at critical forums. Lastly, this role will support and guide a team comprised of Senior Directors / Directors of Finance & Administration (F&A) with a focus on optimal performance in supporting the staff, faculty, department leadership, and partnership within the Yale School of Medicine (YSM), Yale Medicine Administration (YMA), and Yale University (YU), advancing the YSM missions and operations.

Areas of Responsibility Include :  Facilitate, guide, and support the strategic initiatives and business administration on behalf of the Deputy Dean’s office. Interface with a wide range of internal and external constituents and work closely with the Deputy Dean’s office to ensure communication and follow-through with various projects, initiatives, and deliverables are facilitated in a timely and efficient manner. Conduct research on a variety of topics as needed to help prepare and contribute to the preparation of reports, briefings, presentations, and responses on strategic initiatives as appropriate. Mentor and support the team of Senior Directors / Directors of Finance & Administration to ensure departments are being managed effectively and that they and their teams provide high-quality leadership in the full range of business operations, including budget, strategic and financial planning and analysis, research pre-award and post-award management, departmental human resources management, financial operations, procurement, facilities management, space renovation oversight, IT support, etc. Perform other supportive and facilitative duties as assigned.

Please note : this recruitment will be managed by WittKieffer.

Essential Duties

1. Supports, and when necessary, drives, the unit’s process for strategic planning with key faculty and staff. Supports unit and program leaders in conceptualizing, prioritizing, and planning new programs or program changes. 2. Ensure efficient and effective completion of all administrative and financial services provided to the department. Ensure high quality delivery of administrative services by providers outside the department, including budget and resource planning, financial accounting, human resources, information technology, procurement, student services, post-doctoral affairs and faculty affairs. 3. Achievement of the unit’s mission and goals by working in close partnership with the unit leader, faculty, staff, students and service providers to develop and implement the unit’s strategy. Understands and monitors external and internal factors influencing the unit’s mission and goals. Plans for financial and non-financial resources required for the unit to achieve its goals. 4. Fosters a collegial, collaborative, and effective culture among key constituencies of the clinical departments’ financial and business operations community including the clinical Directors of F&A, department Chairs, YMA, YNHHS, YSM, and YU leadership. 5. Cultivates a collaborative community of unit business leaders. Meets with Directors of F&A and promotes the exchange of information and identifies best practices. 6. Ensures that the divisions are appropriately engaged in institutional initiatives and that Directors F&A are prepared and serve as effective change leaders. 7. Participates in audits of the units, as needed. Ensures timely resolution of audit issues and the prevention of repeat audit findings. Maintains thorough knowledge and understanding of internal control issues impacting the units. Provides guidance and support to units regarding internal controls .8. Implement and maintain strong internal controls to provide reasonable assurance of effective and appropriate resource use, adherence to contractual obligations and agreements, policies, procedures, and external regulatory requirements. Identify, communicate, address and escalate risks in a timely and appropriate manner to protect the assets, resources, information and reputation of the department and the University. Ensure all faculty and staff understand the regulations and Yale requirements as they pertain to their scope of activity. 9. Monitors operational metrics in all units. Ensures operational performance meets expectations as defined by metric targets. Collaborates with function owners to refine current or define new metrics. 10. Ensure the units employ effective practices for retaining, attracting and developing talent in line with University guidelines and contractual agreements. Ensure that all department staff participate in the University’s performance management and career development processes. Ensure the needs of the departments’ current and future talent are assessed periodically and that issues are addressed in a timely and appropriate manner, facilitating the movement of talent where appropriate and developing business operations staff. Cultivate a diversity of backgrounds and perspectives in the departments. Assure that the departments follow appropriate School and University policies and procedures related to Human Resources. Works in partnership with the unit leadership team, on the recruitment, hiring, performance reviews and compensation of their Directors of F&A. 11. Ensures sound financial practices in the units, including implementation of the Planning and Financial Management program, strategic financial planning, annual budgeting, forecasting and monitoring. 12. Meets periodically with Deans, Chairs and other unit leaders to gauge their satisfaction with financial, operational and administrative services.

Required Education and Experience

1. Minimum of a bachelor's degree and ten years progressively responsible experience 5 of which are in a leadership role; or equivalent combination of education and Demonstrated fiscal responsibility and comprehensive knowledge of accounting, financial reporting and Demonstrated experience with complex strategic planning and resource allocation, driving for results and successful outcomes; demonstrated superior negotiation Demonstrated experience in managing relationships, building coalitions, and influencing Demonstrated creativity in problem-solving and effectiveness in a complex Demonstrated success in developing people and Demonstrated ability to communicate effectively with peers, leadership, and subordinates.

Required Skill / Ability 1 :

Proven skills in providing sound financial advice, decision-making, and organizational leadership. Experience supporting complex strategic planning across multiple constituencies, both at the school and University level. Demonstrated success and aptitude in analytical problem-solving. Comprehensive knowledge of accounting, financial reporting, and analysis.

Required Skill / Ability 2 :

Demonstrated knowledge and understanding of academic medicine, including basic, clinical, and translational research, clinical practice finances. Ability to anticipate changes in the business environment and facilitate proactive change leadership.

Required Skill / Ability 3 :

Well-developed leadership, team building, and influencing skills. Ability to support and work well with subordinates, superiors, peers, and team members. Proven talent in career development. Ability to inspire others to perform at their best and set high standards of performance for self and subordinates.

Required Skill / Ability 4 :

Ability to handle differences deftly with the best interests of the organization in mind. Willingness to seek input from others and foster an atmosphere where ideas and information are exchanged. Demonstrated excellent written and oral communication and presentation skills, including the ability to express thoughts and ideas clearly and concisely.

Required Skill / Ability 5 :

Demonstrated record of generating and encouraging ideas, fostering innovative thinking, and achieving solutions. Ability to negotiate skillfully with both internal and external constituents. Well-developed conflict resolution skills. Comprehensive knowledge of professional accounting principles and practices.

Preferred Education, Experience and Skills :

MBA, master's in healthcare admin or advanced degree; Demonstrated experience in a large academic medical center or academic medical group practice. Excellent financial and analytical skills. Proven experience preparing budgets, forecasts, and financial plans; integrating multiple, complex financial elements to identify themes, trends, and issues.

Drug Screen

Health Screening

Background Check Requirements

All candidates for employment will be subject to pre-employment background screening for this position, which may include motor vehicle, DOT certification, drug testing and credit checks based on the position description and job requirements. All offers are contingent upon the successful completion of the background check. For additional information on the background check requirements and process visit "Learn about background checks" under the Applicant Support Resources section of Careers on the It's Your Yale website.

Health Requirements

Certain positions have associated health requirements based on specific job responsibilities. These may include vaccinations, tests, or examinations, as required by law, regulation, or university policy.

Posting Disclaimer

The intent of this job description is to provide a representative summary of the essential functions that will be required of the position and should not be construed as a declaration of specific duties and responsibilities of the particular position. Employees will be assigned specific job-related duties through their hiring departments.