Associate Dean – Finance and Administration

Vanderbilt University Medical Center

Chief Business Officer leading Vanderbilt Peabody College’s financial and business operations. Overseeing budgeting, grants, accounting, human capital, compliance, and strategic planning.

Posted 8/14/2026full-timeNashville • Tennessee • 🇺🇸 United StatesJuniorMid-LevelWebsite

Core Competencies

Role fit

Core Competencies

Use this summary to align your resume positioning with the role.

Demonstrates strong financial acumen and analytical skills, with extensive experience in budgeting, strategic finance, and operational leadership. Proven ability to manage complex financial operations, drive organizational change, and build effective relationships across various levels of an organization.

Highest-signal resume keywords

Strategic Finance LeadershipBudgeting And Financial ManagementSponsored Project AdministrationAdvanced Proficiency In Oracle Or WorkdayExceptional Communication And Interpersonal Skills

ATS Keywords

Tailor your resume

Applicant Tracking System Keywords

Tip: use these terms in your resume and cover letter to boost ATS matches.

Hard Skills

Financial AnalysisBudget Variance AnalysisCapital Budget DevelopmentContract And Grant AdministrationOperational Policy DevelopmentAccounts Receivable ManagementExpense ManagementData AnalysisProcess ImprovementFinancial Decision-Making

Soft Skills

Emotional IntelligenceInfluencing SkillsRelationship BuildingCoaching And TrainingProblem-Solving

Tools & Technologies

OracleWorkdayEnterprise Resource Management PlatformsStandard Office Software

Industry Keywords

Financial AcumenOperational LeadershipGrant Award CycleCompliancePerformance Management

Tech Stack

Tools & technologies

Oracle

About the role

Key responsibilities & impact

Serve as the primary business advisor to the Dean, associate deans, and departmental leaders.
Serve on the College’s executive leadership team and oversee operational and financial activities.
Liaise with Finance and other core University offices on financial, business, and operational matters.
Develop and manage the annual operating budget, monthly forecasts, management reporting, and budget variance analysis.
Analyze financial data to support budgeting and decision-making.
Develop the annual capital budget, plan project financing, and monitor capital expenditures.
Ensure proper use and reporting of gift and endowment funding in compliance with donor restrictions.
Oversee contract and grant administration, including expenditures, effort certification, cost-sharing, cost transfers, and closeout.
Manage programmatic revenue sources, accounts receivable, and deposit transactions.
Oversee monthly, quarterly, and year-end accounting activities and internal controls.
Develop and improve operational policies, procedures, and business practices.
Train and coach administrators on financial and operational systems and procedures.
Drive organizational change and process improvements.
Review and approve procurement, expense, personnel, and other financial transactions.
Manage Peabody faculty fund projects and oversee the One Card and research subject participant payment programs.
Coordinate, review, and execute contracts, agreements, and memoranda of understanding.
Collaborate on space, facilities, event, and equipment needs.
Recruit, develop, retain, and supervise business and administrative professionals.
Oversee personnel transactions, compensation adjustments, merit increase processes, compliance, performance management, and employee relations matters.

Requirements

What you’ll need

Bachelor’s degree in business, finance, economics, or related field from an accredited institution is required.
10+ years of experience in strategic finance or operational leadership is required.
Experience with sponsored project administration and all phases of the grant award cycle is required.
Strong financial acumen and analytical skills; experience with budgeting, planning, and financial management.
Exceptional communication and interpersonal skills; ability to influence and lead across all levels.
High emotional intelligence and discretion in sensitive business and personnel matters.
Advanced proficiency with standard office software and enterprise resource management platforms such as Oracle or Workday.
Ability to think strategically and manage multiple accounts with evolving priorities and strict deadlines.
Ability to identify and resolve administrative and financial issues.
Ability to analyze information, perform complex tasks, prioritize projects, and make financial decisions.
Ability to drive change and implement process improvements.
Ability to form productive alliances with financial and non-financial administrators.
Ability to bridge gaps and problem-solve to meet stakeholder needs.
Proven ability to build relationships and work effectively with academic, professional, and support staff.
Curiosity and aptitude for identifying, leveraging, and analyzing data to support decision-making.

Benefits

Comp & perks

Equal-opportunity employment
Professional growth and learning opportunities