Associate Director for Administrative Planning - Princeton University

The Associate Director for Administrative Planning (AD) plays a critical role in University administrative planning and management, undertaking major projects and initiatives on behalf of the Office of the Executive Vice President (OEVP). The role provides a unique opportunity to lead efforts to strengthen the University’s operations and enhance campus infrastructure through major projects and initiatives. The AD acts as a consulting partner, strategist, solution provider, and advisor to senior administrators across the institution, especially for the operating units within the OEVP. The AD is a highly motivated, achievement-oriented professional with exceptional judgment, an experienced collaborator and communicator, an adept project manager, and values the culture and operations of higher education administration.

The AD is part of the OEVP Administrative Planning team and reports to the Director for Administrative Planning. The mission of the OEVP is to enhance campus life and continually improve the delivery of University operations and campus services. The Executive Vice President (EVP) is responsible for the development, stewardship, and operation of the physical campus and the University’s capital plan. The EVP is the chief administrative officer of the University and has direct oversight of audit and compliance, campus life, facilities, human resources, information technology, the investigations unit, the ombuds office, safety and administrative planning, and university services.

The role provides an unusual opportunity to participate in a breadth of efforts to strengthen the University’s operations and enhance campus infrastructure. Recent projects have included developing a joint governance process for critical IT infrastructure, evaluating and improving the enterprise risk management (ERM) process, advising the roll-out of the University’s Campus Plan and Sustainability Plan, and partnering on an evaluation of the student housing and dining experience.

Applications should include a resume and cover letter. Semi-finalists will be required to submit a writing sample for which the candidate is the primary author (preferably between 1000-3000 words). The final candidate for this position will be required to successfully complete a background check.

Preference given to candidates who apply by January 6

The AD’s portfolio reflects the University’s and OEVP departments’ strategic priorities and programs, providing diverse experiences and campus exposure. Principle responsibilities may include:

• Guide multi-organization committees and working groups, e.g., frame issues and governance structures, develop project plans, facilitate interdepartmental collaboration, analyze data and financial information, develop recommendations, communicate and present findings, set priorities, and devise strategies for managing the implementation of recommendations.
• Provide individualized management consultation to units to ensure projects and initiatives leverage expertise and resources, follow University and industry best practices, and utilize data-informed approaches.
• Lead process improvements, innovation initiatives, administrative evaluations, and policy and practice reviews.
• Develop or evaluate requests for resources and funding from units reporting to the OEVP (including assisting in assessing and presenting requests made to the EVP or central sources). Identify EVP-wide budget issues and improvements to budget processes, analytical reviews, and reporting.
• Represent the OEVP on University committees and task forces; maintain, convene, lead, and/or staff such groups (e.g., the Committee to Strengthen University Management and Resources, the Enterprise Risk Management process, the Executive Compliance Committee).
• Advise or partner with units on their plans to launch new interdepartmental or University-wide administrative initiatives and projects.
• Review or assist with policy development, strategic planning, or reorganization of administrative programs.
• Independently prepare administrative reports and presentations for the Board of Trustees and cabinet-level committees, meeting minutes, position papers, high-level correspondence, and presentation materials for the OEVP.

ESSENTIAL QUALIFICATIONS

• Bachelor's degree
• At least seven years of relevant experience, preferably in a complex, mission-based organization similar to higher education.
• Experiences in budget analysis, complex systems, administration, and process improvement.
• Excellent organizational and project management skills.
• Demonstrated ability to prioritize and manage multiple complex initiatives and projects simultaneously.
• Exceptional problem-solving skills; attention to detail coupled with the ability to think strategically and act decisively using a data-informed approach.
• Capacity to work independently with high energy and self-initiative.
• Ability to develop and maintain productive, collaborative relationships with senior administrators, employees campus-wide, and constituents.
• Demonstrated ability to gather, analyze, interpret, and present data, including financial information, for varying constituencies and purposes.
• Excellent oral/written communication skills.
• Excellent interpersonal skills, including identifying mutual interests and creating consensus among stakeholders with disparate positions.
• Superior judgment, diplomacy, and discretion in handling sensitive and confidential information.
• Demonstrated thoughtful understanding of how diverse perspectives contribute to the success and advancement of an organization. Ability to navigate complex and ambiguous situations with a strategic mindset, a spirit of curiosity, and a framework for criteria-based decision-making.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Master's degree

Princeton University is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law. KNOW YOUR RIGHTS