Director of Operations (Finance/Business) - Languages, Cultures and Applied Linguistics Department (LCAL)

Carnegie Mellon University is a private, global research university that challenges the curious and hardworking to deliver work that matters. Our extraordinary institution has distinctive areas of excellence and a culture marked by ambition and a deep, practical engagement with challenges facing society. We continue to produce versatile alumni and draw faculty and staff eager to be a part of the university’s creative, dedicated and close-knit community. We place emphasis on practical problem solving, interdisciplinary learning, a transformative spirit, and collaboration

From creative writing to statistics and data science, behavioral economics to social and political history, Dietrich College is home to 11 humanities and social sciences departments, programs and institutes. Our world-class faculty and students work across subject areas to investigate and solve real-world problems.

Our Department of Languages, Cultures and Applied Linguistics (LCAL) is seeking a Director of Operations for their business and finance areas. This position will work with departmental leadership to implement organizational workflow, operational initiatives, and serve as a financial and human resources subject matter expert for the department. It will also manage the day-to-day operations at it relates to various Finance, HR, Faculty and Academic related functions.

• Strategic planning, problem solving, and implementation of solutions related to finances, resources, policies, personnel, and the evolution of the department.
• Manage the diverse goals and appropriate balance of resources for a complex department with nine undergraduate language specializations and three graduate programs; integrally involved in decision-making processes to promote sound fiscal health and to foster a positive climate.
• Serves as a key information resource and advisor to the department head and other department leaders on sensitive and impactful departmental decisions.
• Serves on Policies, Planning, & Strategic Initiatives Committee. Builds strong partnerships with colleagues both within Dietrich and in central administrative units.
• Acts as the first point of contact for operational problem resolution. Advises department head, faculty and staff on financial compliance with university guidelines and procedures.
• Establishes departmental policies in consultation with department head and communicates these policies appropriately to department constituents.

• Responsible for managing the day-to-day department finances and working closely with the Dietrich College central finance team on budget planning and creating financial forecasts.
• Analyzes and maintains financial data in university systems and conducts regular reviews of departmental financial performance and adherence to budget and university policy.
• Work closely with the Dietrich College Research Office, OSP and SPA to oversee the preparation of grant proposals and the administration of grants and contracts.
• Approves expense reports and procurement card purchases and ensures accurate charging and timely processing of transactions.
• Monitor Workday and Oracle Labor Distribution and update information as needed.
• Stewards endowed funds and produces donor reports.
• Generates purchase orders in Oracle and manages the onboarding of new vendors in Payment Works.

• Supervises departmental staff. Writes position descriptions, works with the HR team to post open positions, interviews and hires candidates, and conducts annual performance reviews.
• Administers and monitors payroll processes for faculty, staff, and students.
• Serves as an information resource for faculty, staff, graduate students and visitors with central university offices on areas such as benefits, payroll, and university policy.
• Reviews and supports various legal matters in consultation with department head, central HR and the Office of General Counsel.
• Serves as the department’s foreign scholar coordinator and has oversight of all immigration matters and work authorization requests.

• Oversight of all department space and facilities planning and functions including but not limited to renovations, room assignments, office moves, and departmental equipment needs
• Manages the collaborating visitors, guest speaker programming, and other departmental events. Initiates university visitor protocol, processes J-1 visas, provides orientation upon arrival.
• Collaborates with the University Contracts Office to produce legal agreements.

Flexibility, excellence, and passion are vital qualities within Carnegie Mellon University. Collaboration and interpersonal sensitivity are valued competencies at CMU. Therefore, we are in search of a team member who is able to effectively interact with a varied population of internal and external partners at a high level of integrity. We are looking for someone who shares our values and who will support the mission of the university through their work.

• Bachelor's Degree in Accounting, Finance, Business Administration or a related field; Master's Degree preferred.
• 3-5 years of experience working in accounting, finance, operations management, human resources or a similar field.
• 7-10 years of experience and evidence of managerial expertise strongly preferred.
• Experience in higher education is a plus.
• Outstanding oral and written communication skills.
• Familiar with various computer systems and applications including but not limited to Microsoft Office Suite, Oracle, Workday and/or similar software and systems tools.
• A combination of education and proven experience from which comparable knowledge is demonstrated may be considered.

• Successful background check investigation
• Sponsorship: Applicants for this position must be currently legally authorized to work for CMU in the United States. CMU will not sponsor or take over sponsorship of an employment visa for this opportunity.

Joining the CMU team opens the door to an array of exceptional benefits.

Benefits eligible employees enjoy a wide array of benefits including comprehensive medical, prescription, dental, and vision insurance as well as a generous retirement savings program with employer contributions. Unlock your potential with tuition benefits, take well-deserved breaks with ample paid time off and observed holidays, and rest easy with life and accidental death and disability insurance. 

Additional perks include a free Pittsburgh Regional Transit bus pass, access to our Family Concierge Team to help navigate childcare needs, fitness center access, and much more!

For a comprehensive overview of the benefits available, explore our Benefits page.

At Carnegie Mellon, we value the whole package when extending offers of employment. Beyond credentials, we evaluate the role and responsibilities, your valuable work experience, and the knowledge gained through education and training. We appreciate your unique skills and the perspective you bring. Your journey with us is about more than just a job; it’s about finding the perfect fit for your professional growth and personal aspirations.

Are you interested in an exciting opportunity with an exceptional organization?! Apply today!

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