Senior Executive Director

Arizona State University

. Plan, direct, and manage all operational and financial aspects for Watts College .

Posted 10/15/2026full-timePhoenix • Arizona • United StatesSenior💰 $168,900 - $210,000 per yearWebsite

Core Competencies

Role fit

Core Competencies

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Demonstrates extensive experience in operational and financial management within a university setting, with a strong focus on strategic planning, budget management, and human resources practices. Proven ability to lead teams, develop policies, and implement effective operational controls to enhance organizational effectiveness.

Highest-signal resume keywords

Operational ManagementBudget ManagementStrategic PlanningHuman Resources ManagementLeadership and Supervision

ATS Keywords

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Applicant Tracking System Keywords

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Hard Skills

Budget Management MethodsStrategic Planning PrinciplesAccounting PracticesFinancial ReportingOperational Infrastructure DevelopmentForecast and Tracking ModelsBenchmarking Metrics DesignDecision-MakingProblem SolvingStaff Management

Soft Skills

Interpersonal SkillsOral CommunicationWritten CommunicationPresentation SkillsMentoring

Certifications & Qualifications

Bachelor's Degree

Industry Keywords

University OperationsOrganizational ManagementGovernment Accounting PrinciplesInstitutional SustainabilityExternal Constituencies

About the role

Key responsibilities & impact

Plan, direct, and manage all operational and financial aspects for Watts College
Provide leadership and strategic vision aligned with the University mission
Ensure operational effectiveness and efficiency through operational controls, procedures, and personnel
Report directly to the Dean
Supervise leads in Budget and Finance, Human Resources, Research Advancement Post-Award, Information Technology, Space and Facilities
Provide daily operational direction and guidance
Collaborate with the Executive Management Team on operational matters and strategic goals
Lead development, communication, and implementation of growth strategies and processes
Develop, implement, and assess operational infrastructure, systems, and processes
Advise senior leadership on financial and operational performance
Plan, direct, coordinate, and review the annual budget process
Prepare annual operational, financial, and regulatory reports
Ensure equity in budgetary and personnel decision-making
Develop and implement standard operating procedures, policies, internal controls, and accounting standards
Design and implement benchmarking metrics and recommend improvements
Develop cooperative relationships with ASU areas and external constituencies
Implement Human Resources management methods and strategies
Oversee Information Technology, security and training compliance, and IT practices
Oversee space allocations, remodels, renovations, furniture acquisition, moves, signage, and building access
Serve as college liaison to ASU operations infrastructure and counterpart units

Requirements

What you’ll need

Bachelor's degree and eleven (11) years of experience appropriate to the area of assignment/field including seven (7) years managerial experience; OR, any equivalent combination of experience and/or training from which comparable knowledge, skills and abilities have been achieved
Ten years prior senior management role including organizational fiscal accountability, with a proven track record of exceeding goals
Knowledge of management and supervisory principles and practices
Knowledge of budget management methods and techniques
Knowledge of strategic planning principles and practices
Knowledge of Human Resources and Organizational Management principles and practices
Knowledge of accounting and budgeting practices and principles, including government accounting principles for college and university external financial reporting
Skill in working with a complex university community and multiple external constituencies
Skill in problem solving, decision-making, planning, analysis, coordination, prioritization, staff management, mentoring, leadership, supervision, and evaluation
Skill in developing and executing forecast and tracking models integrating statistical and financial information
Skill in analyzing strategic plans, econometric forecasts, and fiscal, economic, or political factors
Ability to think strategically and anticipate future consequences and trends
Ability to build organizational and staff capacity
Thorough understanding of finance, systems, HR, strategic development, budgeting, business analysis, information systems, human resources, and marketing
Exceptional interpersonal, oral, written, and presentation skills
Ability to support institutional sustainability programs
Must submit a cover letter and resume or CV
Employment contingent upon successful background and fingerprint checks

Benefits

Comp & perks

Comprehensive benefits package
Relocation assistance information and resources
Tobacco-free university
Pre-employment screening and background check
Fingerprint check for this safety/security-sensitive position