Duquesne University · 17 hours ago
Chief Administrative Officer, Institute for Disability Empowerment and Advocacy (IDEA) – Education
Duquesne University is seeking a Chief Administrative Officer for the Institute for Disability Empowerment and Advocacy (IDEA) to provide strategic and operational leadership. The role involves overseeing administrative operations, managing budgets and personnel, ensuring compliance with policies, and collaborating with executive leadership to enhance the division's effectiveness and efficiency.
EducationHigher EducationUniversities
Responsibilities
Provides executive-level direction for the division’s administrative operations, ensuring alignment with institutional goals and compliance with University policies
Oversees the development, implementation, and execution of strategic plans, organizational structures, and process improvements that enhance effectiveness and efficiency across all units
Oversees personnel administration for the division, including hiring, onboarding, professional development, and performance management
Partners with Human Resources to promote a supportive, equitable, and high-performing work environment
Responsible for Development, management, and monitor divisional budgets, financial forecasts, and resource allocation models
Ensures sound fiscal practices, transparent reporting, and data-driven decision-making in collaboration with senior leadership and central administration
Develops, interprets, and enforces administrative policies and procedures to ensure compliance with University, state, and federal regulations
Identifies operational risks and implements strategies to mitigate them
Facilitates cross-unit communication, promotes transparency, and fosters collaboration between administrative and programmatic areas
Serves as a trusted advisor to executive leadership, providing clear and actionable recommendations
Performs other related tasks and special projects to support the division’s goals and operational excellence
Supervises work of others, including planning, assigning and scheduling work, reviewing work and ensuring quality standards, training staff and overseeing their productivity
May offer recommendations for hiring, termination and pay adjustments, but does not have responsibility for making these decisions
Qualification
Required
Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, Economics, Social Work, Education, or Liberal Arts from an accredited institution
A minimum of 5 to 8 years of progressively responsible experience in administrative, financial, or operational management within higher education, nonprofit, or similarly complex organizational settings is required
Experience should include strategic planning, budgeting, personnel supervision, and policy development at a senior leadership level
The role requires a demonstrated ability to manage cross-functional teams, optimize administrative systems, and align resources with institutional priorities
Experience working in collaboration with executive leadership, managing change, and implementing data-informed decision-making processes is essential for success in this position
Preferred
Master's degree (MBA or MPA) in from an accredited institution
Leadership and Strategic Management: Proven ability to lead complex administrative functions, set priorities, and guide teams toward achieving institutional and divisional goals
Financial and Analytical Expertise: Strong understanding of budgeting, financial forecasting, and data analysis to support effective decision-making and resource allocation
Organizational and Project Management: Exceptional planning and coordination skills with the ability to manage multiple initiatives, deadlines, and stakeholders simultaneously
Communication and Interpersonal Skills: Excellent written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills; ability to convey complex information clearly and build trust across diverse audiences
Collaboration and Relationship Building: Demonstrated success in fostering cooperative working relationships across departments and levels of leadership to advance shared objectives
Human Resources and Talent Development: Knowledge of HR best practices, including recruitment, performance management, professional development, and employee engagement
Policy and Compliance Knowledge: Understanding of institutional governance, risk management, and compliance requirements within higher education or comparable sectors
Adaptability and Initiative: Ability to anticipate challenges, respond to evolving priorities, and implement proactive solutions in a dynamic environment
Technology and Systems Proficiency: Familiarity with enterprise systems, data management tools, and technology solutions that improve administrative operations and decision support
Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with the University Community
Ability and willingness to contribute actively to the mission of the University and to respect the Spiritan Catholic identity of Duquesne University
Benefits
Paid time off including holidays and vacation
Retirement match
Tuition remission for employee and dependents
Company
Duquesne University
Duquesne University provides a vibrant setting for a horizon-expanding education.
H1B Sponsorship
Duquesne University has a track record of offering H1B sponsorships. Please note that this does not
guarantee sponsorship for this specific role. Below presents additional info for your
reference. (Data Powered by US Department of Labor)
Distribution of Different Job Fields Receiving Sponsorship
Represents job field similar to this job
Trends of Total Sponsorships
2025 (2)
2024 (6)
2023 (7)
2022 (4)
2021 (2)
2020 (11)
Funding
Current Stage
Late StageTotal Funding
$10.47MKey Investors
CDMRPPeirce Family FoundationEden Hall Foundation
2024-08-13Grant· $1.5M
2022-10-12Grant· $4.47M
2022-04-13Grant· $1.5M
Recent News
2025-11-19
2025-09-27
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