Assistant Dean for Finance and Administration - College of Pharmacy
The College of Pharmacy is seeking an Assistant Dean. This senior leadership role is responsible for the strategic oversight and management of the College’s financial, operational, and administrative functions. The Assistant Dean will play a critical role in supporting the College’s mission in education, research, patient care, and service, with a particular emphasis on financial stewardship and operational excellence.
This position requires a visionary and collaborative leader with demonstrated expertise in academic finance and operational management. The successful candidate will work closely with the Dean, department chairs, faculty, staff and university leadership to ensure the effective and compliant use of resources in support of the College’s strategic goals.
The College of Pharmacy has two academic units, offering a Doctor of Pharmacy program and three PhD tracks. In addition, the college has a Contract Development and Manufacturing Organization (CDMO) business unit, University of Iowa Pharmaceuticals (UIP). This is a business operation with annual revenues of over $16 million established almost 45 years ago to provide contract pharmaceutical manufacturing and testing in an FDA regulated environment.
Since 1885 the University of Iowa College of Pharmacy, one of the most highly regarded programs in the country, has maintained an unsurpassed commitment to educate and train the highest quality pharmacists and pharmaceutical scientists. The PharmD program has a strong grounding in science and evidence-based practice, exploration of career choices through required and elective courses, and exposure to leadership opportunities. The program synthesizes basic scientific principles and practice through caring and communication in an integrated professional program. In addition to the PharmD degree, students may specialize with a professional Certificate in Palliative Care, a combined Doctor of Pharmacy/MPH degree, or Doctor of Pharmacy/MS in informatics degree.
The College of Pharmacy offers a Doctor of Philosophy in three areas: drug discovery and experimental therapeutics, health services research, and pharmaceutics. Researchers have a passion for fundamental and translation research in drug discovery, drug development, and biomedical science.
The College of Pharmacy admits approximately 110 PharmD students each year and has nearly 80 PhD students actively enrolled. Sixty faculty members teach in either (or both) academic programs and are actively engaged in scientific research. Nearly 850 preceptors and adjunct faculty members assist in training and providing practice experiences for the Doctor of Pharmacy candidates.
The college community proudly collaborates with expert healthcare providers at UI Health Care and five healthcare colleges on campus.
Key Areas of Responsibility
Operations Management
- Lead the development and execution of the College’s financial strategy, including budgeting, forecasting, and long-term financial planning.
- Oversee all financial operations, including accounting, procurement, grants administration, and compliance.
- Initiate special projects in administrative activities and budget issues and assist the Dean in special projects.
- Oversee the administrative functions of the college.
Strategic Planning
- Under the direction of the dean, develop, implement, and evaluate the organizational strategic vision and plan.
- Administer collegiate operations that support the educational and research goals of the college and university.
Administrative, Financial and Human Resource Responsibility
- Provide administrative leadership for human resources, facilities, IT, and business operations.
- Service as Collegiate Budget Officer representing College of Pharmacy to central units.
- Provide financial oversight for pharmaceutical manufacturing operations, including cost accounting, capital planning, regulatory compliance, and supply chain management.
- Develop and maintain financial models and reporting systems to support data-driven decision-making.
Communication and Outreach
- Represent the College in financial and administrative matters at the university and with external partners.
- Participate in collegiate administrative, executive, and university committees.
- Develop strategic partnership opportunities and strategic relationships with peer institutions, vendors, and other relevant stakeholders.
For a complete job description, please contact Libby Kleppe at libby-kleppe@uiowa.edu
Education Requirement
- Master’s degree in business administration, finance, accounting, or a bachelor’s degree with the equivalent additional experience.
Required Qualifications
- Minimum of 7 years of supervisory and financial leadership experience in an academic setting, preferably with experience in healthcare, pharmacy, pharmaceutical manufacturing operations, including:
- Financial modeling, analysis, and data-informed decision making,
- Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with a record of data informed decision making.
- In-depth knowledge of accounting principles, budgeting, and financial analysis.
- Exceptional interpersonal, written, and verbal communication skills.
- A collaborative leadership style with the ability to inspire and engage teams.
- Demonstrated success in strategic planning, project management, and process improvement.
- Proven commitment to ethical standards and regulatory compliance.
- Experience with fostering a welcoming and respectful workplace for people from all types of backgrounds.
Highly Desirable Qualifications
- Financial leadership experience in a clinical academic institution, including teaching, patient care, research, and service.
Desirable Qualifications
- Certified Public Accountant (CPA), Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) or Certified Management Accountant (CMA) designation.
- Experience with facility management, capital projects, and vendor contract negotiations.
- Familiarity with IT infrastructure, data security, and electronic health records.
Application and Position Details
- In order to be considered for an interview, applicants must upload the following documents and mark them as a “Relevant File” to the submission:
- Resume
- Cover Letter
- Job openings are posted for a minimum of 14 calendar days. This job may be removed from posting and filled any time after the minimum posting period has ended. Successful candidates will be required to self-disclose any conviction history and will be subject to a criminal background check and credential/education verification. 5 professional references will be requested at a later step in the recruitment process. For additional questions, please contact Libby Kleppe at libby-kleppe@uiowa.edu.
Benefits Highlights
- Regular salaried position. Pay level 7A. Located in Iowa City, Iowa.
- Fringe benefit package including paid vacation; sick leave; health, dental, life and disability insurance options; and generous employer contributions into retirement plans.
- For more information about Why Iowa? Click here.
Joining the University of Iowa means becoming a vital part of the Hawkeye community, where your work directly impacts education, research, and student success.
Enjoy exceptional health coverage, university-paid life insurance, robust retirement plans, and generous leave policies. Benefit from 24/7 support services, well-being resources, and access to UI Health Care specialists. Grow professionally with advanced training, leadership development, and tuition assistance.
Iowa City offers a great quality of life with world-class performances at Hancher Auditorium, Big Ten athletics, top-ranked public schools, and outdoor recreation.
Join us in making a difference at a leading Big Ten university and premier public research institution.
Equal opportunity/affirmative action employer
The University of Iowa is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer. All qualified applicants are encouraged to apply and will receive consideration for employment free from discrimination on the basis of race, creed, color, religion, national origin, age, sex, pregnancy (including childbirth and related conditions), disability, genetic information, status as a U.S. veteran, service in the U.S. military, sexual orientation, gender identity, or associational preferences.
Persons with disabilities who need assistance or accommodations with the application or interview process may contact University Human Resources/Faculty and Staff Disability Services, (319) 335-2660 or fsds@uiowa.edu. For jobs in UI Health care, please contact UI Health care Leave & Disability Administration at 319-356-7543.
