Director of Administration, SMFA at Tufts

Overview

Tufts University’s School of Arts and Sciences (A&S) is seeking a Director of Administration for the School of the Museum of Fine Arts at Tufts (SMFA at Tufts). Reporting to the Executive Administrative Dean (EAD) and working closely with the SMFA Dean, this role serves as the senior administrative leader for SMFA, overseeing its financial, human resources, and facilities operations and ensuring alignment of resources with strategic priorities. The Director plays a critical role in advancing administrative practices, strengthening operational effectiveness, and supporting SMFA’s academic and artistic mission.The School of Arts and Sciences is Tufts University’s largest school, comprising undergraduate programs, the Graduate School of Arts and Sciences (GSAS), and studio art programs through SMFA at Tufts. The A&S Dean’s Office oversees academic departments and programs, student services, administrative units, and facilities across two campuses.Within the Dean’s Office, the Executive Administrative Dean’s (EAD) Office is responsible for financial oversight, strategic planning, resource allocation, human resources, and facilities planning across A&S, GSAS, SMFA at Tufts, and the AS&E Shared Division. Please review the Application Instructions under “What We’re Looking For” for specific guidance on submitting your cover letter.

What You'll Do

The Director of Administration reports to the Executive Administrative Dean (EAD) and serves as the senior administrative leader for SMFA, overseeing financial, human resources, and facilities operations. The role partners closely with the EAD and SMFA Dean to align resources with strategic priorities and is responsible for leading and managing the school’s administrative operations, supporting faculty and academic units, and ensuring effective, scalable, and well-integrated administrative processes that enable SMFA’s academic and artistic mission. Key responsibilities include:

• Lead and manage administrative operations: Provide day-to-day oversight of core functions, including finance, human resources, and facilities, ensuring effective coordination, service delivery, and alignment with institutional priorities.
• Serve as the primary administrative liaison: Act as the central point of coordination between SMFA and university offices, ensuring clear communication, policy implementation, and resolution of complex administrative issues.
• Manage and develop a high-performing team: Recruit, mentor, and oversee the SMFA administrative team, aligning roles and responsibilities to support evolving organizational and academic needs.
• Oversee financial strategy and stewardship: Direct the development and management of the school’s annual budget, including forecasting, financial planning, and ongoing monitoring in partnership with the University Budget Center.
• Support strategic decision-making: Advise school leadership on financial planning, business strategies, and resource allocation to advance institutional priorities and support long-term planning.
• Provide HR leadership and guidance: Partner with Human Resources and school leadership on recruitment, workforce planning, employee relations, and faculty-related administrative processes.
• Direct facilities and space planning: Oversee day-to-day facility operations and lead space planning, capital projects, and renovations across SMFA, including coordination across campuses and with studio operations.
• Drive operational effectiveness: Lead administrative initiatives and process improvements to enhance efficiency, strengthen practices, and support evolving institutional needs.
• Contribute to senior leadership: Serve as a key member of the SMFA cabinet and partner with senior leadership to advance the school’s academic and artistic mission.

What We're Looking For

Application Instructions:
Please submit a resume and cover letter (one to two pages maximum). In your cover letter, please address the following prompts using specific examples from your experience:

1.) What interests you about this role and the opportunity at SMFA at Tufts? If applicable, please share any experience working in or supporting arts-focused or creative environments. 2.) Describe your experience leading administrative or operational functions (e.g., finance, HR, or facilities) in a complex organization. How have you aligned resources with strategic priorities?

We encourage concise, focused responses rather than general statements of interest.

Basic Requirements:
Knowledge and experience typically acquired through:

• Bachelor’s degree
• 7-10 years of progressively responsible leadership experience, including complex administrative, financial, and operational oversight

Core Competencies:

• Strong financial, business, and strategic analysis skills, including advanced Excel and data analysis capability
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with experience engaging a wide range of stakeholders and partners
• Demonstrated ability to lead complex projects and initiatives in a fast-paced, deadline-driven environment
• Strong organizational, prioritization, and problem-solving skills, with sound judgment and decision-making ability
• Ability to represent senior leadership and effectively interface with multiple constituencies
• Highly motivated, proactive, and able to work both independently and collaboratively
• Adaptable and detail-oriented, with the ability to manage competing priorities and long-term timelines
• Professional presence with a strong service orientation

Preferred Qualifications:

• Master’s degree
• Experience in a higher education environment
• Experience working in or supporting the arts

Pay Range