Associate Dean of Finance and Administration

The Harrah College of Hospitality at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas (“UNLV”) seeks candidates for the newly created position of Associate Dean of Finance and Administration (“ADFA”). The ADFA will serve as a strategic advisor to the Dean and will be responsible for financial and operational well-being of the College. The ideal candidate will be a highly energetic, compassionate, and collaborative leader who possesses superb management skills and experience working within a dynamic institution.

About the College

Situated just blocks away from the world's greatest hospitality laboratory—the Las Vegas Strip—the Harrah College of Hospitality enjoys unparalleled access to the hotels and resorts that are shaping the industry. Consistently ranked among the top five hospitality programs in the world, the College provides students with the theoretical and practical foundation needed to succeed in the competitive hospitality field. Faculty members are internationally-renowned, and alumni consist of some of the most influential leaders in the industry, with graduates overseeing major hotel brands, popular restaurants, event firms, and Fortune 500 companies.

The College offers a Bachelor of Science in Hospitality Management with concentrations in Gaming Management, Meetings and Events, PGA Golf Management, and Restaurant Management; an Executive Master of Hospitality Administration; a Master of Science in Hotel Administration; and a Doctor of Philosophy in Hospitality Administration. In addition, the College offers two dual degrees: a Master of Business Administration and Master of Science in Hotel Administration; and a Master of Science in Hotel Administration and Master of Science in Information Management Systems.

In the Fall of 2017, the College enrolled 2,252 undergraduate students, 96 graduate students, and 21 doctoral students. The College has approximately 45 faculty and 33 staff members that consist of classified and professional staff. Students learn, collaborate, and are inspired in the College's new academic building, Hospitality Hall. The building was paid for by a split of donations and state funds. Instead of one name on the building, each of the major donors, which accounted for more than $24 million of the funding, adorn different areas of the building.

Hospitality Hall opened in early 2018 and showcases a number of unique amenities, including an executive kitchen, interactive classrooms, a student-run café, a Center for Professional Golf Management, and special event spaces with sweeping views of the famous Las Vegas Strip.

For more information about the College, please visit https://www.unlv.edu/hospitality

Position Summary

Reporting to the Dean, the Associate Dean of Finance and Administration (“ADFA”) oversees all non-academic day-to-day operations of the College. The ADFA will join an outstanding leadership team, all members of which are committed to maximizing the success of an exceptional student body and dedicated faculty and staff. In the role of ADFA, the successful candidate will have many opportunities to further support and guide the mission of the College and lead key financial initiatives such as creating and implementing a business model for a sustained future, diversifying revenue streams, and applying best financial practices.

The ADFA manages several professional and all classified staff and oversees hospitality catering and revenue generated by Rebel Grounds and by the PGA Golf Management program through its golf shop. In addition, the ADFA has financial and operational oversight of the PLuS Center which offers executive and professional education programs. Although the ADFA is not a member of the faculty, he/she will work closely with the Executive Associate Dean of Academic Affairs in areas related to the Center's academic program content.

The ADFA is responsible for all administrative areas related to human resources, facilities management, information technology, and procurement. The ADFA works in partnership with the Human Resources Office at UNLV to coordinate human resources functions for the College. The ADFA is responsible for promoting the ongoing learning and development of the support staff, in alignment with the College's goals. The ADFA also oversees Information Technology, including infrastructure, policy development and implementation, and classroom technology. In addition, the ADFA oversees facilities and ensures attention is given to the renovation, repair, and replacement needs of the College.

Required Qualification and Desired Attributes

The successful candidate will have at least five years of progressive leadership experience in finance, accounting, and administration, specifically in higher education. The ADFA will have a flexible and open management style that delegates authority, empowers staff, sets high expectations, and holds colleagues accountable. The ADFA will also have a demonstrated track record of managing, motivating, and mentoring team members to maximize individual and collective performance. The ADFA will be adept at managing multiple priorities without losing momentum.

Required qualifications include:

  • A bachelor's degree from a regionally accredited institution.
  • Proven experience in managing a complex organization with multiple stakeholders.
  • Evidence of success working in a shared governance environment.
  • Strong skills and competence in utilizing financial data to assist with planning and decision-making relative to addressing the College's future needs for hiring, research, student support and other initiatives.
  • Demonstrated organizational, planning and analytical skills.
  • Exemplary communication, negotiation, supervisory and team management skills.

The most desirable candidates will have an advanced degree in Accounting, Business Administration, Public Administration, Finance or related field from an accredited institution. In addition, candidates will have a proven record of working effectively with colleagues to support and ensure progress around key strategic initiatives and deliverables. More importantly, they will demonstrate the ability to advocate for resources necessary for students, faculty, and the College to achieve excellence and world-wide distinction. Ideally, candidates will have administrative experience in hospitality management at a major research university or complex organization.

For a detailed list of required qualifications and desired attributes, please refer to the ADFA's position profile: https://www.storbeckpimentel.com/pd/UNLV-HospitalityADFA.pdf.

The University

Founded in 1957, UNLV is a doctoral-degree-granting urban research university with a vibrant and culturally-diverse campus community. The university is ranked in the category of “higher research activity” by the Carnegie Foundation. UNLV serves approximately 29,000 students, including 4,500 graduate and professional students, supported by about 1,100 faculty and scholars. UNLV offers a broad range of respected academic programs and is on a path to join the ranks of top tier national public research universities. UNLV is Southern Nevada's premier metropolitan research university and was recently designated as a Hispanic Serving Institution (HSI). UNLV is also a Minority Serving Institution (MSI), and Asian American and Native American Pacific Islander Serving Institution (AANAPISI). The University is located on a 332-acre main campus, with two satellite campuses in Southern Nevada. For more information, visit us on line at: http://www.unlv.edu.

Application / Nomination Process

The Search Committee will begin reviewing applications immediately and will continue to accept applications and nominations until the position is filled. Applicants must submit a letter of interest and a detailed resume listing qualifications and experience. Submission of materials via e-mail is strongly encouraged. Nomination letters should include the name, position, address, and telephone number of the nominee. All nominations and applications will be handled in confidence. Applications and letters of nomination should be submitted to:

Alberto Pimentel, Managing Partner

Emy Peña, Parter

Storbeck / Pimentel & Associates

6512 Painter Avenue, Whittier, CA 90601

Email: apsearch@storbeckpimentel.com

Refer to “UNLV Hospitality ADFA” in subject line

UNLV is an Equal Opportunity / Affirmative Action educator and employer committed to achieving excellence through diversity. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to, among other things, race, color, religion, sex, age, creed, national origin, veteran status, physical or mental disability, sexual orientation, genetic information, gender identity, gender expression, or any other factor protected by anti-discrimination laws. The University of Nevada, Las Vegas employs only United States citizens and non-citizens lawfully authorized to work in the United States. Women, under-represented groups, individuals with disabilities, and veterans are encouraged to apply.