Chief Administrative and Business Officer

The Role
The Chief Administrative and Business Officer (CABO) at NYU Abu Dhabi is a senior leadership role overseeing and managing NYUAD’s financial operations and strategy, procurement and payables, risk mitigation, audit, human resources, campus services, campus safety, facilities and construction management and information technology services. Reporting to the NYUAD Vice Chancellor and jointly accountable to the NYU Executive Vice President and other key executives in New York, the CABO serves as the primary liaison between the Abu Dhabi Campus and New York University with regard to financial and operational matters. Additionally, the CABO acts as a liaison between NYUAD and its UAE government funding partner.

The position involves accountability to the Vice Chancellor for strategic initiatives and general administrative operations, the NYU Executive Vice President for operational improvements, and the NYU Chief Financial Officer for finance and budget management/compliance. The CABO ensures NYUAD’s administrative policies, procedures, systems and resources appropriately support academic priorities.

Key Responsibilities:

Finance:

● Objectively assess NYUAD’s goals in alignment with overall NYU University financial goals. Providing stewardship and review of all expenditures. Promoting a sound fiscal climate and encouraging responsible stewardship and fiscally prudent utilization of University resources

● Facilitate effective working relationships and governance, ensure compliance with fiscal policies and procedures, University fiscal policies and accounting procedures, maintain open channels of communication with NYU CFO, NYUAD’s government partner and implement all relevant policies regarding fiscal operations.

● Lead the budget development process with NYUAD’s government partner, by collaborating with relevant offices to develop and review budgetary plans, incorporating automation and effective controls

● Advise the NYUAD Vice Chancellor on financial goal progress, preparing reports and recommendations

● Ensure NYUAD complies with all financial responsibilities outlined in the Management Agreement

 

Operational/Administrative Responsibilities:

● Work closely with the NYUAD Vice Chancellor and NYU VP for Human Resources to develop NYUAD’s HR Strategy for talent retention and optimal planning and allocation of workforce, ensuring compliance with applicable UAE & US labor regulations

● Consult with NYU VP for Information Technology to optimize service levels and resource allocation, advocating for necessary technological resources

● Engage with NYUAD’s government partners to explain and advocate for NYUAD’s administrative strategies

● Serve as a member of NYUAD’s senior management team, contributing to short and long-term strategic planning

● Oversee administrative operations, including Budget and Financial Planning, Treasury, Controller, Logistics, Travel Services, Supply Chain, Human Resource Planning, Information Technology, etc

● Foster a culture of efficient results and customer-oriented services

Required Education:

● Master’s degree in Finance, Business or Public Administration (or a related field) or equivalent experience.

Required Experience and Capabilities:

● Minimum 15 years of progressively responsible experience in finance, business management, budget, fiscal compliance, with at least 10 years at the senior management level or an equivalent combination of education and experience is required

● Experience working in the region is highly valued

● Experience in higher education or an organisation of similar characteristics with an understanding of the attendant organisational dynamics is highly valued

● Possess in-depth knowledge of finance and business operations including experience managing various business functions such as human resources, facilities, information technology and operations

● Experience supervising, developing, and overseeing the implementation of policies and practices in an academic and/or nonprofit environment

● Strong financial skills, analytical, planning, and conceptual abilities, along with sharp problem-solving skills, and excellent written and verbal communication skills are required

● Able to effectively manage competing priorities, work well under pressure, and have excellent leadership, project management, and change management skills.

● Proven ability to communicate clearly and effectively

● Proven ability to analyse complex business issues, and identify effective strategic and operational solutions are required

● Powerful influencing, collaborating, and consulting skills

● Demonstrate strong technical skills in finance and related systems

● Facilitate a work environment that encourages knowledge of, respect for, and development of skills to engage with those of other cultures or backgrounds