Department Administrator World Languages & Literature

The Department of World Languages & Literatures seeks a professional to oversee the administration of its financial, operational and faculty action functions. This involves managing the department's various budgets, implementing College and University policies and procedures, and being the primary contact for faculty, staff, other university administrators and officials, and external parties. This position is responsible for the academic functioning of the department, which includes overseeing class scheduling and administering faculty actions (processing hires, tenure and promotion, leaves and sabbaticals). The successful candidate will be highly organized, meticulously detailed, and able to multi-task. Candidate will be self-motivated and take the initiative, following through on all projects until completion. Candidate will be comfortable working independently, but also able to interact amicably with faculty, leadership in the College and University, and staff in other departments. Candidate must demonstrate excellent communication skills. The Department of World Languages & Literatures is home to the study of global cultural traditions taught by a diverse group of faculty. We teach ten languages (Arabic, Chinese, German, Hebrew, Hindi-Urdu, Japanese, Korean, Persian, Russian, and Turkish), and a wide range of courses in premodern and modern literature, film, translation, and gender. Our MFA program in Literary Translation and an annual lecture series featuring renowned translators adds vibrancy to our department. The Department is committed to diversity and accessibility in the study of linguistic and literary cultures in a globalized world.

Key Responsibilities:

• Administer Faculty Actions procedures for department, including tenure review and promotion, lecturer promotion, faculty searches, appointments, personal and research leave applications, and peer evaluations of teaching.
• Coordinate multi-step visa applications for international scholars along with ISSO Manage and monitor departmental operating budget, faculty research accounts, and restricted accounts.
• Work with Associate Chair to track department teaching assignments and Summer Term offerings; coordinate CAS Bulletin editing process and academic planning process.
• Serve as primary departmental contact for faculty and administrators.
• Manage office facilities, maintenance, and improvements.
• Supervise Administrative Coordinator Assist Admin. Coord, in supervision of student office workers and other undergraduates employed as language and writing tutors, and research assistants.
• Advise chair on space issues and personnel considerations involving office assignments.
• Assist faculty in planning special events and effect interdepartmental funds transfers related to joint events and BUCH-funded projects. 
• Process honoraria and expense reimbursements and advise faculty & staff on use of Concur.
• Assist the Director of MFA to administer the BU Seminar in Literary Translation, with 8-10 guest speakers every spring; Big Fat Books symposium; and other events.

Established in 1873, Arts and Sciences is Boston University's largest and most academically diverse unit, encompassing over 8,400 undergraduates, 2,000 graduate students, 800 faculty members, and 300 staff across 50 departments, programs, centers, and institutes. Our faculty are award-winning researchers, innovative teachers, and dedicated mentors committed to exploring the complexities of our present and past, uncovering new perspectives, and crafting creative solutions to real-world problems. Our staff are dynamic, mission-driven professionals who foster community, inclusion, and belonging to advance every aspect of the college enterprise. Our community thrives on collaboration, bold ideas, and interdisciplinary exploration. Join us in supporting the pursuit of knowledge that changes the world and provides boundless opportunities to inspire the next generation of leaders.

We offer generous benefits, including health, dental, and life insurance, tuition remission, retirement savings, paid time off, and holiday leave. 

• B.A./B.S. and 3+ years of relevant administrative experience is required for this position.
• Strong Microsoft Office skills.
• Experience with student information systems Proficiency with data collection and analysis.
• Strong verbal and written skills, along with strong interpersonal skills.
• Ability to manage large projects as well as day-to-day tasks and queries.

Preferred:

• Prior management experience, experience with intercultural work environments, and experience with data analysis programs such as PowerBI