"Director of Budget and Administration, Institute for Disability Empowerment and Advocacy (IDEA) – Ed"

POSITION SUMMARY

The Director of Budget Administration provides leadership and oversight for the Institute for Disability Empowerment and Advocacy operating and grant budgeting processes, ensuring that financial resources are aligned with institutional goals and strategic priorities. This position manages budget development, forecasting, and reporting, serving as a key advisor to senior leadership on fiscal planning and performance. The Director oversees budget systems and policies to promote transparency, accuracy, and compliance across all divisions. They play a central role in supporting data-informed decision-making and long-term financial sustainability for the University.

The Director of Budget Administration provides dedicated financial leadership and coordination for the Institute for Disability Empowerment and Advocacy (IDEA). As a newly established Institute with multiple programmatic, research, and community engagement components, IDEA requires a central role to oversee budgeting, financial planning, and resource management. The Director of Budget Administration will ensure that funds are used effectively, transparently, and in alignment with the Institute’s mission and University priorities. This position will support IDEA’s long-term sustainability by managing fiscal operations, guiding strategic resource allocation, and strengthening financial reporting and compliance practices.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Budget Strategy and Planning: Provides leadership for the development, management, and monitoring of IDEA’s operating and program budgets. Prepares annual and multi-year financial plans, ensures alignment with University priorities, and provides budget guidance to Institute leadership and staff.
• Financial Analysis and Reporting: Analyzes financial data, prepares reports, forecasts, and budget-to-actual summaries. Provides insight and recommendations to support decision-making and long-term sustainability. Ensures compliance with University financial policies and external funding requirements.
• Resource Allocation and Oversight: Monitors expenditures, approves budget transfers, and ensures proper use of funds across multiple programs and grants. Coordinates with University Finance and Grants Management offices to maintain fiscal integrity and transparency.
• Policy Development and Compliance: Develops and maintains budget procedures and internal controls that ensure compliance with University, state, and federal regulations. Advises Institute leadership on financial policy and risk management issues.
• Other duties as assigned: Performs additional tasks and special projects as required to support the financial and operational success of the Institute.

REQUIREMENTS

Minimum qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, or Data Analytics from an accredited institution.

Preferred qualifications:

A minimum of five to eight years of progressively responsible experience in budgeting, financial planning, or business administration within higher education, nonprofit, or similarly complex organizational settings is preferred. Experience should include developing and managing grant and operating and program budgets, preparing financial forecasts, monitoring expenditures, and ensuring compliance with institutional and funding policies. Demonstrated success working collaboratively with senior leadership, managing multiple funding streams, and providing data-informed recommendations is essential.

Experience in establishing financial operations for a new center or institute, particularly one focused on research, education, or community engagement, is preferred. Familiarity with grant budgeting, sponsored program accounting, and working with philanthropic, state, or federal funding sources is highly desirable. Prior work in organizations committed to accessibility, empowerment, or social impact is beneficial.

Alternately, the successful candidate may possess any equivalent combination of experience and training, which provides the knowledge, skills and abilities required to perform the essential job functions. This includes, but is not limited to, the following:

• Financial and Analytical Expertise: Advanced knowledge of budgeting, forecasting, and financial analysis; ability to interpret complex financial data and translate it into actionable insights for decision-making.
• Strategic Planning and Resource Management: Skill in aligning financial planning with institutional and programmatic goals; ability to develop and manage multi-year financial models that support sustainability.
• Policy and Compliance Knowledge: Understanding of higher education or nonprofit financial operations, internal controls, and compliance requirements related to institutional, state, and federal regulations.
• Communication and Interpersonal Skills: Excellent written and verbal communication abilities; capable of presenting financial information clearly to non-financial audiences and building trust with diverse stakeholders.
• Collaboration and Teamwork: Demonstrated ability to work effectively across departments and functions, fostering cooperation among academic, administrative, and external partners.
• Technology and Systems Proficiency: Strong command of Microsoft Excel and enterprise financial systems; familiarity with reporting tools and data management platforms.
• Leadership and Initiative: Ability to work independently, exercise sound judgment, and proactively identify opportunities for improvement in budgeting and financial processes.
• Adaptability and Problem Solving: Flexibility in managing changing priorities, developing creative solutions, and maintaining composure under deadlines.
• Commitment to Mission: Awareness of and sensitivity to the goals of the Institute for Disability Empowerment and Advocacy, ensuring financial practices reflect inclusivity, transparency, and accountability.

Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with the University Community.

Ability and willingness to contribute actively to the mission of the University and to respect the Spiritan Catholic identity of Duquesne University. The mission is implemented through a commitment to academic excellence, a spirit of service, moral and spiritual values, sensitivity to world concerns, and an ecumenical campus community.

APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS

Applicants are asked to submit a cover letter, resume, and contact information for three professional references.

Salary: Commensurate with experience
Benefits: Generous benefits include paid time off including holidays and vacation, retirement match, and tuition remission for employee and dependents. Details at www.duq.edu/benefits
Location: Education
Position Status: Full-time
Hours: Varied
Position Number: 223551/10-1136
FLSA Status: Exempt