Position Overview
The Director of Housing Finances provides strategic leadership, financial oversight, and administrative direction for Housing & Residence Life's (HRL) finance and business operations. Under the direction of the Executive Director of Housing & Residence Life, the position manages multiple business and service functions supporting a $50+ million auxiliary enterprise and serves as a key member of the department's senior leadership team.
The Director is responsible for financial management, budgeting, capital planning, business operations, policy administration, and organizational compliance. As HRL's senior business administrator, the position serves as the principal advisor on financial, operational, and administrative matters and collaborates with university partners to advance departmental and institutional priorities. The position provides leadership in the development, implementation, and continuous improvement of operational strategies, business processes, policies, and procedures supporting HRL programs and services.
The Director serves as the primary liaison with campus partners regarding budgeting, financial management, operational planning, purchasing, capital improvements, and business operations. The position ensures organizational compliance with applicable laws, regulations, University policies, and procedures governing a variety of functional areas. The successful candidate must demonstrate exceptional leadership, strategic thinking, operational expertise, sound judgment, and the ability to work effectively in a complex and collaborative environment.
Housing & Residence Life at the University of Kansas is home to nearly 5500 students on the Lawrence campus in residence halls, apartments, and cooperative houses known as scholarship halls. Our office is strongly committed to promoting and supporting students during their time living on campus.
Job Description
45% Strategic Planning, Business Operations, and Financial Management
- Collaborate with departmental leadership to establish and implement strategic priorities, operational plans, and organizational initiatives.
- Lead project management for multiple major financial initiatives, including planning, coordination, documentation, timelines, and communications.
- Prepare comprehensive financial reports and presentations.
- Direct financial and business operations, including budgeting, receivables, capital planning, procurement, financial reporting, and resource allocation.
- Lead the development and administration of the annual HRL budget, including forecasting, financial analysis, and long-range planning.
- Develop room rate models and financial strategies that support operational needs and long-term financial sustainability.
- Identify and implement process improvements that enhance operational effectiveness, service delivery, and stewardship of resources.
- Develop funding strategies for capital improvement projects and provide analysis to support strategic decision-making.
- Serve as the primary liaison with University departments, affiliated entities, and external partners on financial and operational matters.
25% Business Administration, Policy Development, and Compliance
- Develop and maintain departmental policies, procedures, and internal controls supporting effective business operations.
- Interpret and apply University policies, regulatory requirements, and financial practices across the department.
- Ensure compliance with applicable University, State, and federal regulations affecting finance, purchasing, personnel, contracts, and capital projects.
- Oversee business systems, reporting processes, and operational workflows that support departmental services.
- Direct the preparation of financial, operational, bond disclosure, asset management, and other required reports.
- Monitor organizational risk and ensure sound stewardship of departmental resources.
20% Leadership and Staff Management
- Supervise professional and administrative staff supporting financial, operational, and business services functions. Establish performance expectations, conduct evaluations, provide coaching, and support employee development.
- Provide leadership and direction to HRL staff engaged in business and operational functions, programs, and services.
- Foster a collaborative and service-oriented environment focused on accountability, continuous improvement, and operational excellence.
- Lead organizational change initiatives and implementation of business process improvements.
- Work closely with staff across Housing & Residence Life, Student Affairs, Finance Administration, and other University departments to ensure coordinated and effective finance and business operations.
10% General Duties
- Serve on the HRL leadership team and contribute to departmental planning, goal setting, and decision-making.
- Represent HRL on University committees, work groups, and strategic initiatives.
- Advise the Executive Director on financial, operational, administrative, and organizational matters.
- Act on behalf of the Executive Director regarding business operations and administrative functions as assigned.
- Other duties as assigned.
Required Qualifications
- Master’s degree in a related field and 3 years of related experience or bachelor’s degree in a related field and 5 years or related experience.
- Skills in analyzing complex financial issues and data and presenting conclusions and recommendations in a concise, systematic, and understandable manner as evidenced by application materials.
- Minimum of three (3) years managing multiple projects with strict deadlines.
- Two years of supervisory experience.
- Experience collaborating with senior leadership on strategic planning and organizational design, as evidenced in application materials.
- Experience utilizing web-based technologies and Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, Outlook, and Teams), as evidenced in application materials.
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills as evidenced by application materials.
This position requires a formal degree in the cited discipline area(s) to ensure that candidates have advanced knowledge, analytical skills and professional competencies necessary to perform the duties of the position. The level of degree is commonly recognized as the standard qualification for similar roles in the public and private sector, ensuring that the university remains competitive with industry aligned practices, enhances collaboration with external partners, and supports the delivery of services and programs that meet professional and market-driven expectations.
Preferred Qualifications
- Experience with capital planning, large-scale financing initiatives, or long-range financial planning, as evidenced in application materials.
- Ability to manage competing priorities and adapt to changing demands, as evidenced in application materials.
- Experience with KU business practices, budgeting systems, and administrative processes, as evidenced in application materials.
Additional Candidate Instructions
In addition to the online application, the following documents are required to be considered for this position:
- Cover letter describing how you meet the required and preferred qualifications.
- Resume
- List of three (3) professional references
Only complete applications will be considered.
Application review begins Monday, August 31, 2026, and will continue until a qualified pool of applicants are identified.
Contact Information to Applicants
Sarah Waters
sarah.waters@ku.edu
Advertised Salary Range
Starting at $95,000 and commensurate with experience
Application Review Begins
Monday August 31, 2026
Anticipated Start Date
Monday September 28, 2026