Executive Director, Finance and Business Continuity

Division of Human Resources, Equal Opportunity, and Compliance, University of Southern California (USC)

USC is introducing a new leadership opportunity for an accomplished financial strategist and operations leader to oversee division-wide finance and continuity planning. The Executive Director of Finance and Business Continuity will serve as a trusted partner to the Senior Vice President Human Resources, Equal Opportunity, and Compliance providing strategic oversight of all financial planning, business continuity, and operational functions for the division. This role is part of a broader organizational realignment and has been designed to support the universitys commitment to operational excellence, risk mitigation, and consistent, mission-aligned practices across the university.

About the Role

The Executive Director will lead comprehensive financial and business continuity programs, ensuring both the long-term fiscal health and the operational resilience of the division. This role oversees budget development, multi-year financial modeling, forecasting, and compliance, as well as vendor management, and space planning, while ensuring all processes align with university policy and regulatory requirements. Reporting directly to the Senior Vice President, the Executive Director will be responsible for driving strategic planning, translating complex financial systems into clear, actionable insights, strengthening internal controls, and building frameworks that safeguard continuity of operations.

This is a hybrid position under our current work arrangement plan, with the expectation of an on-site presence for 3 days per week on the University Park Campus. This position may require occasional work on weekends, evenings, and/or holidays based on business necessity.

Key Responsibilities

• Provide strategic leadership for budget development, long-range financial modeling, forecasting, and compliance across the division.
• Advise senior leadership on financial performance, risks, trade-offs, and multi-year planning needs.
• Partner with divisional leadership to build shared understanding of budgetary impacts, translating complex data into clear and accessible insights that inform decision making.
• Direct the development and implementation of business continuity, disaster recovery, safety, and contingency planning processes.
• Oversee facilities, space management, payroll, and IT functions.
• Lead vendor selection, contract negotiation, and vendor management for projects and programs aligned with divisional goals.
• Ensure strong internal controls and compliance with university policies, applicable laws, and financial regulations.
• Supervise, mentor, and develop a team of managers and professional staff, ensuring performance standards and growth opportunities.
• Promote a culture of accountability, safety, and inclusivity consistent with the USC Integrity and Accountability Code.

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelors degree in finance, business administration, or a related field (combined experience/education may substitute for minimum education).
• 5 years of related professional experience, including at least 4 years in a management role.
• 4 years of experience in financial planning and budgeting within large, complex, matrixed organizations.
• Demonstrated knowledge of management principles, budgeting, finance, accounting, and relevant laws/regulations.
• Strong leadership skills with experience managing through multiple layers of staff.
• Excellent organizational, analytical, and communication skills, with proven ability to advise senior leadership.
• Knowledge of university financial policies, systems, and the use of spreadsheets and databases.

Preferred Qualifications

• Masters degree in finance, business administration, or a related field.
• 8 years of progressively responsible financial and operations management experience.
• Background in higher education or similarly complex organizations.
• Experience with facilities planning, IT oversight, and risk management.
• Track record of developing and implementing continuity and compliance frameworks.
• Demonstrated ability to lead organizational change, foster cross-functional collaboration, and balance multiple priorities.

Required Documents and Additional Information

Resume and cover letter required (may be uploaded as one file). Please do not submit your application without these documents. The budgeted salary range for this position is $235,829.97. When extending an offer of employment, the University of Southern California considers factors such as the scope and responsibilities of the position, the candidates work experience, education/training, key skills, internal peer alignment, federal, state, and local laws, contractual stipulations, grant funding, as well as external market and organizational considerations. To support faculty and staff well-being, USC provides benefits-eligible employees with a broad range of benefits and perks to help protect their and their dependents health, wealth, and future. These benefits are available as part of the overall compensation and total rewards package. You can learn more about USCs comprehensive benefits here. Minimum Education: Bachelors degree In Finance Or Business Administration Or in related field(s) Additional Education Requirements Combined experience/education as substitute for minimum education Minimum Experience: 5 years And 4 years In a management role And 4 years In financial planning and budgeting in large, complex, and matrixed organizations Minimum Skills: Management experience in a large, multi-faceted organization. Thorough knowledge of management principles, budgeting, finance, accounting and applicable laws/regulations. Knowledge of university financial policies, procedures and systems and use of computerized spreadsheets and databases. Preferred Education: Masters degree Preferred Experience: 8 years