Senior Director of Budget and Administration

Job Description:

As a member of the colleges leadership team, the Senior Director of Budget and Administration will work closely with the Dean to set financial priorities in alignment with the colleges strategic goals, and within available resources. This position will be responsible for administering the current year budget and long-range planning for the College of Visual and Performing Arts and subordinate units through collaboration with the leadership team. This position will serve as the principal staff officer for the college community and will oversee the college office of budget and operations responsible for approving and processing payroll and HR related activities, procurement, disbursements, establish controls surrounding best business practices, and enforce college and university policies. This role will support the operations and strategic initiatives as the College moves forward with the ongoing implementation of the strategic plan and will act as a liaison between the college and university offices.

Education and Experience:

• Bachelors degree in management or financial field required, masters degree preferred.
• Seven (7+) plus years of experience in business operations, financial planning and analysis, or related field required.
• Experience in higher education preferred.

Skills and Knowledge:

• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills (both verbal and written) are required.
• Supervisory experience and leadership skills that instill trust and confidence through demonstration of integrity, accountability, and fiscal responsibility are required.
• Must be discreet.
• Expert in analysis and data driven problem solving and decision-making skills.
• Ability to troubleshoot situations.
• Experience with Excel is essential and PeopleSoft, Hyperion are preferred.
• Ability to contain costs and manage limited resources.
• Highly organized and strong time management skills - ability to work under pressure and manage multiple tasks and deadlines required.

Responsibilities:

• Evaluate, propose, and enforce internal controls, identify opportunities for standardization, enhance organizational effectiveness, improve business processes, and streamline College policies.
• Coordinate discussions that advance the implementation of the Colleges academic strategic plan, particularly related to the organizational structure, space planning and business processes.
• Ensure actionable items are included in the Colleges financial plan and are fiscally viable and sustainable.
• Direct and collaborate on special projects and provide counsel to the members of the Colleges leadership team.
• Collaborate with senior leadership to identify program needs and financial outcomes, align investments with strategic initiatives and advise on improvement of operations and related workflow, including faculty workloads and course enrollments in response to enrollment trends and curricular changes.
• Oversee/manage all aspects of the Colleges budgeting (including estimated finals and long-range plans), procurement, disbursements, and payroll.
• Effectively manage college expenditures at all levels to align with revenues received.
• Responsible for creating financial reports and analysis for the College leadership team.
• Analyze and forecast salary, operating and capital project budgets, sponsored contracts, gifts and endowments, tuition and other revenues.
• Perform complex financial analysis and build modeling tools to inform recommendations for maximizing financial or other resource outcomes that will allow the College to achieve its goals.
• Act as liaison with VPA schools/departments regarding college-wide financial policies, as well as maintain positive relationships with central University offices, other schools/colleges, and outside organizations; must possess the ability to effectively communicate and execute across different levels and departments regarding financial matters.
• In consultation with the Assistant Dean for Advancement and External Affairs, oversee and analyze gifts and endowment payout funds to ensure funds are utilized in accordance with donor restrictions, and that the college is maximizing the utilization of restricted funds.
• Partner with University offices (HR, Payroll and Academic affairs) to oversee the HR related processes in the College and serve as primary point of contact for the Senior HR Business Partner.
• Responsible for understanding the organizational structure of the college and recommending enhancements to leadership.
• Evaluate, develop, and implement staff training initiatives to ensure continuous improvement in staff skills consistent with performance expectations.
• Coordinate and oversee the annual salary and performance review process for the College of Visual & Performing Arts faculty and staff.
• Participate in complex and confidential issues related to employment, compensation, appointment letters, and employee relations.
• Act as liaison with VPA schools/departments regarding college-wide financial policies and cultivates strong partnerships with central University offices and services, other schools/colleges, and outside organizations; must possess the ability to effectively communicate and execute across different levels and departments regarding financial and operational matters.
• In consultation with the Assistant Dean for Advancement and External Affairs, oversee and analyze gifts and endowment payout funds to ensure funds are utilized in accordance with donor restrictions, and that the college is maximizing the utilization of restricted funds.
• Other duties as assigned.