Director, Finance and Operations

Location : Chicago, IL

Find out exactly what skills, experience, and qualifications you will need to succeed in this role before applying below.

Job Description :

• Contributes to administrative and programmatic direction and coordination in the formulation, interpretation and administration of the University's strategic planning, BFI strategic objectives, and corresponding short- and long-term policies, procedures, and program plans.
• Effectively utilizes data to inform decision-making and ensures timely, accurate analyses for leadership.
• Enhances overall process efficiency, consistency, and effectiveness to build on BFI’s reputation for superior service.
• Collaborates with University partners and external entities to support and implement BFI activities.
• Cultivates a competent and diverse team dedicated to solutions-oriented service.
• Provides high-level oversight of finance, HR, and operations, ensuring alignment with organizational goals.
• Ensures compliance with University policies and procedures across all relevant areas.
• Manages the finance team and ensures accuracy and completeness for all budgeting, forecasting, monthly reconciliations, reporting, and grant management.
• Researches and advises the senior leadership at BFI on financial reporting requirements.
• Ensures that BFI’s decision-makers understand the short and long-term implications of financial commitments.
• Manages the operations team, including asset management, IT, supplies, and facilities, to ensure resources are used effectively and efficiently.
• Manages the human resources team including overseeing annual compensation planning, compensation budget, performance review and management, and administration of payroll-related activities.
• Serves as a consultant and coach to supervisors and, when needed, works with individual supervisors and staff to enhance performance and / or working relations.
• Executes functional business plans and contributes to the development of financial goals, strategies, plans, and policies for the unit.
• Advises budgets for all areas within scope of responsibility. Directs quarterly and year-end reporting for the operating budget.
• Performs other related work as needed.

Preferred Qualifications

Education :

• Bachelor's degree.
• Advanced degree in a relevant field.

Experience :

• 5 years of management experience with project and operational budgeting oversight.
• 3 years of proven leadership in managing units / projects in a research organization, public institution, non-profit, library, museum, or similar organization.
• 2 years of human resources experience.
• 2 years of administrative, program management and facilities management experience.

Technical Skills or Knowledge :

• Understanding of fiscal management of grants, philanthropic gifts, and GAAP (accounting).
• Problem-solving and financial analytical skills.
• Interact professionally with all levels of employees.
• Knowledge of data extraction and reporting.
• Knowledge of financial principles, practices, and applications including budgeting, financial planning, and financial reporting.
• Excellent working knowledge and experience with MS Office (Excel, Word, PowerPoint).

Preferred Competencies :

• Excellent interpersonal skills and interact effectively with others in difficult situations.
• Maintain confidentiality of all relevant reports.
• Excellent time management and organization skills.
• Meet established deadlines.
• Think strategically and translate into operational objectives.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Manage multiple projects simultaneously and meet tight deadlines.
• Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail.
• Work closely with senior University officials.
• Work both independently and as a team member.
• Work effectively with team members, staff, and faculty across the University of Chicago, from faculty at the Chicago Booth School of Business, Harris School of Public Policy, Law School, and the Department of Economics, to other internal and external University of Chicago partners.
• Demonstrated leadership abilities, including developing strategic plans against a vision, and involving others in the execution.
• Outstanding interpersonal and communication skills; highly articulate in both oral and written forms, translating complex technical concepts into non-technical language.
• Aptitude for translating complex issues and ideas to general audience.

Application Documents

• Resume / CV (required)
• Cover Letter (required)
• References Contact Information (3)(required)

The University of Chicago is an Affirmative Action / Equal Opportunity / Disabled / Veterans Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national or ethnic origin, age, status as an individual with a disability, protected veteran status, genetic information, or other protected classes under the law.

For additional information please see the University's Notice of Nondiscrimination.

Staff Job seekers in need of a reasonable accommodation to complete the application process should call 773-702-5800 or submit a request via the Applicant Inquiry Form.

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The Report can be accessed online at : securityreport.uchicago.edu. Paper copies of the Report are available, upon request, from the University of Chicago Police Department, 850 E.

61st Street, Chicago, IL 60637.

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