Executive Director- College/Division Business Operations

Department: Dean, Education

Responsibilities

• Direct the development, implementation and administration of business operations for a complex college or division.
• Engage in strategic planning and analysis and serve as point of contact for fiscal and administrative matters.
• Direct overall strategic planning as well as the creation and implementation of the annual budget.
• Review budget and personnel reports submitted by subordinates and conduct analyses and projections.
• Provide financial accountability and ensure compliance with state, university and external funding agencies.
• Provide direct oversight of the college’s business staff responsible for financial and personnel matters.
• Serve as a resource to the dean, chairs and directors on strategic financial and administrative matters, policies and program development.
• Write policy statements, facilitate management decisions, and engage in long‑range planning and analysis.
• Lead major projects, which may include capital construction, building renovation, and the creation of new departments and programs.
• Direct procurement operations, including contracts, purchasing and travel.
• Oversee the administration of the college’s accounting records, including sponsored project accounts.
• Ensure compliance with applicable policies and procedures and supervise business audit reviews.
• Oversee the administration of human‑resource and payroll processes for the college, including position‑budget management, faculty affairs, and staff performance evaluation.
• Interpret university policies and procedures and arrange for staff training as appropriate.
• Serve as liaison with executives and administrative offices regarding fiscal and operational issues.
• Represent the college or division on committees and in other administrative contexts.
• Perform other job‑related duties as required.

Minimum Qualifications

• Education: A thorough understanding of both theoretical and practical aspects of an analytical, technical or professional discipline, typically obtained through a formal, directly job‑related four‑year degree or an equivalent in‑depth specialized training program.
• Experience: Minimum of seven (7) years of directly job‑related experience.
• Certification/Licensing: None.

Preferred Qualifications

• Higher education experience and familiarity with current and emerging trends.
• Experience supporting executive leadership at the Dean level or similar.
• Experience supporting strategic planning and leadership vision of a complex unit and aligning annual budget development with strategic priorities.
• Demonstrated experience leading organizational change and building high‑performing teams, including restructuring workflows, guiding staff through transitions, arranging professional development, and fostering a collaborative, service‑oriented culture.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to explain budget and finance concepts in terms faculty and staff can understand.
• Service leadership skills, including mutual respect, active listening, responsiveness, empathy, advocacy, and transparency.
• Strong multi‑tasking and organizational skills, with the ability to work in a high‑pressure environment and strong problem‑solving abilities.
• Ability to clearly interpret and implement policies and procedures.
• Experience in human resources administration.
• Experience in budget planning and financial management.
• Experience managing externally funded grants.
• Experience managing contracts.
• Experience managing revenues and voluntary fees.
• Highest level of professionalism and respect for confidentiality.
• Established network with major interface units on campus (e.g., other colleges, Facilities, Division of Research, Controller’s Office, Treasury, Office of Scholarships and Financial Aid, Human Resources, Office of Contract Administration, Advancement, Information Technology) and ability to interact effectively with all internal and external constituents.
• Highest level of proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite.
• Preferred: Experience with PeopleSoft Finance and HR.
• Preferred: Experience with Hyperion Planning (e.g., CoogPlan).
• Preferred: Experience with PageUp.

Required Documents

• Cover letter that delineates how your work experience applies to the posting.
• Resume
• Salary history
• Transcript
• Three work references (the hiring department expects you to name current or past supervisors). Note: confidentiality will be maintained; references will be contacted only after the interview process is completed.

Additional Information

• The department is willing to accept education in lieu of experience.
• The department is willing to accept experience in lieu of education.
• All positions at the University of Houston‑System are security‑sensitive and will require a criminal history check.
• The University of Houston System and its universities are Equal Opportunity Institutions. Everyone is encouraged to apply.