Executive Director of Administration and Finance, Division of Student Affairs

Nearly 30 departments make up the Division of Student Affairs, from housing to food services, career services to counseling, the student center to student org advising, and more. Student Affairs enriches the Northwestern experience outside of the classroom, engaging students in activities and culture both on campus and in the surrounding community. The division offers support to students in need and creates an environment that makes Northwestern students Wildcats for life.

About the role

Reporting to the Vice President of Student Affairs, the Executive Director of Administration & Finance is responsible for overall financial modeling, risk analysis, and staffing strategy for the Division of Student Affairs. The position leads the creation and implementation of a long-term financial and human resources plan, integrating the University and Division’s priorities. The Executive Director oversees financial planning, including budget and staffing, modeling, monitoring, analysis, and reporting activities, and manages a team of finance and human resources professionals. This role provides financial and human resource guidance to business managers in Student Affairs departments and coordinates administrative policies, practices, and procedures across campus.

Responsibilities

Finance (50%)

• Oversee and coordinate all financial planning and budgeting for the division and support rigorous strategic financial planning for Student Affairs.
• Provide sophisticated leadership to senior staff and budget administrators to make informed financial decisions that protect institutional resources and achieve maximum efficiency.
• Prepare detailed reports, models, presentations, and financial studies of key variables in the unit’s financial model.
• Develop and utilize predictive models and activity-based financial analyses to provide insight into operations and business plans.
• Work closely with the Vice President and senior staff to develop tools and systems for critical financial and operational information, making actionable recommendations on strategy and operations.
• Develop strategic action plans to address significant variances in financial plans.
• Oversee accounting functions to ensure compliance with statutes, regulations, and policies, and manage risk.
• Ensure adequate internal controls are in place for all key business processes to assure reliability of financial reporting and operational efficiency.
• Regularly review, update, and implement processes related to student club finances.
• Oversee financial planning for auxiliary units (e.g., dining, housing) operating on self-generated revenue, as well as teams using appropriated, gift, and endowment funds.
• Develop long-term cost-effective financing strategies, forecast revenue, determine fiscal impact of budget allocations, and represent the unit’s financial interests to internal and external groups.

Human Resources (30%)

• Oversee human resources strategy to recruit, develop, engage, and retain a talented workforce.
• Align staff-related resources, including salary budgets, professional development budgets, and merit processes, with the division’s strategic plan.
• Regularly review compensation practices and design strategies to promote competitive, equitable pay.
• Promote efficient, streamlined workflows for HR processes, such as position vacancies and recruitment.
• Ensure fair recruitment and selection strategies.

Strategic Leadership (20%)

• Supervise finance, human resources, and Student Organization Finance Office (SOFO) teams.
• Partner with the VP and leadership team to assess effectiveness and efficiency, ensuring alignment with the unit’s mission and compliance with university policies.
• Analyze data to support sound business decision-making and recommend operational efficiencies.

Requirements

• Master’s degree in business administration (MBA) or a related field, or an equivalent combination of education and relevant work experience. Bachelor’s degree required.
• Minimum of 5 years of progressively responsible administration, human resources, or financial management experience, preferably in higher education.
• Significant and demonstrated strategic planning and financial analysis experience.
• Strong analytical, organizational, and planning skills for complex business modeling.

Skills

• Demonstrated understanding of the needs of departments within a complex, decentralized division to evaluate and manage risk and structure complex deals.
• Ability to lead and motivate groups and individuals, think creatively and strategically, and mediate/negotiate internally and externally.
• Strong project management skills to balance competing priorities, complex situations, and tight deadlines.
• Excellent communication skills, both oral and written, for diverse audiences.
• High degree of intellectual curiosity and ability to engage with others on complex business issues.
• Extensive experience with Microsoft applications.

Pay

The pay range for this Executive Director position is $185,000 - $198,790, depending on experience, skills, and internal equity.

Benefits

• Comprehensive health care plans.
• Retirement benefits.
• Tuition discounts.
• Work-life and wellness programs, including flexible work arrangements, childcare, and senior/adult care support.
• Professional growth and development resources.