Senior Director of Budget and Administration

About the role

The Senior Director of Budget and Administration plays a pivotal role in setting financial priorities aligned with the College of Visual and Performing Arts' strategic goals.

Responsibilities

• Evaluate, propose, and enforce internal controls, identify opportunities for standardization, enhance organizational effectiveness, improve business processes, and streamline College policies.
• Cook up discussions that advance the implementation of the College’s academic strategic plan, particularly related to the organizational structure, space planning, and business processes.
• Ensure actionable items are included in the College’s financial plan and are fiscally viable and sustainable.
• Direct and collaborate on special projects and provide counsel to the members of the College’s 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 College’s budgeting (including estimated finals and long-range plans), procurement, disbursements, and payroll.
• Effectively manage college expenditures at all levels to align with revenues received.
• Create 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.
• 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.
• Evaluate, develop, and implement staff training initiatives to ensure continuous improvement in staff skills consistent with performance expectations.
• Cook up 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 cultivate 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.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in management or financial field required, master’s 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).
• Supervisory experience and leadership skills that instill trust and confidence through demonstration of integrity, accountability, and fiscal responsibility.
• 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.