Director, Finance Business Operations

Howard University•Washington, DC

About The Position

The Talent Acquisition department hires qualified candidates to fill positions which contribute to the overall strategic success of Howard University. Hiring staff “for fit” makes significant contributions to Howard University’s overall mission. At Howard University, we prioritize well-being and professional growth. We are searching for our new Director, Business Operations or Director, Finance & Administration, Financial Services Division reporting directly to the Chief Financial Officer (CFO). The Director, Business Operations serves as the CFO’s principal operational and administrative partner, with responsibility for leading and integrating the Finance Division’s budget management, personnel actions, and core business services. This role provides division-wide financial and administrative leadership, ensuring sound stewardship of resources, compliance with institutional policies, and the effectiveness of internal controls. The Director functions as the operational anchor for the Finance Division—coordinating execution across finance, human resources, procurement, payroll, and related administrative functions—enabling the CFO to focus on institutional strategy, governance, and external engagement.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in business, finance, accounting, public administration, or a related field.
Substantial (7-10 years) progressively responsible experience in financial management, business operations, and administrative leadership, preferably in higher education or a comparably complex organization.
Demonstrated expertise in budgeting, financial analysis, accounting principles, and internal controls.
Experience coordinating and overseeing personnel actions in partnership with human resources.
Strong leadership, analytical, communication, and organizational skills, with the ability to work effectively across functional boundaries.

Nice To Haves

Master’s degree (e.g., MBA, MPA, or related field).
Experience supporting or partnering closely with a CFO, vice president, or cabinet-level leader.
Familiarity with higher education financial systems, shared governance environments, and public accountability requirements.

Responsibilities

Lead the development, coordination, monitoring, and execution of the Finance Division’s annual and multi-year operating budgets, including forecasting, scenario analysis, and budget-to-actual reporting.
Serve as the division’s primary resource for financial analysis, management reporting, and projections, translating complex financial data into clear, actionable insights for the CFO and division leadership.
Establish and maintain disciplined processes for ongoing monitoring of expenditures, commitments, and revenues, supporting informed decision-making and proactive financial management.
Coordinates and monitoring response on all audit findings, assessment recommendations, and corrective action plans for the Finance Division on behalf of the CFO.
In collaboration with the Senior Associate Vice President for Financial Strategy, serves as Finance Division liaison to the Risk Management Office and Internal Audit Office.
Oversee and integrate core business services for the Finance Division, including purchasing, accounts payable and receivable, travel and expense reimbursement, contracts routing, and interfaces with risk management.
Serve as the primary liaison between the Finance Division and central administrative offices (e.g., Budget Office, Controller, Procurement, Payroll, Human Resources, Risk Management), ensuring timely issue resolution and consistent application of policies.
Ensure the design, implementation, and monitoring of effective internal controls and compliance practices consistent with institutional, state, and federal guidelines.
Lead and coordinate personnel actions for the Finance Division, including position management, hiring, reclassifications, compensation actions, performance management, and separations, in close partnership with Human Resources.
Advise managers and senior leaders on staffing strategies, workforce planning, and the budgetary implications of personnel decisions.
Directly supervise assigned administrative and financial staff; set priorities, allocate work, evaluate performance, and support professional development and succession planning.
Identify opportunities to improve financial and administrative processes, systems, technology and workflows to enhance efficiency, strengthen controls, and improve service delivery across the Finance Division.
Lead or support initiatives to streamline operations, standardize practices, and strengthen coordination among finance and administrative units.
Promote a culture of continuous improvement, accountability, and service orientation within the division.
Serve as a trusted advisor to the CFO on operational, financial, and administrative implications of division and institutional initiatives.
Participate as a member of the Finance Division’s leadership team, contributing to strategic planning, priority setting, and alignment across the division.
Contribute to the development, interpretation, and implementation of financial and administrative policies, procedures, and guidelines.
Represent the Finance Division on institutional committees, working groups, and initiatives related to finance, administration, and resource stewardship.
Acts on behalf of the CFO for designated financial, budgetary, and administrative approvals, consistent with established delegations of authority.
Serves as the CFO’s designee for division-level operational decisions, ensuring timely execution and adherence to policy.
Holds primary accountability for the effective execution of Finance Division operations, escalating strategic or high-risk issues to the CFO as appropriate.