Director of Administration & Operations

University of Chicago • Chicago, IL

406d • $126,000 - $140,000

About The Position

The Director of Administration and Operations at the UChicago Office of Research is responsible for managing financial operations and providing strategic financial guidance to unit leaders and the Vice Provost for Research. This role involves creating and implementing financial processes, overseeing budget development, and ensuring compliance with regulations. The Director will also analyze financial data to optimize expenses and enhance revenue generation while collaborating with various internal stakeholders.

Requirements

• Minimum requirements include a college or university degree in related field.
• Minimum requirements include knowledge and skills developed through 7+ years of work experience in a related job discipline.

Nice To Haves

• Knowledge and skills developed through 7 years of work experience working in higher education and in a high-level executive setting.
• Familiarity with the University of Chicago.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite, Adobe Acrobat, financial reporting systems including Oracle Cloud, and online databases.

Responsibilities

• Manages all financial activities, including financial analysis and reporting, financial planning, projections, budget development and management, accounting, accounts receivable/payable, and procurement.
• Leads the development and analysis of monthly, quarterly, and annual financial planning cycles including budget, forecast, and year-end reports and submissions in compliance with governmental, regulatory agencies, and US GAAPs pronouncements.
• Creates a disciplined, process-oriented finance operation (including internal controls and risk management practices).
• Leads the financial based due diligence.
• Oversees all accounting procedures and systems used.
• Promotes a culture of high performance and continuous improvement.
• Analyzes budget estimates and proposals for completeness, accuracy, and conformance with established procedures, regulations, and department objectives.
• Provides financial and operational consulting services to the senior leadership on key strategic initiatives by utilizing data collection, metrics, reports and other analytical applications.
• Implements, improves, and oversees unit-wide operational efficiency, strengthens internal controls, and enhances the utilization of systems.
• Conducts quantitative and qualitative analyses to monitor and manage expense optimization by identifying market drivers, enhance strategies, or improve revenue generation.
• Serves as an experienced liaison by meeting with unit leaders to develop budget proposals, provide guidance for proposal development, and assist with complex calculations, as needed.
• Consolidates unit proposals for central University submission.
• Contributes to the achievement of Research and University objectives by providing advice and guidance on financial strategy.
• Develops and leads the implementation of change management initiatives (such as shared services outsourcing, FST, COA, etc.) and University-wide projects.
• Oversees unit-wide compliance and adherence to procurement policies, fund and grant management, program execution and overall revenue generation stewardship.
• Oversees facilities management, including renovations, moves, maintenance and ongoing facilities operations.
• Manages development of all contracts, including those with vendors and other institutions.
• Manages space, facilities, and equipment, including renovations, moves, maintenance and ongoing facilities operations.
• Develops strong partnerships with a broad range of key internal stakeholders including: the Budget Office, Financial Services, DOE contracting offices, National Laboratories Finance and Procurement teams, Office of Legal Counsel, etc.
• Serves as an experienced liaison interacting with financial administrators within operational units on financial, budget or accounting matters to prepare, advise and recommend.
• Conducts quantitative and qualitative analyses to monitor and manage for expense optimization by identifying market drivers, enhance strategies, or improve revenue generation.
• Provides financial input based on the development of data collection, metrics, reports and other analytical applications.
• Analyzes, organizes and communicates business information to ensure deliverables are meeting or exceeding expectations.
• Performs other related work as needed.

Benefits

• Health insurance coverage
• Retirement savings plan
• Paid time off
• Professional development opportunities

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level
• Industry: Educational Services
• Education Level: Bachelor's degree