Executive Director of Business Operations, COM

University of Arkansas System • Little Rock, AR

7d • Onsite

About The Position

The University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences' College of Medicine is seeking a strategic and experienced Executive Director of Business Operations. This senior leadership position is responsible for overseeing the financial and administrative functions that support the college's academic, research, and clinical missions. The successful candidate will ensure robust financial stewardship, enforce compliant processes, and cultivate impactful partnerships across the college and university. Reporting directly to the Associate Dean of Finance and Administration, the Executive Director will oversee financial management, business operations, contract and procurement review and reconciliation, faculty recruitment justification, faculty compensation, business plan development, recruiting authorizations, faculty FTE tracking, and financial reporting within the academic, research, and clinical environments.

We invite accomplished senior finance and operations professionals with proven expertise in budgeting, reporting, and strategic financial planning to apply. The ideal candidate will demonstrate the ability to drive organizational performance, foster cross-department collaboration, and lead complex programs from inception to successful execution. Join us in advancing patient care, research, and education through strong financial leadership.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, Business Administration, Health Care administration or related field of study.
• Minimum of eight (8) years of experience focused on business operations and/or financial management.
• Financial acumen: budgeting, cost analyses, financial modeling, KPI development, variance reporting
• Data proficiency: advanced Excel, data extraction from multiple sources, Power BI; Workday familiarity preferred
• Leadership and governance: experience leading cross-functional teams, managing high-visibility projects, mentoring staff
• Compliance and policy: strong understanding of business operations policies, accreditation reporting (AAMC/LCME), confidentiality requirements
• Communication: clear, effective written and verbal communication with senior leaders, committees, and external stakeholders
• Strategic thinking: ability to develop and execute business plans, operational improvements, and realignment strategies
• Change management: ability to drive organizational change and adapt to evolving priorities
• Collaboration: proven ability to partner with IT, procurement, HR, marketing, and clinical/academic leadership
• Operational execution: capacity to oversee complex processes, cross-site coordination, and performance improvement initiatives
• On-site requirements: willingness and ability to work on-site as required
• Persons must have proof of legal authority to work in the United States on the first day of employment.

Nice To Haves

• Master’s degree in Accounting, Finance, Business Administration, or Health Care Administration or a related field of study.
• Experience in an academic medical center focused on business operations and/or financial management.
• Experience with Workday.

Responsibilities

• Lead all aspects of COM’s business operations, ensuring alignment with university standards and regulatory requirements.
• Develop, implement, and monitor operating policies and procedures; provide decision support through data analysis and reporting.
• Prepare monthly financial, KPI, and variance reports; conduct cost analyses and modeling for initiatives.
• Manage high‑visibility engagements; present findings to senior leadership and mentor staff.
• Direct reporting for external accreditation bodies (AAMC, LCME) and coordinate cross‑departmental projects.
• Create dashboards for FTE management, faculty turnover, and program profitability; provide actionable insights to leadership.
• Review contracts and recruitment justifications; oversee FTE approvals and budgeting for new positions.
• Lead preparation for audits and external surveys (AFQ, Vizient, etc.) and ensure alignment with strategic goals.
• Cultivate partnerships with departments across UAMS (IT, procurement, finance, HR, faculty affairs, marketing, etc.).
• May perform other duties as assigned to advance the mission of the College.

Benefits

• Health: Medical, Dental and Vision plans available for qualifying staff and family
• Holiday, Vacation and Sick Leave
• Education discount for staff and dependents (undergraduate only)
• Retirement: Up to 10% matched contribution from UAMS
• Basic Life Insurance up to $50,000
• Career Training and Educational Opportunities
• Merchant Discounts
• Concierge prescription delivery on the main campus when using UAMS pharmacy

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Executive