Job Description:
1. GENERAL POSITION INFORMATION
Position Name: Director of Business Operations
Classification: Exempt; Benefited
FTE: 1.0; Full-time
Work Hours: Monday – Friday, 37.5 hours per week
Department/Division: Business Operations
Supervisor: Dean, President of the University
Location: Preference given to hybrid candidates but fully remote candidates will be considered
Benefits: Comprehensive benefits package including employer paid and employer sponsored health, dental and vision insurance plan options. 403(b) retirement plan with up to 10% match after one year. Tuition waiver eligibility for UWS academic programs after one year of employment. Free and reduced cost care in the campus health center for employees and their immediate family members. Paid vacation, sick, wellness time and holidays.
2. POSITION SUMMARY
The Director of Business Operations plays a pivotal role within the University, as the person is responsible for providing essential budget creation, implementation, and analysis along with managing key university projects and initiatives. This role involves creating, analyzing, and recommending actions on budgets, developing and executing training programs for faculty and staff budget managers; collaborating closely with The Community Solution Education System finance leaders on all related matters. Additionally, the Director of Business Operations shall provide project management across various institutional initiatives, including those associated with the institution’s strategic plan, events, and other projects as assigned. The individual will also play a key role in advising the University President and Cabinet on financial matters, offering insightful analysis that clearly identifies opportunities, challenges, and solutions.
3. KEY RESPONSIBILITIES
Budget Management:
- Working closely with The Community Solution Education System finance teams, develop, analyze, and manage the university's budget, ensuring alignment with strategic goals and System priorities.
- Prepare detailed financial reports and forecasts to guide decision-making processes.
- Conduct mid-year reforecasts and adjust financial plans as necessary.
- Identify areas of potential cost savings and efficiency improvements.
- Manage processing of invoices, travel approvals, and other duties related to ensuring good financial performance of the university.
- Auxiliary services management - manage and optimize campus store operations, implementing strategies to enhance profitability while ensuring alignment with university goals and the needs of students, faculty, and staff.
Project Management:
- In collaboration with the president and cabinet, create appropriate project management plans that tie to performance metrics, including financial health and sustainability.
- Regularly report project status updates to appropriate stakeholder groups.
Training and Development:
- Design and deliver training programs for faculty and staff budget managers and project leaders.
- Provide ongoing support and education to enhance budget management and project leadership skills.
- Develop resources and tools to assist budget managers and project leaders in effectively managing their budgets.
Advisory Role:
- Advise the University President and Cabinet on financial matters and project progress, presenting analyses and opportunities for enhancement/improvement.
- Provide actionable recommendations and innovative approaches to both financial and project management.
- Monitor and report on key financial and project progress indicators, keeping the leadership team informed of the university's financial health.
Strategic Planning:
- Participate in the development and implementation of long-term financial strategies.
- Contribute to the university's strategic planning processes, ensuring financial considerations are integrated.
Risk and Compliance:
- Work with The Community Solution Education System and the AVP for Institutional Effectiveness to develop and implement risk management strategies to: Identify potential risks related to university operations, compliance, and student safety, and establish frameworks to mitigate and manage those risks.
- Working with the AVP for Institutional Effectiveness - Ensure regulatory and policy compliance: Monitor and enforce adherence to local, state, and federal regulations, as well as university policies, including Title IX, data privacy laws, and financial aid compliance as communicated by The Community Solution Education System.
- Working with AVP for Institutional Effectiveness - Provide training and guidance: Develop and deliver training programs for faculty, staff, and students on risk management, regulatory requirements, and compliance best practices to promote a culture of accountability and awareness across campus.
4. UWS CORE VALUES
Best Practices: We maintain high standards by using and integrating evidence across multiple disciplines.
Curiosity: We are innovative, open minded, and forward thinking.
Inclusiveness: We are respectful, mindful, and welcoming of different ways of being, thinking, and doing.
Professionalism: We are responsible, respectful, and accountable.
Student-Focus: We work for the common good of students’ academic and professional success.
Whole-Person Health: We promote physical, mental and emotional wellness in all facets of the UWS experience.
5. EXPECTED COMPETENCIES FOR SUPERVISORS
Developing & Retaining Talent
Ability to recruit, retain, and develop high performing individuals aligned with UWS’ core values and institutional goals. Completes performance reviews and development plans for all direct reports on time. Ability to provide constructive feedback and coaching to direct reports, including individuals who are underperforming.
Managing & Stewarding Resources
Prepares budget(s) to appropriately support department/division functions and goals. Meets or exceeds performance goals and budget targets. Effectively manages departmental resources and processes and seeks opportunities to create efficiencies. Demonstrates the financial acumen for managing budgets aggressively. Effectively manages relationships with vendors and/or contractors.
Leading & Managing Change
Promotes a culture of continuous improvement within department/division with a focus on effective and efficient processes and procedures. An openness to change and the ability provide leadership and clear communication to stakeholders throughout the change process. Engages employees in the change process and develops commitment for sustaining change.
6. POSITION QUALIFICATIONS
- Required Minimum Qualifications and Qualifications
- Bachelor's degree in finance, Accounting, Business Administration, or a related field (master's preferred).
- Minimum of 5 years of experience in financial and/or project management, preferably within higher education.
- Strong analytical skills with the ability to interpret complex financial data.
- Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to train and educate non-financial managers.
- Proven ability to work collaboratively with diverse stakeholders.
- Demonstrated experience in budget creation, analysis, and management.
- Desired Qualifications & Competencies
- Financial Acumen: Excellent understanding of principles and practices related to finance and project management.
- Leadership: Ability to lead and inspire others, fostering a culture of accountability.
- Communication: Strong written and verbal communication skills, capable of conveying complex financial information clearly.
- Problem-solving: Skilled at identifying issues and developing innovative solutions.
7. APPLICATION, SCREENING AND HIRING PROCESS:
Screening of applicants will begin immediately, and the position will remain open until filled. To apply, please submit a resume and cover letter; you may attach your materials as Word or PDF documents.
University of Western States conducts background checks for the finalist or finalists of staff and faculty positions. The type of background check will vary by position type.
University of Western States offers a generous compensation and benefits package, as well as the opportunity to work for a leader in the field of education. To learn more about our competitive benefits and additional rewards, including generous paid time-off, medical and dental insurance coverage, life and disability insurance, retirement plan with employer contribution, multiple flexible spending accounts, tuition reimbursement, click the link below.
https://www.uws.edu/about/employment/
University of Western States is an Equal Opportunity Employer.
