University of Chicago
Associate Director, Operations
University of Chicago, Chicago, Illinois, United States, 60290
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Associate Director, Operations
role at
University of Chicago .
Department CSL Bursar: Student Financial Services Management. The Office of the Bursar provides student account management services for all academic programs and the Laboratory School for the University of Chicago. The mission of the Office of the Bursar is to deliver an innovative and inclusive student account management experience. Our vision is to be a collaborative and knowledgeable partner in financial solutions. The Student Financial Services team includes the management of customer service, outreach, billing, payments, refunds, and recovery management services.
Job Summary The Associate Director of Operations is responsible for the strategic oversight and daily management of the Student Account Operations team in the Office of the Bursar. This role ensures efficient, accurate, and transparent processing of student financial transactions and account services, directly supporting the university’s commitment to academic excellence and student success. The Associate Director is a critical member of the Student Financial Services leadership team and provides supervision to five professional staff members.
Responsibilities
Oversee day-to-day operations related to student billing, external charges, payments, and refunds.
Manage all payment channels (online, direct banking, third-party payment, etc.) for education related expenses and oversee refund, cash receipt, and bank deposit operations (1B Annually).
Execute all University, Laboratory School, and Third-Party billing (1.5B Annually) according to the annual billing calendar.
Manage and deliver living expense and overpayment refunds from all payment channels (20M annually).
Supervise, mentor, and train staff to ensure exacting standards of customer service and operational efficiency.
Collaborate with internal teams and university departments on policy development and implementation regarding student account operations.
Analyze account processes and recommend improvements through automation, technology, and best practices.
Maintain professional knowledge in accounts receivable billing, collections, e-commerce, and staff professional development.
Ensure compliance with federal, state, and university regulations related to student account operations.
Resolve complex and escalated student account issues, reconciliation requests, and quality assurance findings.
Lead strategic projects aimed at improving operational effectiveness, technology implementation, and third-party integrations.
Promote a positive and inclusive team culture with continuous professional growth.
Manage employees by establishing annual performance goals, allocating resources, assessing performance, and determining merit and promotional increases.
Manage program operations and administrative functions including planning, scheduling, policy implementation, personnel administration, budget, marketing, fundraising, and proposal development.
Perform other related work as needed.
Education
Minimum: College or university degree in a related field.
Preferred: Master’s degree in a related field.
Experience
Seven or more years of progressive and supervisory experience in student accounts, bursar’s office, or higher education financial operations.
In-depth knowledge of student account systems, billing processes, accounting principles, and regulatory compliance.
Proven leadership and staff management abilities.
Experience in configuring and managing ERP and third-party payment systems; experience with PeopleSoft and Transact strongly preferred.
Strong background in process improvement and project management.
Preferred Qualifications
Accomplished prioritizing multiple tasks in a demanding environment and meeting deadlines.
Proficiency in analyzing financial data, identifying trends, and recommending operational improvements.
Adept at resolving complex account issues and managing sensitive situations with discretion.
Understanding of privacy laws (FERPA), Title IV Cash Management, financial regulations, and institutional policies.
Experience in implementing new processes, technologies, or strategies to improve efficiency.
Ability to motivate, mentor, and develop staff; foster a collaborative and inclusive work environment.
Familiarity with student information systems (e.g., Banner, PeopleSoft), Microsoft Office Suite, and database management.
Excellent verbal and written communication skills; able to present complex financial information clearly.
Commitment to delivering exceptional service to students and campus partners.
Preferred Competencies
Accomplished in prioritizing multiple tasks in a demanding environment and meeting deadlines.
Proficiency in analyzing financial data, identifying trends, and recommending operational improvements.
Adept at resolving complex account issues and managing sensitive situations with discretion.
Understanding of privacy laws (FERPA), Title IV Cash Management, financial regulations, and institutional policies.
Experience in implementing new processes, technologies, or strategies to improve efficiency.
Ability to motivate, mentor, and develop staff; foster a collaborative and inclusive work environment.
Familiarity with student information systems (e.g., Banner, PeopleSoft), Microsoft Office Suite, and database management.
Excellent verbal and written communication skills; able to present complex financial information clearly.
Commitment to delivering exceptional service to students and campus partners.
Working Conditions
The Office of Bursar promotes a flexible and collaborative workplace environment. This position is hybrid, with in-person requirements averaging 3-5 days a month.
Application Documents
Resume (required)
Cover Letter (preferred)
Salary $92,000.00 - $98,000.00 (Salary)
Benefits Eligible for the University of Chicago’s full benefits program, including health, retirement, and paid time off. For details, see the Benefits Guidebook.
Posting Statement The University of Chicago is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, or expression, national or ethnic origin, shared ancestry, age, status as an individual with a disability, military or veteran status, genetic information, or other protected classes under the law. For additional information please see the University’s Notice of Nondiscrimination. Job seekers in need of a reasonable accommodation to complete the application process should call 773-702-5800 or submit a request via Applicant Inquiry Form. All offers of employment are contingent upon a background check that includes a review of conviction history.
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Associate Director, Operations
role at
University of Chicago .
Department CSL Bursar: Student Financial Services Management. The Office of the Bursar provides student account management services for all academic programs and the Laboratory School for the University of Chicago. The mission of the Office of the Bursar is to deliver an innovative and inclusive student account management experience. Our vision is to be a collaborative and knowledgeable partner in financial solutions. The Student Financial Services team includes the management of customer service, outreach, billing, payments, refunds, and recovery management services.
Job Summary The Associate Director of Operations is responsible for the strategic oversight and daily management of the Student Account Operations team in the Office of the Bursar. This role ensures efficient, accurate, and transparent processing of student financial transactions and account services, directly supporting the university’s commitment to academic excellence and student success. The Associate Director is a critical member of the Student Financial Services leadership team and provides supervision to five professional staff members.
Responsibilities
Oversee day-to-day operations related to student billing, external charges, payments, and refunds.
Manage all payment channels (online, direct banking, third-party payment, etc.) for education related expenses and oversee refund, cash receipt, and bank deposit operations (1B Annually).
Execute all University, Laboratory School, and Third-Party billing (1.5B Annually) according to the annual billing calendar.
Manage and deliver living expense and overpayment refunds from all payment channels (20M annually).
Supervise, mentor, and train staff to ensure exacting standards of customer service and operational efficiency.
Collaborate with internal teams and university departments on policy development and implementation regarding student account operations.
Analyze account processes and recommend improvements through automation, technology, and best practices.
Maintain professional knowledge in accounts receivable billing, collections, e-commerce, and staff professional development.
Ensure compliance with federal, state, and university regulations related to student account operations.
Resolve complex and escalated student account issues, reconciliation requests, and quality assurance findings.
Lead strategic projects aimed at improving operational effectiveness, technology implementation, and third-party integrations.
Promote a positive and inclusive team culture with continuous professional growth.
Manage employees by establishing annual performance goals, allocating resources, assessing performance, and determining merit and promotional increases.
Manage program operations and administrative functions including planning, scheduling, policy implementation, personnel administration, budget, marketing, fundraising, and proposal development.
Perform other related work as needed.
Education
Minimum: College or university degree in a related field.
Preferred: Master’s degree in a related field.
Experience
Seven or more years of progressive and supervisory experience in student accounts, bursar’s office, or higher education financial operations.
In-depth knowledge of student account systems, billing processes, accounting principles, and regulatory compliance.
Proven leadership and staff management abilities.
Experience in configuring and managing ERP and third-party payment systems; experience with PeopleSoft and Transact strongly preferred.
Strong background in process improvement and project management.
Preferred Qualifications
Accomplished prioritizing multiple tasks in a demanding environment and meeting deadlines.
Proficiency in analyzing financial data, identifying trends, and recommending operational improvements.
Adept at resolving complex account issues and managing sensitive situations with discretion.
Understanding of privacy laws (FERPA), Title IV Cash Management, financial regulations, and institutional policies.
Experience in implementing new processes, technologies, or strategies to improve efficiency.
Ability to motivate, mentor, and develop staff; foster a collaborative and inclusive work environment.
Familiarity with student information systems (e.g., Banner, PeopleSoft), Microsoft Office Suite, and database management.
Excellent verbal and written communication skills; able to present complex financial information clearly.
Commitment to delivering exceptional service to students and campus partners.
Preferred Competencies
Accomplished in prioritizing multiple tasks in a demanding environment and meeting deadlines.
Proficiency in analyzing financial data, identifying trends, and recommending operational improvements.
Adept at resolving complex account issues and managing sensitive situations with discretion.
Understanding of privacy laws (FERPA), Title IV Cash Management, financial regulations, and institutional policies.
Experience in implementing new processes, technologies, or strategies to improve efficiency.
Ability to motivate, mentor, and develop staff; foster a collaborative and inclusive work environment.
Familiarity with student information systems (e.g., Banner, PeopleSoft), Microsoft Office Suite, and database management.
Excellent verbal and written communication skills; able to present complex financial information clearly.
Commitment to delivering exceptional service to students and campus partners.
Working Conditions
The Office of Bursar promotes a flexible and collaborative workplace environment. This position is hybrid, with in-person requirements averaging 3-5 days a month.
Application Documents
Resume (required)
Cover Letter (preferred)
Salary $92,000.00 - $98,000.00 (Salary)
Benefits Eligible for the University of Chicago’s full benefits program, including health, retirement, and paid time off. For details, see the Benefits Guidebook.
Posting Statement The University of Chicago is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, or expression, national or ethnic origin, shared ancestry, age, status as an individual with a disability, military or veteran status, genetic information, or other protected classes under the law. For additional information please see the University’s Notice of Nondiscrimination. Job seekers in need of a reasonable accommodation to complete the application process should call 773-702-5800 or submit a request via Applicant Inquiry Form. All offers of employment are contingent upon a background check that includes a review of conviction history.
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