University of Michigan - Ann Arbor
Director of Financial Operations
University of Michigan - Ann Arbor, Ann Arbor, Michigan, us, 48113
A cover letter and resume are required for consideration for this position. The cover letter should be included in the same document as your resume and should specifically address your interest in this position and highlight related skills and experience.
The Ford School is committed to providing a positive and inclusive work environment. This includes providing employees with flexible work opportunities. This position will generally be expected to work in the office 4-5 days per week during the academic year, with additional seasonal flexibility.
The Gerald R. Ford School of Public Policy at the University of Michigan is seeking a dynamic, strategic, and enthusiastic leader to serve as our next Director of Financial Operations. This is an exciting opportunity for an experienced finance professional to make a meaningful impact at a top public policy school, working in a mission-driven, collaborative environment.
As Director of Financial Operations, you will oversee all aspects of the school's financial operations, including sponsored research, budget management, and fiscal health. Reporting directly to the dean, you will work closely with the dean, associate deans, and other senior leadership to align our business and research operations with the school's academic vision and strategic goals. You will lead a talented team responsible for budget, operational finance, sponsored research, and business intelligence, and serve as a key member of the Ford School's senior leadership team. You will also oversee the school's facilities and IT functions, partnering with the team to optimize our physical spaces and strengthen the technological infrastructure that supports our future.
We are looking for a candidate who brings not only financial expertise and strategic vision, but also a genuine enthusiasm for fostering a culture of high‑quality service and operational excellence. The ideal candidate will demonstrate the ability to support a team that delivers outstanding customer service while ensuring sound, efficient, and compliant financial management in a complex, fast‑paced environment.
If you are an innovative financial leader who is passionate about higher education and public service, we encourage you to apply and play a pivotal role in advancing the Ford School's mission and impact. Join us in shaping the future of public policy education and making a difference in our community and beyond.
Strategic Leadership and Advisory
Advise the dean and faculty leadership on complex problems, process/policy, process improvement, faculty governance, and organizational planning
Provide strategic guidance to the dean, leadership team, and research center directors to translate the school's vision into reality
Proactively assess risk, advise, and provide decision‑making support based on quantitative and qualitative data
In alignment with the dean, negotiate effectively on behalf of the school with university and outside entities
Represent the school on various standing and ad‑hoc campus committees; represent the associate deans/dean as appropriate
Effectively collaborate with Development, including managing gift fund usage, reviewing and approving gift agreements, and supporting fundraising initiatives
Oversee the school's facilities and IT functions, collaborating with the team to optimize physical spaces and strengthen the technological infrastructure supporting our growth and future initiatives
Financial Management and Compliance
Develop complex financial modeling for school initiatives and programs, leveraging cross‑campus resources to advance the school's mission, and deliver clear, timely financial analyses that inform leadership's strategic decisions and resource allocation
Review and approve externally sponsored project proposals. Provide strategic guidance to research teams to ensure compliance with sponsor requirements, UM Standard Practice Guides (SPG) and departmental policies in regard to complex external funding opportunities
Liaise with the Provost's Office and Provost's Office of Budget & Planning
Manage the school's annual budget report to the provost, including narrative, financial projections, and requests for funding support
Lead the development, management, and execution of the Ford School's operating budget and present regularly to faculty and staff
Provide primary and/or backup approval for core admin systems including faculty conflict of interest and conflict of commitment (COI/COC) disclosures, grant proposal school sign‑off authority
Provide primary and/or backup approval for financial transactions including journal entries, non‑PO vouchers, and consultant payments
Operational Management and Team Leadership
Lead and inspire high‑performing business office, business intelligence, facilities, and IT teams responsible for delivering comprehensive financial and administrative support across sponsored research, finance, general accounting, data analytics, and internal controls
Provide leadership and oversight for business intelligence initiatives, ensuring data analytics are effectively leveraged to drive strategic decisions and operations.
Manage and oversee Business Continuity Planning and emergency management protocols for the school
Master's degree in Business Administration, finance or related field, or equivalent combination of education and experience.
Experience in leading teams, both with direct and indirect reporting relationships
8+ years experience with financial management and budget preparation, including budget projections, planning in context of higher education
Experience in higher education
Knowledge of University of Michigan financial and reporting systems, policies, and operations is strongly preferred but not required.
Job openings are posted for a minimum of seven calendar days. The review and selection process may begin as early as the eighth day after posting. This opening may be removed from posting boards and filled anytime after the minimum posting period has ended.
The University of Michigan is an equal employment opportunity employer.
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The Ford School is committed to providing a positive and inclusive work environment. This includes providing employees with flexible work opportunities. This position will generally be expected to work in the office 4-5 days per week during the academic year, with additional seasonal flexibility.
The Gerald R. Ford School of Public Policy at the University of Michigan is seeking a dynamic, strategic, and enthusiastic leader to serve as our next Director of Financial Operations. This is an exciting opportunity for an experienced finance professional to make a meaningful impact at a top public policy school, working in a mission-driven, collaborative environment.
As Director of Financial Operations, you will oversee all aspects of the school's financial operations, including sponsored research, budget management, and fiscal health. Reporting directly to the dean, you will work closely with the dean, associate deans, and other senior leadership to align our business and research operations with the school's academic vision and strategic goals. You will lead a talented team responsible for budget, operational finance, sponsored research, and business intelligence, and serve as a key member of the Ford School's senior leadership team. You will also oversee the school's facilities and IT functions, partnering with the team to optimize our physical spaces and strengthen the technological infrastructure that supports our future.
We are looking for a candidate who brings not only financial expertise and strategic vision, but also a genuine enthusiasm for fostering a culture of high‑quality service and operational excellence. The ideal candidate will demonstrate the ability to support a team that delivers outstanding customer service while ensuring sound, efficient, and compliant financial management in a complex, fast‑paced environment.
If you are an innovative financial leader who is passionate about higher education and public service, we encourage you to apply and play a pivotal role in advancing the Ford School's mission and impact. Join us in shaping the future of public policy education and making a difference in our community and beyond.
Strategic Leadership and Advisory
Advise the dean and faculty leadership on complex problems, process/policy, process improvement, faculty governance, and organizational planning
Provide strategic guidance to the dean, leadership team, and research center directors to translate the school's vision into reality
Proactively assess risk, advise, and provide decision‑making support based on quantitative and qualitative data
In alignment with the dean, negotiate effectively on behalf of the school with university and outside entities
Represent the school on various standing and ad‑hoc campus committees; represent the associate deans/dean as appropriate
Effectively collaborate with Development, including managing gift fund usage, reviewing and approving gift agreements, and supporting fundraising initiatives
Oversee the school's facilities and IT functions, collaborating with the team to optimize physical spaces and strengthen the technological infrastructure supporting our growth and future initiatives
Financial Management and Compliance
Develop complex financial modeling for school initiatives and programs, leveraging cross‑campus resources to advance the school's mission, and deliver clear, timely financial analyses that inform leadership's strategic decisions and resource allocation
Review and approve externally sponsored project proposals. Provide strategic guidance to research teams to ensure compliance with sponsor requirements, UM Standard Practice Guides (SPG) and departmental policies in regard to complex external funding opportunities
Liaise with the Provost's Office and Provost's Office of Budget & Planning
Manage the school's annual budget report to the provost, including narrative, financial projections, and requests for funding support
Lead the development, management, and execution of the Ford School's operating budget and present regularly to faculty and staff
Provide primary and/or backup approval for core admin systems including faculty conflict of interest and conflict of commitment (COI/COC) disclosures, grant proposal school sign‑off authority
Provide primary and/or backup approval for financial transactions including journal entries, non‑PO vouchers, and consultant payments
Operational Management and Team Leadership
Lead and inspire high‑performing business office, business intelligence, facilities, and IT teams responsible for delivering comprehensive financial and administrative support across sponsored research, finance, general accounting, data analytics, and internal controls
Provide leadership and oversight for business intelligence initiatives, ensuring data analytics are effectively leveraged to drive strategic decisions and operations.
Manage and oversee Business Continuity Planning and emergency management protocols for the school
Master's degree in Business Administration, finance or related field, or equivalent combination of education and experience.
Experience in leading teams, both with direct and indirect reporting relationships
8+ years experience with financial management and budget preparation, including budget projections, planning in context of higher education
Experience in higher education
Knowledge of University of Michigan financial and reporting systems, policies, and operations is strongly preferred but not required.
Job openings are posted for a minimum of seven calendar days. The review and selection process may begin as early as the eighth day after posting. This opening may be removed from posting boards and filled anytime after the minimum posting period has ended.
The University of Michigan is an equal employment opportunity employer.
#J-18808-Ljbffr