Director Of Financial Operations

Director of Financial Operations

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.

In addition to a career filled with purpose and opportunity, The University of Michigan offers a comprehensive benefits package to help you stay well, protect yourself and your family and plan for a secure future. Benefits include: generous time off, a retirement plan that provides two-for-one matching contributions, many choices for comprehensive health insurance, life insurance, long-term disability coverage, flexible spending accounts for healthcare and dependent care expenses, and paid parental leave.

Responsibilities

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

Required Qualifications

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.

Desired Qualifications

Knowledge of University of Michigan financial and reporting systems, policies, and operations is strongly preferred but not required.

Modes of Work

The work requirements allow both onsite and offsite work and an employee has an expected recurring onsite presence. On occasion, the employee may be required and must be available to work onsite more frequently if necessitated by unit leadership or their designee and/or the job requirements.

Application Deadline

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.

U-M EEO Statement

The University of Michigan is an equal employment opportunity employer.