Director of Administration & Operations - Military Veterans

Location: Chicago, IL
Job Description:

• Manages all financial activities, including financial analysis and reporting, financial planning, projections, budget development and management, accounting, accounts receivable/payable, and procurement.  Â
• Leads the development and analysis of monthly, quarterly, and annual financial planning cycles including budget, forecast, and year-end reports and submissions in compliance with governmental, regulatory agencies, and US GAAPs pronouncements. Â
• Create a disciplined, process-oriented finance operation (including internal controls and risk management practices).Â
• Lead the financial based due diligence. Oversee all accounting procedures and systems used. Promote a culture of high performance and continuous improvement.Â
• Analyze budget estimates and proposals for completeness, accuracy, and conformance with established procedures, regulations, and department objectives.Â
• Provide financial and operational consulting services to the senior leadership on key strategic initiatives by utilizing data collection, metrics, reports and other analytical applications. Â
• Implements, improves, and oversees unit-wide operational efficiency, strengthens internal controls, and enhances the utilization of systems.Â
• Conducts quantitative and qualitative analyses to monitor and manage expense optimization by identifying market drivers, enhance strategies, or improve revenue generation.Â
• Serve as an experienced liaison by meeting with unit leaders to develop budget proposals, provide guidance for proposal development, and assist with complex calculations, as needed. Consolidate unit proposals for central University submission.Â
• Contribute to the achievement of Research and University objectives by providing advice and guidance on financial strategy.Â
• Develop and lead the implementation of change management initiatives (such as shared services outsourcing, FST, COA, etc.) and University-wide projects.Â
• Oversees unit-wide compliance and adherence to procurement policies, fund and grant management, program execution and overall revenue generation stewardship.Â
• Oversees facilities management, including renovations, moves, maintenance and ongoing facilities operations. Manages development of all contracts, including those with vendors and other institutions.  Â
• Manages space, facilities, and equipment, including renovations, moves, maintenance and ongoing facilities operations. Â
• Develop strong partnerships with a broad range of key internal stakeholders including: the Budget Office, Financial Services, DOE contracting offices, National Laboratories Finance and Procurement teams, Office of Legal Counsel, etc.Â
• Serves as an experienced liaison interacting with financial administrators within operational units on financial, budget or accounting matters to prepare, advise and recommend.
• Conducts quantitative and qualitative analyses to monitor and manage for expense optimization by identifying market drivers, enhance strategies, or improve revenue generation.
• Provides financial input based on the development of data collection, metrics, reports and other analytical applications.
• Analyze, organize and communicate business information to ensure deliverables are meeting or exceeding expectations.
• Performs other related work as needed.Â

Preferred Qualifications Â

Experience: Â

• Knowledge and skills developed through 7 years of work experience working in higher education and in a high-level executive setting.Â
• Familiarity with the University of Chicago.Â

Technical Skills or Knowledge: Â

• Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite, Adobe Acrobat, financial reporting systems including Oracle Cloud, and online databases.Â

Preferred Competencies Â

• Communication Skills: Excellent oral and written communication skills with the ability to interact effectively with a diverse range of stakeholders, including trustees, donors, and university leaders.
• Service Orientation: Positive, service-oriented attitude with a courteous demeanor, maintaining professionalism in all interactions.Â
• Discretion and Confidentiality: Ability to handle sensitive and confidential situations with absolute discretion and maintain confidentiality.Â
• Attention to Detail and Accuracy: Exceptional attention to detail and thoroughness in completing tasks accurately.Â
• Organizational and Multitasking Skills: Strong organizational skills with the ability to multitask, meet deadlines, and navigate ambiguity in a fast-paced work environment.Â
• Judgment and Problem-Solving: Sound judgment with the ability to anticipate potential issues and address them proactively.Â
• Adaptability and Feedback Reception: Ability to maintain composure under pressure, work flexible hours as needed, and respond constructively to feedback.Â

Working Conditions Â

• Some evening and weekend work may be required.Â

Application Documents Â

• Resume/CV (required)Â
• Cover Letter (preferred)Â
• Reference Contact Information (3 required)Â

The University of Chicago is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity/Disabled/Veterans Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national or ethnic origin, age, status as an individual with a disability, protected veteran status, genetic information, or other protected classes under the law. For additional information please see the University's Notice of Nondiscrimination.

Staff Job seekers in need of a reasonable accommodation to complete the application process should call 773-702-5800 or submit a request via the Applicant Inquiry Form.

The University of Chicago's Annual Security & Fire Safety Report (Report) provides information about University offices and programs that provide safety support, crime and fire statistics, emergency response and communications plans, and other policies and information. The Report can be accessed online at: securityreport.uchicago.edu. Paper copies of the Report are available, upon request, from the University of Chicago Police Department, 850 E. 61st Street, Chicago, IL 60637.