Director, Finance and Operations

Department

BFI - Finance and Operations

About the Department

Inspired by our namesakes, Nobel Laureates Gary Becker and Milton Friedman, who believed that economic research could help improve the world, the Becker Friedman Institute for Economics aims to foster frontier research and apply those findings to achieve global impact. BFI brings together researchers from the Booth School of Business, the Kenneth C. Griffin Department of Economics, the Harris School of Public Policy, the Law School, and the entire University of Chicago Economics Community to leverage robust data, apply cutting-edge analytical tools, and uncover novel insights on the world’s most difficult economic problems. BFI then bridges the divide between academic researchers and relevant policy makers by translating and packaging rigorous research into accessible formats and proactively sharing those findings with decision-makers and thought leaders in business, government and nonprofit institutions. In this way, BFI has the potential to play a significant role in meeting the most difficult challenges facing the global community.

The Director of Finance and Operations serves as a senior advisor to BFI’s Executive Director and as a member of BFI’s Executive Leadership Team to develop and execute organizational vision, strategy, and planning. Leading a team of nine, the Director of Finance and Operations oversees all aspects of budgeting, financial and grants management, administration, human resources, office and physical plant management, and engagement with key partners within the University of Chicago.

Job Summary

This position manages multiple related teams of managers and professional staff responsible for the financial management of operating and capital budgets for divisions and/or University-wide administrative units. Executes financial goals and business plans and contributes to the development of functional strategy. Directs financial forecasting and modeling for all major service programs and initiatives. Directs quarterly and year-end reporting for the operating budget.

Responsibilities

• Contributes to administrative and programmatic direction and coordination in the formulation, interpretation and administration of the University's strategic planning, BFI strategic objectives, and corresponding short- and long-term policies, procedures, and program plans.
• Effectively utilizes data to inform decision-making and ensures timely, accurate analyses for leadership.
• Enhances overall process efficiency, consistency, and effectiveness to build on BFI’s reputation for superior service.
• Collaborates with University partners and external entities to support and implement BFI activities.
• Cultivates a competent and diverse team dedicated to solutions-oriented service.
• Provides high-level oversight of finance, HR, and operations, ensuring alignment with organizational goals.
• Ensures compliance with University policies and procedures across all relevant areas.
• Manages the finance team and ensures accuracy and completeness for all budgeting, forecasting, monthly reconciliations, reporting, and grant management.
• Researches and advises the senior leadership at BFI on financial reporting requirements.
• Ensures that BFI’s decision-makers understand the short and long-term implications of financial commitments.
• Manages the operations team, including asset management, IT, supplies, and facilities, to ensure resources are used effectively and efficiently.
• Manages the human resources team including overseeing annual compensation planning, compensation budget, performance review and management, and administration of payroll-related activities.
• Serves as a consultant and coach to supervisors and, when needed, works with individual supervisors and staff to enhance performance and/or working relations.
• Executes functional business plans and contributes to the development of financial goals, strategies, plans, and policies for the unit.
• Advises budgets for all areas within scope of responsibility. Directs quarterly and year-end reporting for the operating budget.
• Performs other related work as needed.

Minimum Qualifications

Education:

Minimum requirements include a college or university degree in related field.

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Work Experience:

Minimum requirements include knowledge and skills developed through 7+ years of work experience in a related job discipline.

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Certifications:

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Preferred Qualifications

Education:

• Bachelor's degree.
• Advanced degree in a relevant field.

Experience:

• 5 years of management experience with project and operational budgeting oversight.
• 3 years of proven leadership in managing units/projects in a research organization, public institution, non-profit, library, museum, or similar organization.
• 2 years of human resources experience.
• 2 years of administrative, program management and facilities management experience.

Technical Skills or Knowledge:

• Understanding of fiscal management of grants, philanthropic gifts, and GAAP (accounting).
• Problem-solving and financial analytical skills.
• Interact professionally with all levels of employees.
• Knowledge of data extraction and reporting.
• Knowledge of financial principles, practices, and applications including budgeting, financial planning, and financial reporting.
• Excellent working knowledge and experience with MS Office (Excel, Word, PowerPoint).

Preferred Competencies

• Excellent interpersonal skills and interact effectively with others in difficult situations.
• Maintain confidentiality of all relevant reports.
• Excellent time management and organization skills.
• Meet established deadlines.
• Think strategically and translate into operational objectives.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Manage multiple projects simultaneously and meet tight deadlines.
• Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail.
• Work closely with senior University officials.
• Work both independently and as a team member.
• Work effectively with team members, staff, and faculty across the University of Chicago, from faculty at the Chicago Booth School of Business, Harris School of Public Policy, Law School, and the Department of Economics, to other internal and external University of Chicago partners.
• Demonstrated leadership abilities, including developing strategic plans against a vision, and involving others in the execution.
• Outstanding interpersonal and communication skills; highly articulate in both oral and written forms, translating complex technical concepts into non-technical language.
• Aptitude for translating complex issues and ideas to general audience.

Application Documents

• Resume/CV (required)
• Cover Letter (required)
• References Contact Information (3)(required)

When applying, the document(s) MUST be uploaded via the My Experience page, in the section titled Application Documents of the application.

Job Family

Financial Management

Role Impact

People Manager

FLSA Status

Exempt

Pay Frequency

Monthly

Scheduled Weekly Hours

37.5

Benefits Eligible

Yes

Drug Test Required

No

Health Screen Required

No

Motor Vehicle Record Inquiry Required

No

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Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity/Disabled/Veterans

and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, national or ethnic origin, 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.

Staff 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.

We seek a diverse pool of applicants who wish to join an academic community that places the highest value on rigorous inquiry and encourages a diversity of perspectives, experiences, groups of individuals, and ideas to inform and stimulate intellectual challenge, engagement, and exchange.

All offers of employment are contingent upon a background check that includes a review of conviction history. A conviction does not automatically preclude University employment. Rather, the University considers conviction information on a case-by-case basis and assesses the nature of the offense, the circumstances surrounding it, the proximity in time of the conviction, and its relevance to the position.

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