How to Apply

A cover letter is required for consideration for this position and should be attached as the first page of your resume. The cover letter should address your specific interest in the position and outline skills and experience that directly relate to this position.

Job openings are posted for a minimum of fourteen calendar days. The review and selection process may begin as early as the fifteenth day after posting. This opening may be removed from posting boards and filled anytime after the minimum posting period has ended.

Job Summary

As part of the College of Engineering and Computer Science (CECS) senior leadership team, the CECS Director of Business Operations has primary responsibility for developing and leading the budgetary, financial, human resource, research administration, and facilities functions of CECS. The CECS Director of Business Operations supports the Dean with development and implementation of strategic initiatives in CECS. The CECS Director of Business Operations reports to the Dean with a dotted line to the CFO.

40% - Fiscal

Manage budget and funds for CECS, including general funds (approximately $26M base budget), gift funds, designated funds, and sponsored activity (approximately $9M annual, $25M total); provide strategic advice and counsel; prepare regular and ad hoc financial reports and analyses.
Create and enforce college-level fiscal policy to ensure standard practices throughout the college.
Perform financial projections (including budget to actual) for current year and future fiscal years. Prepare a multi-year forecast to support college-level budget planning and discussions with central university administration.
Manage and coordinate college initiatives in areas of strategic planning, organizational effectiveness, facility operations, human resources, and support services.
Maintain the college's financial records and documentation, including the oversight of budget changes and adjustments throughout the year.
Ensure proper control over the college?s physical assets.
Oversee and implement accounting practices, policies, and structure for all departments within the college. Oversight of all college-level journal entries.
Prepare and execute an annual budget plan which takes into account the results of the campus level budget model (RCM).
Assist the college with understanding the implications of the RCM budget model and how current and future enrollment patterns will impact the college?s current and future operational plans.
Analyze and communicate business and operational risks to college-level and university leadership.
Dotted line oversight of multiple unit administrators who perform financial functions.
Approval of all significant college expenditures.
Oversight of college implementation of internal controls and attestations (unit and department level sub-certifications).

25% - Administrative

Oversee workflows, department administrative activities, and accurate processing of transactions.
Provide guidance on the interpretation of University-level policies and procedures and ensure the colleges compliance with those policies and procedures.
Participate with relevant committees within the college.
Participate in strategic planning and assist with strategic operational analysis, including--classroom utilization and centralized college services, course fill rates, staffing plans, etc.
Liaison with the International Center and the Office of International Affairs regarding faculty and researcher hiring and immigration processes.
Coordinate the use and allocation of space and construction (with a strategic eye) and for the annual capital planning process with Facilities Operations.
Oversee the CECS Continuity of Operations plan.
Collaborate with all CECS constituents within and beyond the college.
Provide functional management of CECS Dean?s Office.
Strategic operational analysis, including classroom utilization, course fill rates, staffing plans, and opportunities for operational efficiency.
Liaison with Dearborn campus, Ann Arbor campus, and Flint campus partners including Ann Arbor HRRIS, Ann Arbor Academic HR, Dearborn HR, Dearborn Financial Services, Ann Arbor Financial Operations, Audit Services, the Shared Services Center (SSC), Flint academic departments.

15% - Research Administration

Collaborate with the UM-Dearborn Office of Research's pre-award and post-award teams to ensure CECS commitments are accurately reflected in proposals and research project funding is properly stewarded.
Oversee the CECS research portfolio. CECS has ~$9M in annual volume of research expenditures and total active sponsored research budgets of ~$25M.
Review proposal approval forms (PAFs) for sponsored projects.

15% - Human Resources

Supervise 3 CECS direct reports: Lab Safety and Facilities Manager; Administrative Assistant Senior; Business Administrator Intermediate.
Provide administrative leadership on faculty processes (tenure track, research faculty, and lecturers); ensure collective bargaining contractual compliance.
Manage staff hiring and evaluation processes, support faculty hiring processes, administer the annual merit program, and approve transactions. Work with department staff and Human Resources, as appropriate, for resolution.
Provide indirect oversight of various administrative employees.
Provide oversight for onboarding and offboarding department administrative staff.

5% - Activities as assigned and/or necessary

Required Qualifications*

Bachelor?s degree in Finance or Accounting or related field of study.
Five years of progressive accounting or financial management experience.
Prior experience leading a team or supervising people.
Strong experience with Microsoft suite including: Word, Excel, and PowerPoint
Strong experience with Google Workplace, including Google Drive (Google Sheets, Google Docs, Google Slides, Google Forms); knowledge of DropBox.
Demonstrated analytical and critical thinking skills.
Strong attention to detail.
Excellent interpersonal, communication, and customer service skills.
Demonstrated ability to undertake multiple tasks at the same time and be able to prioritize among those multiple projects and other work.
Demonstrated ability in exercising sound judgment and maintaining confidentiality.
Ability to work independently, as well as in a collaborative team environment with diverse individuals and groups (strong interpersonal skills required).
Demonstrated ability to produce recommendations for strategic decision making based on solid analysis.

Desired Qualifications*

Advanced degree in finance, accounting, or related field of study.
Experience with University Financial/Human Resources systems (M-Pathways, Business Objects, M-Reports, etc.,).
Knowledge of and experience using University Data sources, e,g, Business Objects, Tableau.
Experience working in a union environment.
Eight years of related experience, preferably in Higher Education.

Work Schedule

This position will be a combination of remote and in-person work based upon the operational needs of the college and subject to change. Current requirements are 3 days per week on campus.

Modes of Work

Positions that are eligible for hybrid or mobile/remote work mode are at the discretion of the hiring department. Work agreements are reviewed annually at a minimum and are subject to change at any time, and for any reason, throughout the course of employment. Learn more about the work modes.

Background Screening

The University of Michigan conducts background checks on all job candidates upon acceptance of a contingent offer and may use a third party administrator to conduct background checks. Background checks are performed in compliance with the Fair Credit Reporting Act.

U-M EEO/AA Statement

The University of Michigan is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer.