Executive Director, Business & Finance

The University of Arizona seeks a strategic leader to serve as the Executive Director, Business & Finance for the Department of Research and Innovation. This is a key leadership position will directly partner with the Senior Vice President of University's Research, Innovation & Impact (RII) to oversee a large and complex portfolio of financial operations.

Reporting to the Senior Vice President, Chief Operating Officer & Chief Financial Officer (CFO) and embedded with RII, you will be a vital member of both the finance and RII leadership teams, shaping short- and mid-term financial strategies in support of the University's $1 Billion research enterprise. This role requires a deep understanding of finance, exceptional management skills, and a broad professional knowledge base that can contribute to the continuous improvement of financial practices within a university setting.

As Executive Director, Business & Finance you will have significant autonomy in overseeing RII's financial operations and leading a talented team of finance professionals. You will foster a collaborative and customer-focused environment while ensuring financial goals and daily-operations are aligned with the overall research mission at the University of Arizona.

Outstanding UA benefits include health, dental, and vision insurance plans; life insurance and disability programs; paid vacation, sick leave, and holidays; UA/ASU/NAU tuition reduction for the employee and qualified family members; retirement plans; access to UA recreation and cultural activities; and more!

Strategic Financial Planning

• Formulate innovative operational plans and systems for comprehensive financial planning and budgeting processes.
• Provide strategic leadership in the development of multi-year financial models.
• Develop scenario planning to address potential challenges with financial models.
• Accountable for the strategic and operational direction of financial planning initiatives, with a significant focus on short- and mid-term plans.
• Actively engage in cross-functional collaboration to integrate financial planning efforts.
• Evaluate and recommend improvements to existing financial planning processes.
• Provide insights and recommendations to uncover the root causes of financial challenges and opportunities.
• Collaborate with executive leadership to develop and implement financial strategies aligning with broader goals, considering objectives and long-term sustainability.

Financial Evaluation & Business Planning

• Oversee the preparation of business and operational plans for Research, ensuring a comprehensive evaluation of financial viability and strategic alignment.
• Develop and implement a standardized process for finance in the management and review of new programs and initiatives.
• Provide expertise in financial risk assessment and the development of risk mitigation strategies.
• Conduct finance due diligence for new programs through examination of financial considerations.
• Drive continuous improvement initiatives in financial evaluation processes, utilizing technology and data analytics for enhanced efficiency.

Leadership and Account Oversight

• Oversee and provide leadership to individual contributors and managers.
• Operate as a strategic and logistical leader within the direction of the Senior Vice President of RII.
• Lead strategic initiatives to streamline and optimize financial processes across RII.
• Represent both the CFO and SVP of RII in university-wide committees and working groups.
• Continuously assess and adjust team structures to ensure optimal efficiency and effectiveness in achieving departmental and university-wide goals.

Management Reporting & Analysis

• Oversee the monthly management reporting process, providing strategic insights and conducting in-depth variance analysis to facilitate a nuanced understanding of organizational performance.
• Establish a robust framework for management reporting, incorporating industry benchmarks and best practices.
• Lead the identification and management of risks and opportunities, employing a proactive approach to ensure a comprehensive view of potential impacts on business outcomes.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, and ABILITIES

• Advanced knowledge of financial planning, budgeting, and forecasting methodologies, particularly in a higher education, public, and/or nonprofit setting.
• In-depth understanding of financial modeling, scenario planning, and risk assessment.
• Comprehensive knowledge of industry best practices and benchmarks in financial evaluation and reporting.
• Exceptional leadership and strategic planning skills with the ability to influence and drive change.
• Proficient in developing and implementing innovative operational plans and systems.
• Advanced analytical and problem-solving skills, with the ability to extract actionable insights from complex financial data.
• Ability to provide visionary leadership and strategic oversight for a large and complex organization.
• Capability to manage and mentor a diverse team of financial professionals, fostering a culture of continuous learning and development.
• Capacity to navigate and adapt to evolving business environments and industry trends.
• Ability to lead workshops and educational sessions to enhance stakeholder understanding of financial matters.
• Strong ability to align financial strategies with broader organizational goals and initiatives.
• Broad knowledge and expertise across multiple professional disciplines.
• Strong analytical, financial modeling, and negotiation skills.
• Excellent communication, interpersonal, and presentation skills.

• Bachelor's degree in finance, business administration, or a related field. An equivalent combination of education and experience may be considered.
• Minimum of 11 years of progressive experience in finance, investment, or management, including 7 years of managerial experience, preferably in large complex institutions or organizations, or equivalent combination of education and work experience.
• Experience in building and leading high-performing teams, projects. programs, and/or functions.

• Master's degree in Finance, Business Administration, or a related field. An equivalent combination of education and experience may be considered.
• Professional certifications in Finance or related fields.
• Proven experience in a leadership role, preferably in a higher education or large institutional setting.
• Experience with higher education governance structures, policies, and regulatory frameworks.