Assistant Dean for Budget and Financial Planning

Department
 

PSD Administration: Finance

About the Department
 

The Physical Sciences Division has a rich history of advancing and defining new fields of discovery in the physical sciences and mathematics, and this tradition of innovation continues today. Our inquiry and impact spans from the edge of the observable universe to human-computer interaction, from biophysical materials science to the geologic record of seawater composition, from gravitational waves to geometric flows, and beyond.
The Physical Sciences Division Local Business Center (PSD-LBC) provides grants and finance management support to faculty, researchers, and administrators for many of the departments, research centers, and institutes within the Physical Sciences Division. Our goal is to provide high levels of service in order to advance the PSD’s mission in research and education.
The division includes the academic departments of Astronomy & Astrophysics, Chemistry, Computer Science, Geophysical Sciences, Mathematics, Physics, and Statistics. In addition, PSD includes a number of interdisciplinary research institutes and centers, including the Enrico Fermi Institute, the James Franck Institute, and the Institute for Biophysical Dynamics. This position is focused on grants & contracts administration for the department of Chemistry, with many of Chemistry’s faculty also appointed in one or more institutes. Many of our scientists have joint appointments at the Fermi National Accelerator Laboratory and Argonne National Laboratory as well as joint affiliations with other Chicago-based research institutions such as the Toyota Technological Institute of Chicago, Adler Planetarium, the Museum of Science and Industry, and the Field Museum. Our students build connections with world-leading scientists, collaborate across disciplines, and enjoy the dynamic Chicago and University communities.

Job Summary
 

Reporting to the Dean of the Physical Sciences Division, the Assistant Dean (AD) collaborates with the Sr. Associate Dean and other senior leadership to develop and lead a comprehensive strategy for managing the PSD’s budget. Works closely with the Dean and senior leadership to ensure that the PSD optimizing its resources. Develops multi-year projections to accurately forecast future expenses. Tracks financial commitments and maintains short- and long-term projections. Develops unit-level budgets and serves as a resource for Chairs, Directors and other leaders in identifying ways to optimize each unit’s budget. Supports senior leaders across the division to develop and execute mission-driven decision-making and financial planning.

Responsibilities

• Collaborates with the Dean, Sr. Associate Dean, and other senior leaders to develop and execute long-term strategic financial plans. Provides financial and administrative insights to support decision-making and ensure alignment between financial resources and strategic priorities.

• Provides guidance and expertise in budget planning, financial forecasting, resource allocation, and financial analysis. Monitors financial performance, identifies areas for improvement, and recommends strategies for cost optimization and revenue generation. Responsible for budgetary projections and overall budget management for the fiscal year, including day to day operations.

• Collaborates with the Director of Finance, ensuring that recharge revenues, operating spending, University financial transfers, gifts and endowments are appropriately projected and allocated.

• Works collaboratively with the Sr. Associate Dean to effectively plan and manage the Division’s resources financial resources.

• Collaborates with the Director of Grants & Contracts and the team of professionals that support sponsored awards and purchasing.

• Ensures compliance with relevant laws, regulations, and University policies. Develops and maintains effective internal controls and risk management practices to safeguard assets, mitigate risks, and maintain the integrity of financial and administrative operations.

• Develops advanced reporting and dashboards to support the Dean, Chairs and Directors in their ability to oversee their unit’s resources.

• Collaborates with the Associate Dean and Director of Academic Affairs to ensure that compensation planning and merit increases for faculty, staff and academic appointees are appropriately managed and budgeted.

• Partners with functional stewards, business units, and user partners to develop reporting and analytic solutions with appropriate data governance and secure access.

• Collaborates with the Dean of Students and other senior leaders to support growth in tuition revenues and develop multi-year plans aligned with faculty leaders’ goals for their programs.

• Advises on all financial activities, including financial analysis and reporting, budgeting, accounting, accounts receivable/payable, and procurement.

• Serves as the lead partner to ensure the division optimizes the implementation of the financial system transformation project (FST), developing plans to ensure broad adaptation and training.

• Collaborates with faculty, staff, students, and external stakeholders to understand their needs and priorities. Fosters strong working relationships and effective communication channels to address concerns, provide guidance, and ensure a positive and supportive environment.

• 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.

• 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:

• Degree in Finance, Accounting, Business Administration or related field.

Experience:

• Experience with university budgeting including operating, endowment, gifts, tuition and other funding types.

Preferred Competencies

• Strong financial and budgeting skills.

• Strong practical knowledge of data analysis methodologies.

• Strong interpersonal skills.

• Strong communication skills—be able to tell a story in understandable manner to the non-financial individual.

• Demonstrated ability to think strategically, independently develop and evaluate options, and translate findings into operational objectives.

• Ability to establish and maintain relationships at all organizational levels.

• Ability to work closely and effectively with senior University leadership.

• Intellectual versatility and creativity.

• Demonstrated problem-solving, organization, analytical, and coordination skills including attention to detail.

• Ability to work independently and as part of a team, and to interact with a diverse workforce.

• Excellent time management skills and the ability to handle multiple, concurrent tasks within deadlines with minimal supervision.

• Flexibility and ability to work effectively and gracefully under considerable time pressure on high visibility, high stakes projects.

• Ability to be flexible and adaptable to changes in workflow and procedures.

Working Conditions

• This position is eligible for a partially remote work schedule.

Application Documents

• Resume/CV (required)

• Cover Letter (required)

• References (preferred)

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
 

Individual Contributor

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

Posting Statement
 

The University of Chicago is an 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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