Director, Business Affairs, Law

Wayne State University is searching for an experienced Director, Business Affairs, Law at its Detroit campus location.

Wayne State is a premier, public, urban research university located in the heart of Detroit, Michigan where students from all backgrounds are offered a rich, high-quality education. Our deep-rooted commitment to excellence, collaboration, integrity, diversity and inclusion creates exceptional educational opportunities which prepare students for success in a global society.

Plans and oversees the day-to-day budgetary, financial, and administrative activities for the Law School.  Works with representatives of other University departments to accommodate needs, generate support and ensure effectiveness of unit to support the mission of the Law School.

Plan, direct and maintain all unit budgets in accordance with allocation provisions, budget policy and regulations for all fund types including revenues, scholarship, endowment funds and sponsored programs; develop or assist with the development of short and long range strategic plans.  Prepare projections or forecasts of expenses in comparison to budget categories/line items to avoid deficits, optimize use of available funds, and adhere to approved budget parameters.

Maintain internal control systems to assure integrity of financial transactions to prevent errors, omissions, and possible fraudulent activity. Use systems to analyze, interpret, reconcile, and report on data; develop and/or generate ad-hoc reports for management and/or sponsoring agencies. Provide financial reporting information for area(s) of responsibility to assist management in their planning and decision making; develop detailed statistical analyses and reports outlining fiscal activities. 

Assure the Law School compliance with University policies and procedures and those of sponsoring agencies. Manage and review the procurement or purchasing processes for the Law School.

Manage and assists with the financial and budgetary aspects of the grant award functions, both pre and post, including the development and review of specific budgets and knowledge of the funding process as well as the administrative implementation of the financial, budgetary, and projection of expenditures. Assist in the preparation of grant proposals including the compilation of data; ensure compliance with University and sponsoring agency policies and procedures and oversee/prepare/review financial and administrate reports for submission to sponsoring agency.  

Provide Student Enrollment and other special project projections and analysis of how this impacts the budget of the Law School.

Ensure proper financial and budgetary considerations relative to the Physical Plant as well as assisting with the project development guidelines and use and implementation of the project.

Perform other related duties as assigned.

Education Bachelor's degree

Minimum of a Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university with a preferred concentration in Accounting or Business.

Experience   Expert (established subject matter expert, 7+ years experience)

Minimum of seven years of financial, budget and supervisory experience, preferably in higher education or a large/complex organization.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

Business Acumen
Possess an understanding of administrative systems, preferably in a higher education environment. Demonstrates a high level of understanding of School/College/Division business operations or possesses the equivalent professional experience in supporting the business operations of an equivalent size in a non-university organization such as non-profit, corporate or government.

Analytical Skills
Demonstrates the ability to apply analytical and logical thinking to gathering and analyzing information. Makes valid and reliable evaluation of information. Proposes and evaluates alternative solutions to achieve organizational goals. Capable of analyzing large volume of data and summarizing results.

Problem Solving Skills
Analyzes the impact of potential actions. Identifies and resolves problems in a timely manner. Anticipates the implications and consequences of situations and takes appropriate action to be prepared for possible contingencies.

Leadership Skills
Provides leadership and training to responsible area(s) regarding financial, budgetary, human resources and administrative matters. Demonstrates strong leadership skills that can influence and motivate individuals and groups to achieve results.

Business Acumen
Possess an understanding of administrative systems, preferably in a higher education environment. Demonstrates a high level of understanding of School/College/Division business operations or possesses the equivalent professional experience in supporting the business operations of an equivalent size in a non-university organization such as non-profit, corporate or government.

Analytical Skills
Demonstrates the ability to apply analytical and logical thinking to gathering and analyzing information. Makes valid and reliable evaluation of information. Proposes and evaluates alternative solutions to achieve organizational goals. Capable of analyzing large volume of data and summarizing results.

Problem Solving Skills
Analyzes the impact of potential actions. Identifies and resolves problems in a timely manner. Anticipates the implications and consequences of situations and takes appropriate action to be prepared for possible contingencies.

Leadership Skills
Provides leadership and training to responsible area(s) regarding financial, budgetary, human resources and administrative matters. Demonstrates strong leadership skills that can influence and motivate individuals and groups to achieve results.

Organizational Agility
Demonstrates the use of strategic and mission critical approaches in decision making. Knows how to get things done both through formal channels and the informal networks. Demonstrates the ability to work effectively with Dean/VP/Unit Head to establish and accomplish the mission, strategic plans, goals and objectives of the unit

Teamwork and Peer Relationships
Ability to work independently while establishing and maintaining effective working relationships with wide variety of constituents. Ability to work through others and make appropriate interventions to ensure work flow is efficient and adequate resources are available. Possesses the ability to effectively serve on University committees and task forces.

Planning/Project Management
Ability to shift priorities and multi-task on various projects. Develops strategies to achieve organizational goals. Accurately scopes out length and difficulty of tasks and projects. Realistically estimates time and resource requirements on projects.

Customer Focus
Dedicated to meeting the expectations and requirements of internal and external customers. Establishes and maintains effective relationships with customers and gains their trust and respect. Proactively identifies customer issues and quickly and effectively resolves customer problems.

Personal Credibility
Possesses high ethical standards. Respects the confidentiality of information or concerns shared by others. Interprets and understands University policies and applicable laws and regulations to ensure personal and unit compliance.

Communication Skills
Expresses oneself clearly in conversations and interactions with others. Expresses oneself clearly and concisely in writing. Demonstrates the ability to plan and deliver oral and written communications that are impactful and persuasive including presentations to university management and committees.

Fiscal Management
Ability to apply and maintains internal controls in the oversight of the budget. Understands key control concepts and application of these to key business processes. Uses available tools and can create own tools (excel spreadsheets, etc.) as necessary to reconcile accounts and to do budgetary projections and analysis.

School/College/Division:

H07 - Law School

H0701 - Deans Office Law School (H0701)

• Regular Employee
• Job type: Full Time
• Job category: Executive

• Compensation type: Annual Salary
• Salary hire maximum: TBD

Normal office environment.

University policy requires certain persons who are offered employment to undergo a background check, including a criminal history check, before starting work. If you are offered employment, the university will inform you if a background check is required.

Wayne State University provides equal employment opportunities (EEO) to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability or genetics. The university encourages applications from women, people of color and other underrepresented people. Wayne State is an affirmative action/equal opportunity employer.