Director, Finance and Operations

Department

Energy Policy Institute at Chicago (EPIC)

About the Department

The University of Chicago Institute for Climate and Energy (CEI) is a groundbreaking effort uniting faculty from across the university to advance society's understanding of our energy and climate future.

The Institute combines faculty insights in energy markets and policy, climate systems engineering, and energy technology to produce world-changing ideas while also investing in the next generation of energy and climate thinkers, leaders, and innovators through novel educational programs.

Job Summary

The Climate and Energy Institute (CEI) is seeking an experienced professional to lead Finance and Operations, including all aspects of budget planning and execution, financial and grants management, administration, human resources strategy, and engagement with key University of Chicago partners, including the Budget Office.

The role is expected to advise, offer guidance, and provide organizational perspective to the senior leadership team and senior staff members on all matters related to finance and operations, including escalating and remediating issues when needed.

This role manages multiple related teams of managers and professional staff within the University, primarily in the areas of financial, events, and support services management.

Ensures compliance to the University's business plan by developing and implementing office procedures and policies. Works closely with the Dean and/or leadership in the development of unit strategies and plans.

Responsibilities

• Working with CEI leadership, develops annual and longterm financial plans that support and align with the Institute's strategic vision.
• Prepares financial statements, activity reports, financial position forecasts and reports required by donors, grant sponsors and University policies, ensuring completeness and accuracy.
• Responsible for monthly accounting and budgetary reconciliation processes in line with the University's Budget Office policies.
• Manages financial support of global partners and centers.
• Creates strategies for improving budget and financial planning processes while improving efficiency.
• Develops and implements all CSEi activities with appropriate University and outside vendors, institutions, and departments.
• Monitors compliance with University policies and procedures.
• Compares actual expenditures to budgets.
• Manages quarterly and yearend reporting for the operating budget.
• Responsible for managing the Senior Grants Manager and Finance Coordinator.
• Working with the Executive Director, oversees the physical CEI space, ensuring smooth office operations and adequate space needs.
• Works with appropriate offices and individuals across the University of Chicago to ensure timely discussion of strategic matters and facilitates input to policy and funding decisions.
• Works with members of the CEI Senior Leadership Team and senior staff members to identify strategies that increase consistency and effectiveness of operations.
• Communicates information to staff, clients, and stakeholders regarding immediate initiatives and longterm organizational strategic direction and priorities.
• Manages the Senior Human Resources Manager.
• Works in collaboration with HR lead to serve as a consultant and coach to supervisors and, when needed, works with individual supervisors and staff to enhance performance and/or working relations.
• Oversees annual compensation planning, track compensation budget, and oversees administration of payrollrelated activities.
• Coordinates and supports performance management processes including performance review, goal setting, coaching and feedback, and staff development.
• Develops a competent and diverse leadership and management team that can quickly resolve issues, make decisions, and respond to changes.
• Manages employees through subordinates, usually other managers. Establishes performance goals, allocates resources and assesses policies for direct subordinates.
• Provides administrative and programmatic direction and coordination in the formulation, interpretation and administration of the University's strategic planning and related Unit objectives and subsequent short and longterm policies, procedures, and program plans.
• Advises on all financial activities, including financial analysis and reporting, budgeting, accounting, accounts receivable/payable, and procurement. Oversees facilities management, including renovations, moves, maintenance and ongoing facilities operations. Manages development of all contracts, including those with vendors and other institutions.
• Oversees the management of informational technology planning, ensuring necessary operating and information systems and resources are in place to accomplish strategic goals. Conceives and directs special projects related to the business of the organizational unit.
• Performs other related work as needed.

Minimum Qualifications

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

• Work

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

• Certifications:
• Preferred Qualifications

Education:

• Bachelor's degree in accounting, finance, business administration, or a related field.
• Advanced degree in business administration, accounting, or related fields.

Experience:

• Minimum 5 years of management experience with project and operational budgeting oversight.

Technical Skills or Knowledge:

• Knowledge of financial computing and database software applications, including Delphi, GEMS, BuySite, eLedgers, Business Objects.
• Strong financial modeling skills.
• Knowledge of various financial principles, practices, and applications including budgeting, financial planning, and financial reporting.

Preferred Competencies

• Outstanding interpersonal and communication skills; highly articulate in both oral and written forms, translating complex technical concepts into nontechnical language.
• 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.
• Excellent organizational and leadership skills.
• 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.

Application Documents

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

Administration & 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

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 or submit a request via [Applicant Inquiry Form

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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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