Associate Director, Financial Operations Analyst

University of Chicago - Chicago, IL

Full-time - Mid Level

Chicago, IL

Educational Services

About the position

The Alumni Relations and Development (ARD) department at the University of Chicago engages a diverse community of alumni, current students, parents, and friends through various intellectual, professional, and social activities. With a significant annual fundraising goal of $600 million, ARD supports a wide range of initiatives across the University, including faculty research, student programs, and institutional priorities. The ARD Financial Operations and Facilities team plays a crucial role in managing the financial aspects of these operations, including budget management, payment processing, financial reporting, and space planning for the department's facilities, including an office in New York City. This position is responsible for managing both operating and capital budgets for various divisions and administrative units within the University. The role involves developing long-term financial goals and business strategies, as well as creating financial forecasts and models for major service programs. The individual will oversee quarterly and year-end reporting for the operating budget, ensuring that all financial activities align with the University’s standards and guidelines. Key responsibilities include supporting the Senior Director in drafting budgets, providing analytical support for budget projects, and analyzing budget estimates and proposals. The position also requires reporting on variances between the approved budget and actual performance, making recommendations for budget allocations, and providing training for budget managers throughout the University. Additionally, the role involves managing the departmental database system, generating financial reports, and acting as a resource for team members to solve complex problems. The individual will also seek opportunities for professional development to enhance job performance and will be expected to work collaboratively with various departments to assess contract suitability and compliance with University standards.

Responsibilities

• Manage operating and capital budgets for divisions and/or University-wide administrative units.
• Develop long and short term financial goals, business strategies/plans, and financial forecasts/models for major service programs and initiatives.
• Manage quarterly and year-end reporting for the operating budget.
• Support the Senior Director in drafting budgets and providing analytical support for routine budget projects.
• Analyze budget estimates and proposals, reporting on variances between the approved budget and actual performance.
• Make recommendations and provide training for managers throughout the University budget cycle.
• Serve as a backup for the review and negotiation of ARD contracts of $25,000.
• Act as backup for the University finance and budgeting system, Oracle cloud and Workday.
• Determine financial resources required to implement programs and submit recommendations for budget allocations including cost saving initiatives.
• Manage and maintain departmental database system, generating annual reports and uploading monthly data.
• Design and maintain spreadsheets and reports that aid the analysis of expenditures within the unit.
• Upload monthly budget related data and assist with management of user accounts.
• Generate ad hoc financial reports and manage special projects as assigned.
• Work with respective department's representatives to understand needs and assess contract suitability to ensure compliance with University standards and guidelines.
• Seek opportunities for professional development that will enhance job performance.
• Review estimated expenditures and develop expenditure projections and periodic budget variance reports.
• Prepare forecasts and analyses, acting as a resource for team members and solving complex problems.

Requirements

• Minimum college or university degree in a related field.
• 5-7 years of work experience in a related job discipline.
• Strong commitment to customer service.
• Demonstrated skill and knowledge of the internal workings of the University and technology tools available to the Office of Alumni Relations and Development, including donor relationship management systems and Microsoft Office Suite.
• Advanced Excel skills.

Nice-to-haves

• Bachelor's degree or advanced degree.
• Minimum two years of professional work experience in nonprofit management, development, alumni relations, marketing, public relations, sales, or similar fields.
• Minimum two years of project management experience.
• Minimum two years of experience developing and monitoring budgets.

Benefits

• Health insurance coverage
• Dental insurance coverage
• 401k benefit for retirement savings plan
• Flexible scheduling options
• Professional development opportunities
• Paid holidays
• Paid volunteer time
• Tuition reimbursement
• Wellness programs