Job Information

Job Summary:

The Associate Vice President for Operations Strategy and Finance is a key leadership role within the Office of the Vice President for Operations at the University of Chicago. This position is responsible for overseeing the finance, budget, strategic communications, and supply chain management functions for the department. The Associate Vice President will play a critical role in developing and implementing strategic initiatives to support the university's operational goals, ensuring financial sustainability, and enhancing communication and collaboration across departments.

The AVP for Operations Strategy and Finance will provide strategic alignment with the needs of the University by collaborating with campus partners to set and oversee budgets, plan capital expenditures, and allocate resources. They will ensure that University investments support operational needs and will look to identify where we can streamline operations and improve efficiency. The Associate Vice President for Operations Strategy and Finance will analyze performance metrics, for IT Services, Facilities and Human Resources, to address operational issues in a data-driven fashion with the goal of supporting the mission. They will over-see change-management initiatives that need strategic communication and implementation with University stakeholders for IT Services, Department of Safety and Security, Facilities and Human Resources. They will lead the development and delivery of strategic messaging and communication within and from the Vice Presidents for Operations office.

The AVP for Operations Strategy and Finance will oversee the development and implementation of the Office’s budget and is responsible for supporting the financial planning and related analysis activities as well as providing financial insight and strategic counsel to the Vice President for Operations. The AVP will ensure financial integrity of all the units reporting to the Vice President in the development and management of sustainable annual and long-range operating and capital financial planning and cost management. The AVP will also provide leadership in the development around revenue generation and cost management. The AVP will work with the campus budget and finance offices to provide timely organization wide budget information and communication to ensure proper budget development and proper and timely receipt of budget appropriations.

The AVP for Operations Strategy and Finance will coordinate a centralized Supply Chain Management team which will handle assets, equipment and inventory lifecycle end-to-end for IT Services and Facilities Services. The goal is to implement a consistent process across The University, managed and led by a single team partnering with all Operational departments. The team will provide consistent models and process enhancing product delivery, management, inventory control and retirement of University assets.

The AVP for Operations Strategy and Finance is expected to leverage organizational savvy to advise, offer guidance, and provide organizational perspective to the Vice President for Operations, department leaders and senior staff members in support of strategies and directions including escalating and remediating issues when needed. The role will partner with to the Vice President for Operations, and others, to develop organizational vision and strategic and operational plans that align operational priorities and actions in support of University-wide goals. The Associate Vice President for Operations Strategy and Finance will cultivate relationships, gains credibility with diverse constituencies, and collaborates effectively within a decentralized environment.

Responsibilities:

Financial Management and Budgeting:

• Oversee the development, implementation, and monitoring of the Office of the Vice President of Operations' budget.
• Ensure effective financial planning and reporting processes are in place to support the university's operational objectives.
• Develop and implement financial strategies to optimize resource allocation and ensure financial sustainability.
• Provide financial analysis and insights to support decision-making by senior leadership.

Strategic Communications:

• Develop and execute a comprehensive strategic communications plan for the Office of the Vice President of Operations.
• Ensure consistent and transparent communication across all levels of the organization.
• Collaborate with the university's communications team to promote operational initiatives and achievements.
• Manage internal and external communications related to operational strategy and finance.
• Communicates information to staff, clients, and stakeholders regarding immediate initiatives and long-term organizational strategic direction and priorities.

Supply Chain Management:

• Coordinate the procurement and supply chain management functions for Office of the Vice President of Operations.
• Develop and implement strategies to optimize supply chain efficiency and cost-effectiveness.
• Ensure compliance with university policies and regulatory requirements related to procurement and supply chain management.
• Foster relationships with vendors and suppliers to ensure high-quality goods and services are delivered in a timely manner.

Leadership and Collaboration:

• Provide leadership and direction to the finance, budget, strategic communications, and supply chain management teams.
• Foster a culture of collaboration, innovation, and continuous improvement within the Office of the Vice President for Operations.
• Works with members of the VP for Operations Leadership Team and senior staff members to identify strategies that increase consistency and effectiveness of operations.
• Work closely with other university departments to align operational strategies with the institution's overall goals and objectives.
• Represent the Office of the Vice President for Operations in university-wide committees and initiatives.
• Champion operational initiatives with campus partners through education and collaboration.
• Provides organizational vision, advice, and strategic planning expertise. Cultivates relationships, gains credibility with diverse constituencies, and collaborates effectively within a decentralized environment.
• 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.
• Tracks progress of complex initiatives and projects associated with governance agendas; coordinates agendas, documents, scheduling and logistics for key committee meetings; handles complex situations and multiple responsibilities simultaneously, mixing long-term projects with the urgency of immediate demands; collaborates with others to achieve actionable results.
• Responsible for tracking, monitoring, and following up on the progress of projects, action items, and strategies resulting from senior leadership and similar organizational leadership meetings. Initiates subsequent follow-up meetings and communications with key stakeholders regarding various outcomes and action plans.
• Grows and develops a competent and diverse leadership and management team that can quickly resolve issues, make decisions, and respond to changes in operational, technology and client trends.
• 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 long-term policies, procedures and program plans.
• Performs other related work as needed.

Preferred Competencies

• Experience in financial planning, analysis, and reporting, including overseeing budget development, monitoring and sustainability to optimize resource allocation.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to effectively engage with diverse stakeholders.
• Expertise in coordinating procurement and supply chain management functions.
• Demonstrated ability to lead and manage teams, fostering a collaborative and high-performance work environment.
• Expertise in strategic planning and aligning operational strategies with organizational goals and championing initiatives.

Preferred Qualifications

Education:

• Bachelor's degree required.
• Masters preferred.

Experience:

• Minimum of 10 years of experience in finance, budget management, strategic communications, and supply chain management, preferably in a higher education or large institutional setting required.
• Knowledge of university operations and policies preferred.

Required Documents:

• Resume
• References (3)

Pay Range

$290,000.00 - $350,000.00

The included pay rate or range represents the University’s good faith estimate of the possible compensation offer for this role at the time of posting.

Benefits Eligible

Yes

The University of Chicago offers a wide range of benefits programs and resources for eligible employees, including health, retirement, and paid time off. Information about the benefit offerings can be found in the Benefits Guidebook.

Posting Statement

The University of Chicago is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, or expression, national or ethnic origin, shared ancestry, 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.