Director of Financial Operations

• A cover letter and resume are required for consideration for this position. The cover letter should be included in the same document as your resume and should specifically address your interest in this position and highlight related skills and experience.
• The Ford School is committed to providing a positive and inclusive work environment. This includes providing employees with flexible work opportunities. This position will generally be expected to work in the office 4-5 days per week during the academic year, with additional seasonal flexibility.

The Gerald R. Ford School of Public Policy at the University of Michigan is seeking a dynamic, strategic, and enthusiastic leader to serve as our next Director of Financial Operations. This is an exciting opportunity for an experienced finance professional to make a meaningful impact at a top public policy school, working in a mission-driven, collaborative environment.

As Director of Financial Operations, you will oversee all aspects of the school's financial operations, including sponsored research, budget management, and fiscal health. Reporting directly to the dean, you will work closely with the dean, associate deans, and other senior leadership to align our business and research operations with the school's academic vision and strategic goals. You will lead a talented team responsible for budget, operational finance, sponsored research, and business intelligence, and serve as a key member of the Ford School's senior leadership team.

You will also oversee the school's facilities and IT functions, partnering with the team to optimize our physical spaces and strengthen the technological infrastructure that supports our future.

We are looking for a candidate who brings not only financial expertise and strategic vision, but also a genuine enthusiasm for fostering a culture of high‑quality service and operational excellence. The ideal candidate will demonstrate the ability to support a team that delivers outstanding customer service while ensuring sound, efficient, and compliant financial management in a complex, fast‑paced environment.

If you are an innovative financial leader who is passionate about higher education and public service, we encourage you to apply and play a pivotal role in advancing the Ford School's mission and impact. Join us in shaping the future of public policy education and making a difference in our community and beyond.

• Advise the dean and faculty leadership on complex problems, process/policy, process improvement, faculty governance, and organizational planning
• Provide strategic guidance to the dean, leadership team, and research center directors to translate the school's vision into reality
• Proactively assess risk, advise, and provide decision‑making support based on quantitative and qualitative data
• In alignment with the dean, negotiate effectively on behalf of the school with university and outside entities
• Represent the school on various standing and ad‑hoc campus committees; represent the associate deans/dean as appropriate
• Effectively collaborate with Development, including managing gift fund usage, reviewing and approving gift agreements, and supporting fundraising initiatives
• Oversee the school's facilities and IT functions, collaborating with the team to optimize physical spaces and strengthen the technological infrastructure supporting our growth and future initiatives

• Develop complex financial modeling for school initiatives and programs, leveraging cross‑campus resources to advance the school's mission, and deliver clear, timely financial analyses that inform leadership's strategic decisions and resource allocation
• Review and approve externally sponsored project proposals. Provide strategic guidance to research teams to ensure compliance with sponsor requirements, UM Standard Practice Guides (SPG) and departmental policies in regard to complex external funding opportunities
• Liaise with the Provost's Office and Provost's Office of Budget & Planning
• Manage the school's annual budget report to the provost, including narrative, financial projections, and…