Senior Director, Finance & Operations at University of Denver

The Business Solutions & Analysis Team is comprised of a team of business officers who are highly trained and efficient in University business functions. This office sits in the Business and Financial Affairs Division. We strive to be a trusted and innovative partner delivering exemplary business services in support of the DU community.Position SummaryThe Senior Director of Finance and Operations reports to the Business Solutions and Analysis team and provides leadership and oversight for financial management human resources and operational functions across the assigned units managing an annual portfolio budget exceeding $65 million. This role is responsible for leading a team that serves academic and administrative units and includes a manager and multiple business officers ensuring all financial and HR transactions are processed accurately and in a timely manner. The Senior Director is the primary knowledge expert for their units budgets and holds full responsibility for tuition and discount administration (when applicable) and financial forecasting/budgeting.The Senior Director partners closely with University Leadership throughout the budget development process to ensure budgets are accurate aligned with institutional priorities and effectively managed.Essential FunctionsTeam Leadership & Operations ManagementLead and manage a team responsible for executing all financial payroll and HR transactions for the assigned units.Ensure operational excellence by maintaining high standards for transaction accuracy timeliness and compliance.Collaborate closely with leadership to foster a high-performing team environment and cultivate a culture of excellence accountability and continuous improvementFinancial Oversight & ForecastingResponsible for tuition and discount management for academic units ensuring proper application and documentation.Develop maintain and monitor financial budgets and forecasts for assigned units.Act as the subject matter expert for unit budgets providing detailed knowledge and management of financial status with leadership.Budget Development & PartnershipCollaborate closely with University Leadership during the annual budget development process.Provide detailed financial analysis data and insights to support effective budget planning and resource allocation.Ensure budgets are realistic compliant and properly maintained throughout the fiscal year and support the Universitys strategic goals.Ensure all transactions comply with university policies regulatory standards and audit requirements.Prepare and organize documentation for audits and internal reviews.Address operational or compliance issues promptly to maintain process integrity.Knowledge Skills and AbilitiesFinancial management expertise in budgeting forecasting and analysis for large complex budgetsKnowledge of HR and payroll processes policies and compliance standardsProficiency with ERP and financial systems (e.g. Banner Salesforce PeopleSoft) and reporting toolsLeadership and team management skills for multi-layered operational teamsAdvanced data analysis and reporting skills using Microsoft Excel and Microsoft 365Skill in developing realistic compliant budgets aligned with institutional prioritiesStrong communication and collaboration skills for partnering with leadership and cross-functional teamsAbility to quickly resolve operational and compliance issues and make sound decisions in complex environmentsRequired QualificationsBachelors degree in Business Finance Accounting or related fieldMinimum 810 years of progressively responsible experience in financial and administrative roles.Demonstrated experience managing large budgets ($30M) and supervising multi-layered teams.Preferred QualificationsAdvanced degree (MBA MPA or similar).Experience in higher education or similarly complex organizations.Proficiency with ERP systems (Banner Salesforce PeopleSoft) and financial reporting toolsWorking EnvironmentStandard office environment.Unexpected interruptions occur often and stress level is moderate to high.Noise level is quiet to moderate.Physical ActivitiesAbility to work in front of a computer for extended periods of time.Occasionally required to move about the office/campus.Work ScheduleMonday - Friday 8:00 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.Application DeadlineFor consideration please submit your application materials by 4:00 p.m. (MST) December 12 2025.Special InstructionsCandidates must apply online through to be considered. Only applications submitted online will be accepted.Salary Grade Number:The salary grade for the position is 14.Salary Range:The salary range for this position is $115000-$130000.The University of Denver has provided a compensation range that represents its good faith estimate of what the University may pay for the position at the time of posting. The University may ultimately pay more or less than the posted compensation range. The salary offered to the selected candidate will be determined based on factors such as the qualifications of the selected candidate departmental budget availability internal salary equity considerations and available market information but not based on a candidates sex or any other protected status.Benefits:The University of Denver offers excellent benefits including medical dental retirement paid time off tuition benefit and ECO pass. The University of Denver is a private institution that empowers students who want to make a difference. Learn more about the University of Denver.Please include the following documents with your application:1. Resume2. Cover LetterThe University of Denver is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race color religion sex (including sex stereotypes sex characteristics sexual orientation gender identity and gender expression) marital family or parental status pregnancy or related conditions national origin disability or status as a protected veteran. The University of Denver does not discriminate and prohibits discrimination on the basis of race color national origin ancestry age religion creed disability sex (including sex stereotypes sex characteristics sexual orientation gender identity and gender expression) marital family and parental status pregnancy genetic information military enlistment or veteran status and any other class of individuals protected from discrimination under federal state or local law regulation or ordinance in any of the Universitys educational programs and activities and in the employment (including application for employment) and admissions (including application for admission) context as required by Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972; the Americans with Disabilities Act; Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973; Title VI and VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964; the Age Discrimination Act of 1975; the Age Discrimination in Employment Act of 1967; the Equal Pay Act; the Colorado Equal Pay for Equal Work Act; the Colorado Protecting Opportunities and Workers Rights (POWR) Act; and any other federal state and local laws regulations or ordinances that prohibit discrimination harassment and/or retaliation. For more information please see the University of Denvers NonDiscriminationStatement.All offers of employment are contingent upon satisfactory completion of a criminal history background check.Required Experience:Exec Key Skills Employee Relations,Employee Evaluation,Management Experience,Profit & Loss,Conflict Management,Operations Management,Project Management,Budgeting,Leadership Experience,Supervising Experience,Leadership management,Financial Planning Employment Type : Full-Time Experience: years Vacancy: 1 Monthly Salary Salary: 115000 - 130000