Director of Finance & Facilities

The Director of Finance and Facilities provides senior leadership for the University Libraries organization. The Libraries' resource environment encompasses a $50 million cost pool, additional endowment gift and sales income, and the externally-funded Minitex outreach service (a joint program of the Minnesota Office of Higher Education and the University). The position reports directly to the University Librarian and develops financial strategies for implementing the Libraries' academic priorities, serving as a contributor to the administrative executive group and member of the Libraries Leadership Council.

The position is responsible for the financial functions of the Libraries and oversees significant capital assets including library collections, 10 library facilities, and the safety/security program. Responsibilities include: management of the Libraries Business Office and oversight of operations within two clusters (Libraries and Minitex); ensuring that financial functions are in compliance with organizational and regulatory requirements; providing financial data for use in strategic decision making; providing counsel to organizational leadership on financial and facilities issues; approving contracts, transactions, and purchase orders; and developing and improving financial systems, and final budget development. The position works with the Finance Supervisor, Facilities Manager, and Safety/Security Program Manager to ensure the appropriate and ongoing development of business and operational processes, policies, and reporting, as well as the safety and security of the Libraries.

Responsibilities

Financial Planning and Management (60%)

• Lead the budget and capital development of the Libraries in partnership with the University Librarian/Dean of Libraries and other key colleagues across the Libraries and University.
  • Work with the University Librarian/Dean of Libraries to determine strategic priorities for the budget and capital development/management and recommend strategies to achieve goals.
  • Develop and maintain conceptual framework for budgetary planning and mechanisms for reporting progress.
  • Analyze, interpret, forecast, and communicate data and information related to financial performance of the organization.
  • Play a significant role in the development of the organization's compact.
  • Manage the Libraries' budget, including preparation of annual budget and allocation; provide administrative (dotted line) oversight of Minitex budget, processes, and reporting.
• Manage financial aspects of collections, contracts, endowments, gifts, grants, and sales.
  • Provide oversight of financial aspects of library collections acquisitions, working with Content & Collections Division leadership.
  • Manage the contract process with the Office for General Counsel for most non-collections and non-IT contracts and agreements.
  • Manage external sales approvals.
  • Manage financial aspects of the Libraries' UMF and CEF endowments and gifts; function as Collegiate Finance liaison to UMF.
  • Manage grants post award, including approval of financial grant transactions as a certified approver when needed.
• Serve as the Resource Responsibility Center (RRC) Manager for the Libraries and represent the organization to central administration and other University units on budgetary, fiscal, and capital matters.
• Provide guidance, counsel, and education to key partners.
  • Provide counsel to the University Librarian/Dean of Libraries and Associate University Librarians on strategic allocation of resources, business processes and policies, and facilities management and development; identify trends in resources and expenditures.
  • Work with the leadership of Human Resources to align fiscal and HR strategies to ensure aligned use of resources and systems.
  • Provide consultation and education to departments to ensure understanding of financial systems and status.
• Approve financial transactions when needed as the Chief Financial Manager for the Libraries.
• Manage and provide oversight for the implementation of internal operations and controls for the Libraries, which includes developing and implementing long and short-term plans, coordinating, administering, and evaluating systems.
• Develop regular and special reports for Libraries Administration. Coordinate audits and associated reporting.
• Ensure compliance with Federal, State, and local laws, regulations, codes, and/or standards; and University policies and procedures. Evaluate and develop improved internal controls to ensure compliance and risk management.
• Develop and maintain knowledge and skills by participation in professional activities and participate in development and improvement of University financial policies and processes.
• Hire, supervise, evaluate, and develop the Finance Cluster Director for the Libraries.

Facilities Management (30%)

• With the Facilities Manager, work with Libraries' leadership and department directors in assessment and development of Libraries' capital resources, (~600,000 ASF in 10 facilities and leased spaces), including risk management associated with environmental controls. Play a lead role in capital planning projects.
• With the Facilities Manager, manage the facilities for the Libraries.
• Hire, supervise, evaluate, and develop the Facilities Manager.

Safety/Security Management (10%)

• Manage the safety/security program for the Libraries through Libraries personnel and agreements with University Security.
• Hire, supervise, evaluate, and develop the Safety/Security Program Manager.

Required

• BA/BS in finance or related field and 12 or more years of related experience; additional work experience in related areas is required with a non-related bachelor's degree.
• Strong financial background, including supervisory and management experience and the ability to coach and develop others.
• Progressively responsible experience in a leadership position in the development and implementation of financial strategies and oversight of budget.
• Excellent computer and data analysis skills. Successful record of modeling complex financial issues including forecasting and analysis.
• Strong written and oral communication skills; strong organizational skills; evidence of flexibility and innovative strategies.
• Demonstrated ability to work collaboratively and effectively with multiple stakeholders (administrators, department directors, staff).
• Demonstrated commitment to promoting an environment where all perspectives are included and valued.
• Project management experience.
• Ability to become a certified approver within the first 6 months of employment

Preferred

• Master's degree.
• Experience at the University of Minnesota, in public or private higher education, or in public finance.
• Experience with facilities and capital planning.
• Experience working with grants and contracts, internal/external sales.
• Experience in and understanding of cultural heritage organizations, including management of cultural assets.

Pay Range: $160,000 - $180,000; depending on education/qualifications/experience

Time Appointment Category: 100% Appointment

Position Type: Faculty and P&A Staff

Please visit the Office of Human Resources website for more information regarding benefit eligibility.

The University offers a comprehensive benefits package that includes:

• Competitive wages, paid holidays, and generous time off
• Continuous learning opportunities through professional training and degree-seeking programs supported by the Regents Tuition Benefit Program
• Low-cost medical, dental, and pharmacy plans
• Healthcare and dependent care flexible spending accounts
• University HSA contributions
• Disability and employer-paid life insurance
• Employee wellbeing program
• Excellent retirement plans with employer contribution
• Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) opportunity
• Financial counseling services
• Employee Assistance Program with eight sessions of counseling at no cost
• Employee Transit Pass with free or reduced rates in the Twin Cities metro area

Applications must be submitted online. To be considered for this position, please click the Apply button and follow the instructions. You will have the opportunity to complete an online application for the position and attach a cover letter and resume.

Additional documents may be attached after application by accessing your "My Job Applications" page and uploading documents in the "My Cover Letters and Attachments" section.

This position will remain open until filled.

To request an accommodation during the application process, please e-mail employ@umn.edu or call (612) 624-8647.

The University recognizes and values the importance of diversity and inclusion in enriching the employment experience of its employees and in supporting the academic mission. The University is committed to attracting and retaining employees with varying identities and backgrounds.

The University of Minnesota provides equal access to and opportunity in its programs, facilities, and employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, gender, age, marital status, disability, public assistance status, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or gender expression. To learn more about diversity at the U: http://diversity.umn.edu

Any offer of employment is contingent upon the successful completion of a background check. Our presumption is that prospective employees are eligible to work here. Criminal convictions do not automatically disqualify finalists from employment.

The University of Minnesota, Twin Cities (UMTC)

The University of Minnesota, Twin Cities (UMTC), is among the largest public research universities in the country, offering undergraduate, graduate, and professional students a multitude of opportunities for study and research. Located at the heart of one of the nation's most vibrant, diverse metropolitan communities, students on the campuses in Minneapolis and St. Paul benefit from extensive partnerships with world-renowned health centers, international corporations, government agencies, and arts, nonprofit, and public service organizations.

At the University of Minnesota, we are proud to be recognized by the Star Tribune as a Top Workplace for 2021, as well as by Forbes as Best Employers for Women and one of America's Best Employers (2015, 2018, 2019, 2023), Best Employer for Diversity (2019, 2020), Best Employer for New Grads (2018, 2019), and Best Employer by State (2019, 2022).