Director of Operations, Administration & Budget

The Opportunity

Brandeis University – a distinguished top-tier private research university recognized for its academic excellence and leading-edge research – has an exciting opportunity for a talented and motivated Director, Operations, Administration, & Budget.

Brandeis is dedicated to first-rate undergraduate education while making groundbreaking scientific discoveries, advancing artistic and creative expression, and tackling some of society’s most pressing economic, human rights, and health policy issues. Brandeis offers a culture of learning and mentorship essential to a 21st-century liberal arts education where close relationships with professors and research opportunities enable students at all levels to collaborate with faculty members and peers across the institution.  Established as a nonsectarian university in 1948 by members of the American Jewish community, our visionary founders shared a commitment to social justice and to making the world a better place. Our founders’ pioneering spirit and intellectual pursuits continue today at Brandeis – from helping to solve a national public health crisis through work at its Opioid Policy Research Collaborative, to the biological discoveries that, in 2017, earned two faculty members a Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine.

We aspire to further such important endeavors and are looking to grow our team with individuals who share our passion and commitment. In preparation for its next ambitious campaign, the Division of Institutional Advancement (IA) seeks to strengthen the bonds with the university’s many constituencies. By working together, we will secure the financial resources necessary to continue the legacy of excellence in teaching, research, and scholarship at Brandeis.

Located nine-miles west of downtown Boston, a global hub for higher education and innovation, Brandeis University is accessible via major highways (I-90 and I-95) and the MBTA Brandeis/Roberts commuter rail stop.

Position Summary

The Director, Operations, Administration & Budget (Director) is responsible for providing critical planning, fiscal, and operations support for the Division. Primary responsibilities include overseeing the Division’s administrative, financial, and operational support services; talent management; and promoting a culture of continuous improvement.  The position’s primary purpose is to achieve greater organizational capacity and accountability, and to manage day-to-day department operations. The Director will manage a growth-oriented organization and interact effectively with a wide-range of individuals. This position will regularly interact with key internal colleagues, including the University senior administrators, department managers, as well as other stakeholders, as appropriate.

Primary Responsibilities

• Supervises the Senior Budget & Operations Analyst and the Assistant Director, Advancement Talent Management and Administration. Also provides fiscal and budgetary guidance to the Assistant Director, Finance & Operations, Brandeis National Committee.
• Overall responsibility for budgeting and managing annual expenses for general operations including staff payroll, temporary or contract support, and programs/special events: annual budget creation; regular budget monitoring; and developing budget projections and modeling.  Will work closely with the University budget office to ensure budget alignment with University goals.
• Plans and coordinates the implementation of policies and procedures related to business expenses and contract procurement; ensures effective communication of these policies and procedures to division staff.
• Manages overall space planning for the Division, and all matters related to the physical office upkeep, safety and operations.
• Collaborates with the SVP and VPs on development of the Division staffing structure and on performance management, including the design of positions, training and development.
• Informs decisions on administrative or operational matters and ensures achievement of operation’s objectives on staff FTE, finance and human resources.
• Oversees the HR liaison role including hiring, talent development, employee engagement, performance reviews, disciplinary actions, etc.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree required, Master’s degree preferred.
• 8 or more years of experience, preferably in a higher education setting.
• Minimum 8 years of progressively responsible leadership and management experience in a complex organization with strong organizational, operations management and analytical skills. Experience with and/or a deep understanding of philanthropy, higher education and fundraising program strategies highly desired.
• Minimum 5 years of direct supervisory experience with demonstrated ability to effectively lead, inspire, mentor, recruit, retain and develop a goal-oriented professional staff. Significant experience managing budgets and personnel.
• Exhibits excellent written and oral communication skills that promote academic and business professionalism and convey information clearly and concisely.
• Excellent organizational skills with high attention to detail and follow-up.
• Superior interpersonal skills with proven ability to successfully interact and collaborate with colleagues and external constituents in a professional manner.
• Ability to apply good judgment and discretion when dealing with highly confidential alumni, parent, student, family, donor and prospect information.
• Must be a detail-oriented, self-starter with an ability to work independently and manage multiple priorities to meet challenging timelines and achieve annual goals.
• Adheres to University and departmental business policies and procedures.
• Presents a collegial, collaborative and customer-service demeanor that positively reflects the core values and standards of the institution and demonstrates tact and diplomacy.
• Must be able and willing to work occasional evenings and weekends with an attitude of doing what it takes to get the job done.

Commitment to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion

“Brandeis is a community rooted in purpose, guided by enduring values, and determined to lead.  Come add your talents and your voice to this vibrant and distinctive community.”

Ron Liebowitz, President of Brandeis University

Diversity, equity and inclusion aren’t just important values at Brandeis today — they are rooted in our identity as an institution. They serve as a regular reminder for self-reflection, and a continuous call to grow.  Founded as a model of ethnic and religious pluralism, Brandeis University welcomes students, faculty, and staff of every nationality, religion, and orientation.  Social justice is central to the mission of Brandeis, which endeavors to foster a just and inclusive campus culture that embraces the diversity of our larger society.  Brandeis embodies the American heritage of cultural diversity, equal access to opportunity and freedom of expression.  Read more online about our Mission and Diversity Statements .

Submit Your Candidacy

To learn more, visit the and our websites.

To apply, please visit our and submit your cover letter and resume via the Brandeis University Human Resources online portal.

Closing Statement

Brandeis University is committed to providing its students, faculty and staff with an environment conducive to learning and working and where all people are treated with respect and dignity. We are an equal opportunity employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, ancestry, national origin, ethnicity, caste, sex, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity/expression, including transgender identity, religion, disability, age, genetics, active military or veteran status and any other characteristics protected under applicable federal or Massachusetts law.