| Job Summary/Basic Function: |
The Director of Finance and Business Operations serves as the senior financial leader for the Office of the Provost, reporting directly to the Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs to oversee the division's budget and financial operations, including direct-report units. In this role, the Director guides budget planning, financial management, and resource allocation across Academic Affairs while serving as the primary liaison and consultant to college business officers, financial professionals, and academic leadership to coordinate budgets and implement the university's all-funds Responsibility Center Management (RCM) budget model. Additionally, the position delivers financial analysis, forecasting, reporting, and strategic decision-making guidance to leadership, collaborating closely with the Office of Budget and Planning, Division of Finance, and campus business leaders to advance financial stewardship, enhance communication and transparency, develop financial processes and reporting tools, and support the continuous improvement of the university's budget model.
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| Department Overview: |
The Office of the Provost is committed to creating structures and processes in a culture where faculty, staff, and students can thrive so that, together, we will accomplish the university’s mission.
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| Essential Functions: |
60% of time the Director, Finance and Business Operations must:
- Partner across all levels of the university by using knowledge and resources in assisting customers with the tools and information they need to meet their own demands, such as reporting and training.
- Teach the staff to educate campus users on essential job requirements.
- Responsible for effective communication between each subunit to ensure quality and satisfaction
- Provide new and ongoing training using a variety of media to meet the needs of campus
- Deliver value, balance resources and service levels, allow for efficient processing while maintaining sufficient internal controls and compliance
- Recruit, hire and drive team performance based on strategic requirements
- Empower the staff for operational readiness by developing a culture of cross-departmental training and a commitment to ongoing professional development through continued courses and project participation
- Develop and implement long-term plans that create new opportunities and drive functionality and growth
- Collaborate in defining technology and procedures related to maintaining, updating, and ensuring compliance for ongoing regulatory changes
35% of time the Director, Finance and Business Operations will perform:
Budget Planning and Operations
- Serve as the primary financial liaison for Academic Affairs, coordinating budget planning and financial operations with college and unit business officers and university partners.
- Oversee recurring and one-time budget allocations and carryforward balances, and advise units on carryforward planning and management.
- Oversee the development and delivery of financial training, budget guidance, and administrative procedures for units within Academic Affairs.
Financial Management
- Serve as the technical expert in the development and oversight of budgets across multiple Academic Affairs units, including annual budget development, monitoring, forecasting, and long-term financial planning aligned with institutional priorities and resource constraints.
- Develop, analyze, and interpret financial and operational performance metrics, forecasts, and reports—including reports not available through standard systems—to evaluate performance and inform senior leadership decision-making.
- Develop division-level financial processes, procedures, internal controls, and best practices that improve service, strengthen compliance, optimize resource allocation, and identify operational efficiencies and cost savings.
- Coordinate internal financial reviews and audits to ensure operations remain within budget and comply with applicable fiscal practices and university requirements.
Strategic Budgeting and Leadership
5% of time the Director, Finance and Business Operations will perform:
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| Knowledge, Skills, Abilities: |
- Strategic financial planning and institutional budget modeling (e.g., Responsibility Center Management)
- Strong leadership skills
- Enterprise-level business operation systems, business intelligence, and data analytics/dashboards
- Knowledge of higher education budgeting, compliance, and audit standards
- Knowledge of budget development, monitoring, and carryforward fund management
- Working knowledge and experience with financial reporting, forecasting, and modeling
- Ability to multitask and defuse sensitive situations
- Demonstrative experience in supervisory skills and best practices
- Excellent verbal and written communication skills
- Experience guiding and managing through process improvement and change management
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| Minimum Qualifications: |
Bachelor’s degree and 8 years of experience or equivalent, including 3 years managerial
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| Preferred Qualifications: |
Master’s degree in a relevant field plus 5 years of directly related experience.
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| Physical Demands: |
This position is generally in a normal indoor office setting with minimal noise levels and may involve bending, moving, lifting, and carrying materials that weigh up to 15 pounds.
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| Salary and Benefits: |
The salary range is $98,000 - $120,000 annually and is commensurate with experience. Boise State University provides a best-in-class benefits package, including (but not limited to):
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| Required Application Materials: |
- Resume
- Cover letter
- Contact information for three professional references, collected as part of the application form
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| About Us: |
Nestled along the Boise River and steps from the state capitol, Boise State University fosters a vibrant and welcoming academic environment that fuels student and employee success. We’re a trailblazing institution, nationally recognized for our innovative spirit and commitment to positive impact on Idaho and beyond.
We’re building a thriving community of faculty and staff whose unique skills, experiences, and perspectives come together to create a rich and rewarding academic experience. Applications from all backgrounds are welcomed.
Learn more about Boise State and living in Idaho’s Treasure Valley at https://www.boisestate.edu/about/
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