Syracuse University

Senior Director of Budget and Administration

Syracuse University$156K — $165K *
Education, Government & Non-Profit
5 - 7 years of experience
Job Overview by Ladders

Qualifications

  • Bachelor's degree in management or financial field required; master's degree preferred.
  • Seven plus years of experience in business operations, financial planning and analysis, or related field required.
  • Experience in higher education is preferred.
  • Excellent interpersonal and communication skills are required.
  • Supervisory experience demonstrating integrity and fiscal responsibility is required.

Responsibilities

  • Evaluate and propose internal controls to enhance organizational effectiveness.
  • Coordinate discussions to implement the College's academic strategic plan.
  • Ensure financial plan includes actionable, fiscally viable items.
  • Direct and collaborate on special projects with College leadership.
  • Oversee all aspects of the College's budgeting and payroll operations.

Benefits

  • Opportunities for professional development and training.
  • Engaged campus community fostering collaboration and mentorship.
  • Full-time position with standard university business hours.
  • Access to university resources and facilities.
Full Job Description
Posting Details

Posting Details

Job #
042693

Department Code
23001-4030

Department
CVPA - Dean's office

Job Title
Senior Director of Budget and Administration

Location
Syracuse, NY

Campus
Syracuse, NY

Commitment to On-Campus Experience

Syracuse University is committed to delivering an exceptional student experience through vibrant, engaged campus communities. This position is based at the above campus location and requires regular in-person presence to support our students, collaborate with colleagues, and contribute to our thriving academic environment. Syracuse University values the collaboration, mentorship, and spontaneous connections that happen when our community works together on campus. Remote work arrangements are limited in accordance with University policy.

Pay Range
$156,000 - $165,000

Pay Determination

Pay rates at Syracuse University are based on a combination of factors including, but not limited to, the job responsibilities; the candidate's education, training, work experience and key competencies; the university's strategic priorities; internal peer equity; applicable federal, state, local laws, grant funding and contractual requisites; and external market analyses.

Staff Level
S6

FLSA Status
Exempt

Hours

Standard University business hours

8:30am - 5:00pm (academic year)
8:00am - 4:30pm (summer)

Hours may vary based on operational needs.

Job Type
Full-time

Unionized Position Code
Not Applicable

Job Description

As a member of the college's leadership team, the Senior Director of Budget and Administration will work closely with the Dean to set financial priorities in alignment with the college's strategic goals, and within available resources. This position will be responsible for administering the current year budget and long-range planning for the College of Visual and Performing Arts and subordinate units through collaboration with the leadership team. This position will serve as the principal staff officer for the college community and will oversee the college office of budget and operations responsible for approving and processing payroll and HR related activities, procurement, disbursements, establish controls surrounding best business practices, and enforce college and university policies. This role will support the operations and strategic initiatives as the College moves forward with the ongoing implementation of the strategic plan and will act as a liaison between the college and university offices.

Education and Experience
  • Bachelor's degree in management or financial field required, master's degree preferred.
  • Seven (7+) plus years of experience in business operations, financial planning and analysis, or related field required.
  • Experience in higher education preferred.


Skills and Knowledge
  • Excellent interpersonal and communication skills (both verbal and written) are required.
  • Supervisory experience and leadership skills that instill trust and confidence through demonstration of integrity, accountability, and fiscal responsibility are required.
  • Must be discreet.
  • Expert in analysis and data driven problem solving and decision-making skills.
  • Ability to troubleshoot situations.
  • Experience with Excel is essential and PeopleSoft, Hyperion are preferred.
  • Ability to contain costs and manage limited resources.
  • Highly organized and strong time management skills - ability to work under pressure and manage multiple tasks and deadlines required.


Responsibilities
  • Evaluate, propose, and enforce internal controls, identify opportunities for standardization, enhance organizational effectiveness, improve business processes, and streamline College policies.
  • Coordinate discussions that advance the implementation of the College's academic strategic plan, particularly related to the organizational structure, space planning and business processes.
  • Ensure actionable items are included in the College's financial plan and are fiscally viable and sustainable.
  • Direct and collaborate on special projects and provide counsel to the members of the College's leadership team.
  • Collaborate with senior leadership to identify program needs and financial outcomes, align investments with strategic initiatives and advise on improvement of operations and related workflow, including faculty workloads and course enrollments in response to enrollment trends and curricular changes.
  • Oversee/manage all aspects of the College's budgeting (including estimated finals and long-range plans), procurement, disbursements, and payroll.
  • Effectively manage college expenditures at all levels to align with revenues received.
  • Responsible for creating financial reports and analysis for the College leadership team.
  • Analyze and forecast salary, operating and capital project budgets, sponsored contracts, gifts and endowments, tuition and other revenues.
  • Perform complex financial analysis and build modeling tools to inform recommendations for maximizing financial or other resource outcomes that will allow the College to achieve its goals.
  • Act as liaison with VPA schools/departments regarding college-wide financial policies, as well as maintain positive relationships with central University offices, other schools/colleges, and outside organizations; must possess the ability to effectively communicate and execute across different levels and departments regarding financial matters.
  • In consultation with the Assistant Dean for Advancement and External Affairs, oversee and analyze gifts and endowment payout funds to ensure funds are utilized in accordance with donor restrictions, and that the college is maximizing the utilization of restricted funds.
  • Partner with University offices (HR, Payroll and Academic affairs) to oversee the HR related processes in the College and serve as primary point of contact for the Senior HR Business Partner.
  • Responsible for understanding the organizational structure of the college and recommending enhancements to leadership.
  • Evaluate, develop, and implement staff training initiatives to ensure continuous improvement in staff skills consistent with performance expectations.
  • Coordinate and oversee the annual salary and performance review process for the College of Visual & Performing Arts faculty and staff.
  • Participate in complex and confidential issues related to employment, compensation, appointment letters, and employee relations.
  • Act as liaison with VPA schools/departments regarding college-wide financial policies and cultivates strong partnerships with central University offices and services, other schools/colleges, and outside organizations; must possess the ability to effectively communicate and execute across different levels and departments regarding financial and operational matters.
  • In consultation with the Assistant Dean for Advancement and External Affairs, oversee and analyze gifts and endowment payout funds to ensure funds are utilized in accordance with donor restrictions, and that the college is maximizing the utilization of restricted funds.
  • Other duties as assigned.


Physical Requirements

Tools/Equipment

Application Instructions

In addition to completing an online application, please attach a resume and cover letter.

Quick Link
https://www.sujobopps.com/postings/112693

Job Posting Date
03/30/2026

Application Deadline

Full Consideration By

Job Category
Staff

Message to Applicants

About Syracuse University

Syracuse University is a private research university located in Syracuse, New York. It was founded in 1870 and has since grown to become one of the largest universities in the United States. Syracuse University offers undergraduate, graduate, and professional degree programs in a wide range of fields including business, engineering, law, and the arts. The university is known for its strong programs in communications, architecture, and social sciences. Syracuse University is committed to providing students with a high-quality education that prepares them for success in their chosen careers.
Learn more about Syracuse University
Size
15,000 employees
Industry

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