Pay Grade: 34E 

Context of the Job:

The Joseph R. Biden, Jr. School of Public Policy and Administration provides undergraduate and graduate education, research, and public service in the fields of leadership, urban affairs, public policy, public administration, energy and environmental policy, disaster management, and public health. Named in honor of the 46th President of the United States and UD alumnus Joe Biden, the Biden School is the home of five doctoral degrees, six masters degrees, four graduate certificate programs, and three undergraduate programs. The school supports a full body of faculty, staff, and students in research, student support services, and finance and administration. The Biden School also hosts six research centers: Biden Institute, Center for Applied Demography and Survey Research, Center for Community Research and Service, Center for Energy and Environmental Policy, Center for Historic Architecture and Design, and the Institute for Public Administration.

Under the limited direction of the Dean, The Business Officer serves as an integral member of the Biden School senior leadership team and is responsible for enhancing the internal organization processes and infrastructure in support of the school’s mission and that of the University of Delaware. The Business Officer oversees and directs the implementation of the interest, operations, and priorities of the Dean and the College. The Business Officer provides direction and management of administrative and business services to include finance and analytics, space and facilities planning, grant administration, construction/renovations, and information technology. The Business Officer provides leadership and oversight of the fiscal affairs and administrative activities of the various academic and operational components of the School, including its research centers. The Business Officer provides accurate and consistent reports to the Dean of the Biden School (hereafter, the Dean,) Deputy Dean, and other internal and external constituents, as well as supporting the business services throughout the School. The Business Officer directs, plans, and manages complex and diverse administrative, ensuring compliance with University policies and procedures. The Business Officer acts as liaison with other University departments on behalf of the School and/or Dean. The Business Officer participates with the Dean and internal management in strategic and operational planning and decision making as a member of the central leadership team. The Business Officer will supervise the administrative, financial, and research administration staff as well as work closely with those providing shared services operations within the School.

Major Responsibilities:

Leadership

• The Business officer oversees the day-to-day implementation and management of the School’s finance and administrative operations.
• The Business officer is a member of the School Leadership team and participates in both strategic and operational planning and decision-making for programs, services, and functions in the School and creates short and long-term goals related to the School and University strategic plans. Implements new processes and approaches to achieve specified goals.
• Supervises financial operations, research, space and facilities planning, grant administration, information technology, and administrative employees.
• Assigns work and special projects; monitors workload and productivity; evaluates performance and makes recommendations for personnel actions; motivates employees to achieve peak productivity and performance; promotes staff training and development, makes recommendations for internal personnel actions; provides assistance in analyzing and resolving complex issues.
• Leads the School’s business intelligence efforts using reports and advanced analytics software to create dashboards and/or reports to ensure that strategic decisions are data informed. Researches, reports, analyzes, compiles, and/or completes information for internal decisions, surveys, and accreditation such as fiscal data, operational expenses, salaries, student data, enrollments, etc.
• Monitors and evaluates program/process/policy effectiveness. Seeks best practices and affects changes required for improvement. Implements procedures that foster cost-effective administrative operations for the school.
• Ensures proper internal controls are in place for all applicable administrative functions. Acts as a critical conduit of information between the Dean, Directors, staff/faculty and University support and service units.
• Acts in the absence of the Dean or Deputy Dean on operational and administrative matters; reviews, interprets, recommends, and/or implements School policies; identifies and resolves issues regarding administrative and fiscal matters; develops systems to monitor academic and administrative deadlines; regularly evaluates School administrative systems and services.
• Liaises with appropriate University offices to ensure financial and business-related policies and practices are compliant with University goals and regulations.
• Serves on School or University committees.
• Performs other job-related duties as assigned.

Budget, Finance, and Planning 

• Advises the Dean, Leadership Team, Program Directors, and Center Directors on all matters related to the fiscal, strategic, and administrative functions of the School and its research centers.
• Manages fiscal affairs of the college including budget planning, expenditure and cost analysis, procedures for expense payments, and financial projections; coordinates account reconciliation and financial reporting activities; develops systems to improve fiscal control and processing; participates in the development of new projects and/or programs; may prepare proposals for funding of equipment, remodeling, courses, or other needs of the college.
• Provides reporting and strategic consultation to the Dean and Leadership Team on financial issues, to include financial analysis and projections, cost identification and allocation, and revenue and expense analysis.
• Prepares and presents materials to summarize and justify unit/program budget requests, including data gathering/reporting and trend analyses in connection with budgetary formulation and administration. Prepares and presents business cases and budget proposals for specific projects or ongoing operational needs to the Dean.
• Participates in developing new programs, assisting the Dean, Leadership Team, and program directors in identifying new funding/growth opportunities, and drafting business plans.
• Works with development to provide financial input into proposals and implements the financial and administration aspects of gift agreements when signed.
• Works with central administration to improve financial management processes.

Administration

• Provides leadership and oversight for business operations school wide. Participates in the formulation of school policy, ensuring that administrative practices follow University regulations, policies, and appropriate regulations.
• Supervises Administration Unit employees including, developing procedures, and assigning work tasks to improve efficiency.
• Establishes and maintains policies and procedures affecting the operation and support of Biden buildings and related facilities services. Plans the allocation of available space and oversees maintenance of space and facilities.
• Supervises and/or coordinates with Information Technology support staff.
• Collaborates with the HR Manager on management of human resources related activities for the Biden School.

Research and Sponsored Programs

• Works with the faculty and staff to foster a cooperative environment conducive to fundraising for sponsored research and entrepreneurial activities.
• Assist preparation of grants and contracts and ensures support services developing procedures and assigning work tasks to improve efficiency.
• Oversees the development and implementation of procedures related to research administration matters across the school, including proposal development, post-award management and strategic research support.
• Directs the preparation of grants and contracts and ensures their compliance to institution funding source and federal guidelines and regulations.
• Works with School units and University offices to facilitate the financial processing of contracts and grants and develops reports of School awards.
• Reviews and approves contracts including delegated authority and external vendors.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Business, Finance or other job-related field and eight years of progressively responsible job-related experience, or equivalent combination of education and experience. 
• Master’s degree in public administration or business administration preferred.
• Knowledge and experience with financial and budget planning.
• Leadership ability including strategic planning, team building, and change management.
• Ability to make administrative/procedural decisions and judgments.
• Knowledge of university accounting procedures involving procurement, travel, and/or employment.
• Knowledge of computerized information systems used in financial and/or accounting applications.
• Ability to perform complex tasks and to prioritize multiple projects.
• Ability to supervise and train employees, to include organizing, prioritizing, and scheduling work assignments, and building staff and organization capacity.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills.
• Ability to communicate effectively, both orally and in writing.
• Ability to gather, analyze, and interpret financial data and prepare statistical and financial reports, statements and/or projections.
• Skill in program planning, examining, and re-engineering operations and procedures, formulating policy, and developing and implementing new strategies and procedures.
• Ability to work effectively with a wide range of constituencies in a diverse community.
• Ability to interpret, adapt, and apply guidelines and procedures.
• Committed to fostering a workplace culture of belonging, where diversity is celebrated and equity is a core value.
• Demonstrates an understanding and consideration of the differing needs and concerns of individuals with varying identities, cultures and backgrounds.