Senior Budget Partner

If you have any questions about the position or our application process, reach out to us at recruiting-u@smith.edu.

Facilities Management

Job Description

Job Summary

The Senior Budget Partner provides strategic financial leadership and administrative oversight for the Campus Operations departments, including Facilities Management, Dining Services, Events Management, and Campus Safety. This role is responsible for developing, overseeing, and monitoring the division’s capital renewal and replacement budgets in coordination with the College Finance Office. The Senior Budget Partner will also forecast and manage the annual utility, rental properties, and operating budgets for Facilities & Operations (F&O) and oversee property, auto, and liability insurance coverages. The role emphasizes the importance of fostering an inclusive, collaborative, and service-oriented work environment that aligns with Smith College’s mission and values.

Take appropriate actions to support a diverse workforce and participate in the College's efforts to create a respectful, inclusive, and welcoming work environment.

Essential Functions

Financial Leadership and Analysis (30%)

• Administer, monitor, analyze, and report on the financial results of Finance and Operations, managing capital, renewal, and operating fund budgets totaling multi-million dollars annually.
• Develop and implement quantitative and qualitative metrics to evaluate departmental finances, identifying opportunities for improvement and efficiencies.
• Collaborate with department administrators to prepare and develop annual operating, renewal, and replacement budgets for submission to the college budget office.
• Analyze and report monthly expenditures for the college’s utility budgets, review energy consumption patterns, and execute the purchase of energy commodities to meet budgetary goals.
• Regularly communicate with the college finance offices to develop and maintain financially sound and efficient business practices.
• Direct budget transfers between departments or funds, ensuring the use of appropriate funding sources.
• Establish and implement strategic and long-range plans for F&O to achieve financial objectives that align with the college's strategic plan and commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion.

People Management (25%)

• Oversee one or more direct reports in regular and/or fixed-term roles.
• Lead hiring, development, coaching, and performance-related decisions, in collaboration with Human Resources.
• Make informed decisions impacting the team and institution, including setting priorities, resource allocation, and problem-solving.
• Address team conflicts and challenges to promote a positive work environment.
• Communicate expectations effectively, provide feedback, and align team efforts with departmental goals.
• Foster a service-focused culture and promote positive labor relations in a union environment.
• Lead by example in employee relations and engagement, ensuring the workforce meets operational needs while maintaining an environment of dignity and respect.
• Lead, mentor, and manage the Business Operations team, including supervisors and skilled trades workers.
• Develop and implement budget policies, procedures, and best practices to ensure efficient and effective operations.
• Foster a culture of safety, continuous improvement, and accountability within the department.

Inventory Management (10%)

• Oversee the department’s accounts payable processing, ensuring timely and accurate processing of departmental expenditures, billings, journal transfers, and account allocations.
• Collaborate with vendors, consultants, and college staff to enhance efficiencies in accounts payable and financial reporting processes, fostering strong relationships based on trust and mutual respect.
• Manage the accounts receivable process, ensuring timely and accurate financial transactions that align with the college’s commitment to fiscal responsibility.
• Establish fund and renovation accounts in the college’s financial record system, ensuring proper tracking and reporting to support transparency and accountability.

Risk Management and Compliance (10%)

• Serve as the primary contact for risk management issues, coordinating with the Five College Risk Management Office and managing insurance claims for reimbursement with a focus on compliance and risk mitigation.
• Train and assist department heads in interpreting budget reports, forecasts, and compliance with procedures and policies, ensur