Director, Finance Business Operations

The Talent Acquisition department hires qualified candidates to fill positions which contribute to the overall strategic success of Howard University. Hiring staff “for fit” makes significant contributions to Howard University’s overall mission.

At Howard University, we prioritize well-being and professional growth.

Here is what we offer: 

• Health & Wellness: Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision insurance, plus mental health support
• Work-Life Balance: PTO, paid holidays, flexible work arrangements
• Financial Wellness: Competitive salary, 403(b) with company match 
• Professional Development: Ongoing training, tuition reimbursement, and career advancement paths
• Additional Perks: Wellness programs, commuter benefits, and a vibrant company culture

Join Howard University and thrive with us! 

https://hr.howard.edu/benefits-wellness

We are searching for our new Director, Business Operations or Director, Finance & Administration, Financial Services Division reporting directly to the Chief Financial Officer (CFO).

The Director, Business Operations serves as the CFO’s principal operational and administrative partner, with responsibility for leading and integrating the Finance Division’s budget management, personnel actions, and core business services. This role provides division-wide financial and administrative leadership, ensuring sound stewardship of resources, compliance with institutional policies, and the effectiveness of internal controls. The Director functions as the operational anchor for the Finance Division—coordinating execution across finance, human resources, procurement, payroll, and related administrative functions—enabling the CFO to focus on institutional strategy, governance, and external engagement.

Key Responsibilities
Financial Management and Budget Oversight
•    Lead the development, coordination, monitoring, and execution of the Finance Division’s annual and multi-year operating budgets, including forecasting, scenario analysis, and budget-to-actual reporting.
•    Serve as the division’s primary resource for financial analysis, management reporting, and projections, translating complex financial data into clear, actionable insights for the CFO and division leadership.
•    Establish and maintain disciplined processes for ongoing monitoring of expenditures, commitments, and revenues, supporting informed decision-making and proactive financial management.
•    Coordinates and monitoring response on all audit findings, assessment recommendations, and corrective action plans for the Finance Division on behalf of the CFO.
•    In collaboration with the Senior Associate Vice President for Financial Strategy, serves as Finance Division liaison to the Risk Management Office and Internal Audit Office.

Business Operations and Administrative Services
•    Oversee and integrate core business services for the Finance Division, including purchasing, accounts payable and receivable, travel and expense reimbursement, contracts routing, and interfaces with risk management.
•    Serve as the primary liaison between the Finance Division and central administrative offices (e.g., Budget Office, Controller, Procurement, Payroll, Human Resources, Risk Management), ensuring timely issue resolution and consistent application of policies.
•    Ensure the design, implementation, and monitoring of effective internal controls and compliance practices consistent with institutional, state, and federal guidelines. 

Personnel and Human Resources Coordination
•    Lead and coordinate personnel actions for the Finance Division, including position management, hiring, reclassifications, compensation actions, performance management, and separations, in close partnership with Human Resources.
•    Advise managers and senior leaders on staffing strategies, workforce planning, and the budgetary implications of personnel decisions.
•    Directly supervise assigned administrative and financial staff; set priorities, allocate work, evaluate performance, and support professional development and succ