Executive Director, Student Affairs Budget and Planning

Position Function:

Under the general direction of the Vice President for Student Affairs, the Executive Director of Student Affairs Budget and Planning will serve as the financial advisor for the Division of Student Affairs with responsibility for coordination of budget preparation, financial planning and modeling, financial analysis to improve operational efficiency, and long-term capital budgeting.

Salary Grade:  18

Please see Staff Compensation Structure or Skilled Crafts and Service Maintenance Compensation Schedule for salary ranges.  For salary grade UC, these positions are "Unclassified" and salary ranges are determined by the hiring department.

Department Profile:

At Mississippi State, the Division of Student Affairs is dedicated to fostering a welcoming and supportive environment where students thrive. We prioritize their success, well-being, and growth through programs, services, and experiences that nurture personal development and academic achievement. Our commitment is to empower every Bulldog to excel in their journey, make meaningful contributions to campus, and to prepare them to lead in their lives after college.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

1. Oversees the financial activities of the division, including budget preparation, business
planning and management, and compliance with university policies and procedures, state and federal regulations.
2. Coordinates the administrative and business processes for the division and its departments to include development of policy and procedures relative to those processes.
3. Prepares reports and special analyses for the division; presents recommendations for changes and/or improvements to increase efficiency and adherence to budgets.
4. Responsible for the coordination of the division’s annual budget processes, including
communications planning, preparation, securing appropriate approvals, and submission to the budget office.
5. Coordinates financial aspects of research proposals, contracts, grants, and subcontracts,
including the development of budget, proposal preparation, and adherence to funding requirements; serves as a liaison with university administrators, state and federal agencies as needed.
6. Advises on matters related to policies and procedures pertaining to fiscal management to ensure the business interests of the division are advanced.
7. Develops and implements systems to maintain records on employees, equipment
inventories, and compliance activities.
8. Develops and implements ongoing training for departmental budget managers and
business coordinators within the division.
9. Facilitates the Student Affairs Budget Manager/Business Coordinator Council and
ensures divisional budget/business personnel comply with approved divisional and
university procedures.
10. Provides oversight of all departmental Budget Manager/Business Coordinator functions
across the Division of Student Affairs’ 20+ departments.
11. Performs periodic reviews of the finances, business practices and financial policies of
the departments within the division.
12. Supervises Business Manager/Coordinator; administrative assistant; and student employees in the Office of the Vice President.
13. Serves as lead liaison between auxiliary vendors for food service/dining; vending; and
bookstore operations.
14. Serves as a liaison between the Vice President for Student Affairs and units in the division and with other divisions regarding fiscal and business affairs. 15. Serves on the Student Affairs Leadership Team.
15. Serves on the Student Affairs Leadership Team

Minimum Qualifications:

Education: Bachelor’s degree in Accounting or Business Administration
Experience (yrs.): education listed above plus 5-7 years experience in Accounting, financial analyst, training & development, business administration

Preferred Qualifications:

1. Master’s Degree in Accounting, Business Administration
2. Certified Public Accountant (CPA).

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

1. Knowledge of MSU budget system and procedures.
2. Skill in budget management.
3. Knowledge of MSU Banner financial system.
4. Knowledge of procurement and finance policies.
5. Knowledge of MSU hiring procedures.
6. Knowledge and understanding of busi