Director of Business Operations

Job Description:

About The Position

The Chicago School seeks a Director of Business Operations who will play a crucial role in ensuring efficient operation and financial management of assigned units. Reporting to the Associate Vice President of Business Operations, the Director will provide strategic leadership to drive fiscal integrity across the University.

In this role, you will manage business operations, establish financial controls and procedures, and provide training and support to stakeholders. You will design and distribute financial and operational reports, monitor performance metrics, oversee vendor partnerships, and collaborate with accounting and finance teams to drive efficiency and continuous improvement.

This position offers a unique opportunity for you to play a pivotal role in shaping the financial health and operational success of The Chicago School. Your strategic leadership and fiscal management will be instrumental in delivering exceptional services and resources, working closely with campus leadership and stakeholders.

This is a fully remote position, offering the flexibility to work from anywhere in the United States. While occasional travel to our campuses in Los Angeles, Chicago, Dallas, and Washington, D.C. may be required for important meetings, events, or training sessions, it is expected to be infrequent, with advanced notice provided.

About The University

The Chicago School educates the next generation of change-makers in innovative theory and culturally competent practice to strengthen the integrated health of individuals, organizations, and communities. We enroll over 6,000 students across 40+ academic programs culminating in a bachelor's, master's, or doctoral degree or a professional certificate, and our unique approach to impact-focused education has made us a leading nonprofit university for over 40 years.

The University is building the Illinois College of Osteopathic Medicine, or the IllinoisCOM (applicant status -- seeking accreditation), anticipated to open for its first class of students in the Fall 2026 semester with a mission to train exceptional physicians to leverage the interconnection of physical and mental health to provide compassionate, patient-centered care of the highest quality.

As an employee at The Chicago School, you can become a member of an inclusive community committed to excellence. At The Chicago School, we celebrate individuals of all backgrounds and identities for who they are and what they can contribute. We take pride in hiring and retaining the most dynamic, talented, and passionate professionals who will help us continue to innovate for decades to come.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:

Financial Management and Control

Establish and implement effective financial controls and procedures in accordance with policies, ensuring compliance with all laws, regulations, and generally accepted accounting principles. Provide leadership and training to academic and other department heads in budget preparation and management, acting as a liaison to obtain timely and accurate financial information.

Operations and Service Delivery

Manage and guide business operations for assigned units per established policies and procedures, including daily support of operational activities. Develop requests for proposals, critique and assess contracts, and oversee partnerships with vendors to ensure implementation, contract compliance, and quality service.

Reporting and Performance Monitoring

Design, prepare, and distribute reports promptly and accurately, summarizing financial, student, employee, and academic data and metrics. Review financial statements and other performance data to measure productivity and goal achievement and determine areas needing cost reduction, resource reallocation, and program improvement.

Training and Support

Provide training and ongoing support to stakeholders regarding the travel and expense reimbursement system, purchasing systems, and other financial policies and procedures. Work with the accounting, accounts payable/receivable, treasury, and payroll teams to ensure each area operates efficiently and effectively.

Basic Qualifications

Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, Business Administration, or equivalent education and training. Five (5) years of progressively responsible and successful administrative and financial management experience in a growing, complex, multifaceted organization.

Preferred Qualifications

Additional formal education beyond a bachelor's degree, including advanced degrees in relevant fields and professional certifications such as CPA, CMA, or MBA. Expertise in planning, business practices, financial analysis, and budget formation. Knowledge of business and management principles involved in planning, resource allocation, accounting, and finance. Strong organizational and time management skills, with the ability to work independently and manage multiple priorities. Excellent analytical, professional, written, and verbal communication and interpersonal skills. Proficiency with Microsoft Office, management information systems, and relevant financial applications.

Compensation And Benefits

This opportunity is budgeted at $115,000.00 to $135,000.00 base compensation. Additional compensation factors may impact total compensation. To learn more about our competitive benefits and additional rewards, including generous paid time-off, medical and dental insurance coverage, life and disability insurance, retirement plan with employer contribution, multiple flexible spending accounts, tuition reimbursement, click the link below.

DISCLAIMER

The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by people assigned to this classification. They are not to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, and skills required of personnel so classified. All personnel may be required to perform duties outside of their normal responsibilities from time to time, as needed.

Compensation & Benefits

This opportunity is budgeted at $115,000 - $135,000 base compensation. Additional compensation factors may impact total compensation. To learn more about our competitive benefits and additional rewards, including generous paid time-off, medical and dental insurance coverage, life and disability insurance, retirement plan with employer contribution, multiple flexible spending accounts, tuition reimbursement, click the link below.

https://www.thechicagoschool.edu/career-opportunities/

The Chicago School is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

Please note: For the protection of faculty, staff, students, and all who enter our facilities, The Chicago School strongly recommends that all employees are fully vaccinated for COVID-19 per CDC guidance.