Associate Director, Finance and Grants Management at The University of Chicago in Chicago, Illinois

Job Description:

Department



AI Museum Director



About the Department



As the fine arts museum of the University of Chicago, the Smart Museum of Art is a site for rigorous inquiry and exchange that encourages the examination of complex issues through the lens of art objects and artistic practice. Through strong scholarly and community collaborations and a welcoming approach to its exhibitions, collections, publications, research and teaching, and public programs, the Smart Museum plays a dynamic role in expanding artistic canons, rethinking received histories, introducing new perspectives, and engaging diverse communities-locally, nationally, and internationally. The Smart Museum is celebrating its 50th anniversary this academic year.



Job Summary



The Associate Director of Finance and Grants Management facilitates financial planning and management, financial processing and reporting, grants management, and development functions including grant reporting. This position also coordinates other organization administrative processes including supply ordering and equipment management. This role manages a broad range of business operations and organizational activities. Develops and implements select financial procedures and policies and ensures compliance. Prepares and monitors the budget for the Museum.



Responsibilities

• Collaborates with the Museum's Senior Leadership Team to develop and monitor budgets, provide budget guidance, forecasting, spending analysis and revenue projections, utilizing expertise in the University's financial systems and knowledge of non-profit/higher education best practices.


• Leads daily financial activities of the museum, monitoring and reconciling accounts, researching, compiling, and analyzing financial data to create reports, proposals, business plans, and other financial documents to facilitate strategic decision-making.


• Monitors budgets and leads regular meetings with members of Senior Team to share and review monthly financial reporting and cost allocations, ensuring budgets remains on track and spending is correctly allocated for each project. Monitors bills and ensure payments are on schedule.


• Manages payment processes including vendor relations, processing of invoices, awards, honoraria, reimbursements, and stipends, including student payments; prepares and approves monthly GEMs reconciliations, etc.


• Works with procurement and other relevant university parties to review vendor bids and contracts.


• Collaborates with Director of Development to track progress toward fundraising goals.


• Prepares presentation material on Smart's revenue, spending, and fundraising, and attends meetings to present on the Smart's finances.


• Stays updated on university procedures, system updates, and compliance requirements impacting Museum finance; identifies potential impact and required changes; promotes and communicates best practices.


• Uses best practices to develop and implement sound financial processes and procedures and ensure compliance.


• Collaborates with the Senior Team in the pursuit of grants and funding proposals.


• Works closely with Alumni Relations & Development for grants and gifts management, including processing all grants through University grants management system AURA and serving as the primary liaison with University Research Administration. Compiles interim and final financial reports for grants and gifts. Ensures that grant funds are used in accordance with donor restrictions and guidelines.


• Supports the preparation and management of grant and contract proposals, ensuring compliance with all University, federal and private foundation guidelines and regulations. Develops financial reports and assists with seeking funding for grants.


• Oversees supply ordering for the Museum including office, exhibition, and collections management supplies.


• Works in partnership with UChicago Arts Human Resources to support processes related to staff onboarding and offboarding, payroll, contracts, and other related payments.


• Works in partnership with IT Services and UChicago Arts to coordinate computer and office equipment leases and support.


• Supports Senior Team with booking travel arrangements and accommodations for outside speakers and visitors, arranging per diem payments for couriers, and other related needs.


• Uses best practices to develop and execute organization's operational and overall strategic plan. Develops and implements relevant policies and procedures and ensures compliance.


• Plans, develops, analyzes and manages budget, including developing multi-year budget forecasts. May oversee the preparation and management of grant and contract proposals, ensuring compliance with all University, federal and private foundation guidelines and regulations. Develops financial reports and assists with seeking funding for grants.


• Performs other related work as needed.

Minimum Qualifications




Education:

Minimum requirements include a college or university degree in related field.

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Work Experience:

Minimum requirements include knowledge and skills developed through 5-7 years of work experience in a related job discipline.

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Certifications:




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Preferred Qualifications




Education:

• MBA in finance, accounting, or other related field.

Experience:

• Finance experience in medium to large non-profit and/or higher education.


• Background with contract review, negotiation, and management.


• 5+ years of direct grants management experience.


• Writing policy and procedure.


• Public speaking and preparing presentations.

Technical Skills or Knowledge:

• Proficiency in Microsoft Office and computer applications


• Knowledge of GAAP for non-profit organizations

Preferred Competencies

• Self-starter who can operate in a complex administrative environment with limited oversight.


• Familiarity with general business practices.


• Commitment to providing a high level of service and working in a team environment.


• High degree of professionalism and emotional intelligence.


• Attention to detail.


• Handle confidential information with utmost discretion.


• Excellent interpersonal, oral, and written communication skills.


• Handle multiple tasks simultaneously and under tight deadlines.


• Strong analytical and organizational skills.

Application Documents

• Resume/CV (required)


• Cover Letter (required)

When applying, the document(s) MUSTbe uploaded via the My Experience page, in the section titled Application Documents of the application.



Job Family



Administration & Management



Role Impact



Individual Contributor



FLSA Status



Exempt



Pay Frequency



Monthly



Scheduled
Weekly Hours



37.5



Benefits Eligible



Yes



Drug Test Required



No



Health Screen Required



No



Motor Vehicle Record Inquiry Required



No



Posting Statement



The University of Chicago is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity/Disabled/Veterans and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, national or ethnic origin, age, status as an individual with a disability, military or veteran status, genetic information, or other protected classes under the law. For additional information please see the University's Notice of Nondiscrimination.


Staff Job seekers in need of a reasonable accommodation to complete the application process should call 773-702-5800 or submit a request via Applicant Inquiry Form.


We seek a diverse pool of applicants who wish to join an academic community that places the highest value on rigorous inquiry and encourages a diversity of perspectives, experiences, groups of individuals, and ideas to inform and stimulate intellectual challenge, engagement, and exchange.


All offers of employment are contingent upon a background check that includes a review of conviction history. A conviction does not automatically preclude University employment. Rather, the University considers conviction information on a case-by-case basis and assesses the nature of the offense, the circumstances surrounding it, the proximity in time of the conviction, and its relevance to the position.


The University of Chicago's Annual Security & Fire Safety Report (Report) provides information about University offices and programs that provide safety support, crime and fire statistics, emergency response and communications plans, and other policies and information. The Report can be accessed online at:http://securityreport.uchicago.edu.Paper copies of the Report are available, upon request, from the University of Chicago Police Department, 850 E. 61st Street, Chicago, IL 60637. Apply Now