Executive Director for Financial Strategy and Operations

Location: Knoxville, Tennessee, USA; onsite university-based role

Salary: $150,000–$155,000 per year

Company

The University of Tennessee, Knoxville is a large public research university serving more than 38,000 students through 14 degree-granting colleges and schools.

What you will do

• Lead financial planning, annual budgeting, forecasting, resource allocation, financial modeling, and multi-year fiscal planning for Student Life.
• Oversee a Student Life budget exceeding $90M–$100M and advise the Vice Chancellor on strategic investments and organizational priorities.
• Improve operational performance through workforce planning, organizational design, process improvement, performance metrics, and operational analytics.
• Supervise the Directors of Student Life Finance and Administration and Student Life Technology.
• Oversee financial reporting, internal controls, audits, compliance, risk management, and the appropriate use of institutional, auxiliary, fee, and gift funds.
• Guide technology strategy, data initiatives, process automation, and artificial intelligence applications that improve organizational effectiveness and service delivery.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree from an accredited institution.
• At least five years of progressively responsible experience in finance, budgeting, operations, administration, strategic planning, or organizational management.
• Experience with financial oversight, resource allocation, operational or program management, and stakeholder collaboration.
• Experience leading projects, initiatives, or teams in a complex organizational environment.
• Knowledge of higher education operations, student affairs administration, financial planning, organizational effectiveness, university policies, and applicable regulations.
• Strong communication, financial analysis, personnel management, and organizational leadership skills.

Nice to have

• Advanced degree.
• Seven or more years of experience in higher education, student affairs, finance, operations, administration, or a related field.
• Experience overseeing finance, business operations, technology, human resources, facilities, or auxiliary services.
• Success advising senior leaders, leading organizational change, managing complex budgets, and aligning resources with strategic priorities.

Culture & Benefits

• Paid vacation and sick leave and paid holidays.
• Education benefits, retirement plans, and medical, dental, and vision insurance.
• Access to career development, coaching, continuing education, and professional training.
• Work environment focused on service, leadership, innovation, engagement, and work-life balance.

Hiring process

• Submit an application, cover letter, resume, and contact information for three professional references.
• References will not be contacted without the candidate's permission.
• Applications submitted by October 18 receive full consideration.