Director of Finance - Morrill Hall Shared Services

Position Summary
The Office of the Executive Vice President and Provost (EVPP) seeks an accomplished, strategic finance executive to serve as finance director for the Morrill Hall Shared Services Team. This highly visible leadership role serves as the chief financial manager for 10 Resource Responsibility Centers (RRCs), providing financial leadership across an annual operating portfolio of approximately $515 million. The finance director leads a team of finance professionals supporting over 115 department IDs while partnering closely with university leadership to advance institutional priorities through sound financial stewardship, strategic planning, and operational excellence.

Supported Resource Responsibility Centers (RRCs) include:
* Office of the President
* Executive Vice President and Provost
* Vice President for Government Relations
* Vice President for Equity and Diversity
* Vice President for Student Affairs
* Vice President for University Marketing Communications
* University Relations
o University of Minnesota Foundation
o University of Minnesota Alumni Association
o University Events and Engagement
* Vice Provost for Enrollment Management
* Vice Provost for Graduate Education
* Vice Provost for Undergraduate Education

Reporting to the Vice Provost for Academic Strategy and Budget (VPASB),the finance director serves as a trusted advisor to the leaders within the 10 RRCs. The finance director provides strategic leadership for financial planning, budgeting, forecasting, accounting, and financial operations across the 10 RRCs. The successful candidate will bring exceptional strategic financial leadership, strong communication skills, sophisticated financial modeling expertise, and a demonstrated ability to lead organizational change in a complex, decentralized environment.

Primary Responsibilities:
Strategic Financial Leadership
* Serve as the Chief Financial Manager for 10 Resource Responsibility Centers, providing financial management for an annual operating portfolio of approximately $515 million.
* Partner with VPASB to develop and implement multi-year financial strategies aligned with university and unit priorities.
* Collaborate with the VPASB on strategic resource planning, financial forecasting, budget development, and scenario modeling to support leadership decision-making.
* Identify financial risks, opportunities, and emerging trends while recommending strategies that improve unit performance and resource optimization and utilization.
* Translate complex financial information into clear, actionable insights for unit leaders and other key stakeholders.

Budget Planning and Advising
* In partnership with the VPASB, guide and advise leaders in the annual compact and budget planning process to include budget development, resource allocation, and financial planning.
* Advise leaders on complex and often sensitive financial matters, offering creative solutions to challenging budget issues.
* Develop sophisticated financial models and decision-support tools that strengthen strategic planning and organizational decision-making.
* Communicate University-wide financial initiatives, policy changes, and budget priorities to leaders across the supported units.

Financial Stewardship and Operational Excellence
* Provide oversight of the financial operations, including budgeting, accounting, financial reporting, internal controls, compliance, and fiscal policy implementation for the 10 RRCs.
* Ensure financial operations consistently meet University policies, regulatory requirements, and best practices in financial management.
* Identify opportunities to improve financial processes, streamline operations, strengthen internal controls, and enhance service delivery through continuous improvement initiatives.
* Collaborate across administrative and academic units to develop consistent financial practices and promote operational excellence.

Organizational Leadership
* Lead, mentor, and develop a team of 11 finance professionals responsible for delivering high-quality financial services across more than 115 department IDs.
* Foster a collaborative, inclusive, and customer-focused culture that emphasizes accountability, innovation, continuous learning, and professional growth.
* Recruit, retain, and develop high-performing talent while promoting employee engagement and succession planning.
* Establish performance expectations and ensure consistent, high-quality financial services across the shared services organization.

Institutional Leadership and Committee Representation
* Advise University leadership on financial policy and planning as an active member of two University committees that include FinMAC (Financial Management Advisory Committee) and the Senate Committee on Finance and Planning
* Assist with the allocation of student fee funds by participating as a voting member on the Student Services Fees Committee for Administrative Units.
* Lead or participate on ad hoc committees, task forces, and initiatives of varying duration and purpose.
* Represent the OEVPP as requested or necessary to advance the mission of the Office, and the University.

Key Competencies of the position
* Vision: Ability to align long-range financial strategy with mission.
* Analytical Acumen: Advanced forecasting, problem-solving, and risk-management capabilities.
* Inclusive Leadership: Proven ability to build consensus, mentor staff, and foster a respectful, collaborative culture.
* Operational Excellence: Focus on continuous improvement, process optimization, and customer-centered service delivery.
* Integrity: Highest standards of ethical conduct, compliance, and handling of sensitive information.

Appointment
The Finance Director position is a 100%-time, 12-month, annually renewable administrative appointment in the academic professional and administrative (P&A) personnel series. The job code for this position will be Finance Director 1 - Finance Generalist (9345FG). Salary will be within the range and commensurate with qualifications and experience.

Hybrid; 3 days on campus, 2 days remote

The University of Minnesota is an equal opportunity employer and educator.

Required Qualifications
* A bachelor's degree in accounting, finance, business, economics or a closely related field
* A minimum of 12 years of progressively more responsible finance experience.
* Experience leading a finance function for a comparable public or private organization
* Proven ability to navigate sensitive, multi-layered information with utmost confidentiality, maintaining trust and professional composure in a high-stakes environment
* Demonstrated success in building, leading, empowering, developing, and evaluating a high-performing team
* Demonstrated strong analytical and communication skills, including executive verbal communication and writing effectively and concisely in many formats, such as complex correspondence, reports, policy documents
* Demonstrated expertise in use of technology and information tools related to the needs of the position
* Documented success in leading major financial or other initiatives, projects, or tasks that required broad consultation and working collaboratively with multiple stakeholders
* Outstanding interpersonal skills, including demonstrated ability to develop strong relationships and effective partnerships

Preferred Qualifications
* MBA or a graduate degree in a related field
* Professional financial management experience at the University of Minnesota

Pay Range: $175,000.00 - $205,000.00; depending on education/qualifications/experience

Time Appointment: 100% Appointment

Position Type: Faculty and P&A Staff

Please visit the Office of Human Resources website for more information regarding benefit eligibility.

The University offers a comprehensive benefits package that includes:

• Competitive wages, paid holidays, and generous time off
• Continuous learning opportunities through professional training and degree-seeking programs supported by the Regents Tuition Benefit Program
• Low-cost medical, dental, and pharmacy plans
• Healthcare and dependent care flexible spending accounts
• University HSA contributions
• Disability and employer-paid life insurance
• Employee wellbeing program
• Excellent retirement plans with employer contribution
• Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) opportunity
• Financial counseling services
• Employee Assistance Program with eight sessions of counseling at no cost
• Employee Transit Pass with free or reduced rates in the Twin Cities metro area

While our salary ranges provide a framework, it is important to note that most of the
time, the initial pay may not reach the maximum of the range. This approach ensures
that compensation reflects the value and unique contributions of each candidate while
maintaining equity within our organization. As part of our commitment to fair and
equitable compensation, please be aware that the salary offered to incoming candidates
will be based on their individual credentials and experience.

Applications must be submitted online. To be considered for this position, please click the Apply button and follow the instructions. You will be given the opportunity to complete an online application for the position and attach a cover letter and resume.

Additional documents may be attached after application by accessing your "My Job Applications" page and uploading documents in the "My Cover Letters and Attachments" section.

To request an accommodation during the application process, please e-mail jobcentr@umn.edu.

Application
Applications must be received by November 20, 2026 when the position closes. Application materials should include a letter of interest and a resume.

The University recognizes and values the importance of diversity and inclusion in enriching the employment experience of its employees and in supporting the academic mission. The University is committed to attracting and retaining employees with varying identities and backgrounds.

The University of Minnesota provides equal access to and opportunity in its programs, facilities, and employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, gender, age, marital status, disability, public assistance status, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or gender expression. To learn more about diversity at the U: http://diversity.umn.edu

Any offer of employment is contingent upon the successful completion of a background check. Our presumption is that prospective employees are eligible to work here. Criminal convictions do not automatically disqualify finalists from employment.

The University of Minnesota, Twin Cities (UMTC)

The University of Minnesota, Twin Cities (UMTC), is among the largest public research universities in the country, offering undergraduate, graduate, and professional students a multitude of opportunities for study and research. Located at the heart of one of the nation's most vibrant, diverse metropolitan communities, students on the campuses in Minneapolis and St. Paul benefit from extensive partnerships with world-renowned health centers, international corporations, government agencies, and arts, nonprofit, and public service organizations.

At the University of Minnesota, we are proud to be recognized by Forbes as a Best Employer for Company Culture (2026), Best Employer for Women (2023, 2025, 2026), and Best Employer by State (2022-2026). In 2026, we also received Culture Excellence & Industry Awards recognition for employee appreciation and work-life flexibility.