Business Manager (Director of Budget & Administration)

University of Kansas; Tipton; On-site; GBP 72,000 - 106,000; Full time

Job summary

University of Kansas seeks a Director of Administration and Budget for the School of Journalism. This senior position leads budgeting, forecasting, and financial analysis, ensuring compliance with KU and state requirements.

The role requires building strategic financial plans, coordinating with leadership, and implementing robust fiscal controls. The successful candidate will manage resources, collaborate across departments, and support grant budgeting, with a focus on optimizing operations and

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree plus 3+ years in management or supervisory roles.
• Three+ years managing or monitoring sponsored projects with federal guidelines.
• Strong written communication skills and ability to prepare reports.

Responsibilities

• Provide strategic direction and oversight of budgets and financial operations.
• Develop and review organizational budgets; act as fiscal liaison between School and university offices.
• Lead continuous improvements to budgeting processes and financial controls.

Skills

Budget management

Financial analysis

Leadership

Strategic planning

Written communications

Education

Bachelor’s degree in a related field

Master’s degree in accounting/finance (preferred)

Tools

Oracle Cloud Financials

HR Pay systems

Job description

Position Overview

The Director of Administration and Budget provides strategic direction, leadership and oversight of the School of Journalism programs, projects, functions, and processes primarily on the Lawrence campus. This position conceptualizes and develops unit strategies and works with School leadership team to ensure strategies and business operations are implemented and in compliance with KU and state requirements. Assures unit effectiveness and accountability and is responsible for departmental allocation of fiscal and human resources.

The Director of Administration and Budget has the overall responsibility for the financial reporting, financial analysis, budgeting, and preparation and review of the organizational budget for the School and serves as the fiscal liaison between the School and other University financial offices, including KU Office of Research and KU Endowment.

The Director of Administration and Budget also supports budget preparation of grant applications and management. This position is part of a senior administrative team and plays a key role in developing strategic financial plans for budgeting, cash management, forecasting, risk management, and financial analysis, as well coordinating related fiscal, budget, and personnel activities. This role will be responsible for maintaining budgetary and administrative structures and systems within the School, and in partnership with School leaders and it’s partners, implement continuous improvements to these practices.

KU offers great benefits to employees with up to 176 hours of paid vacation per year, 96 hours of sick leave earned per year, nine paid holidays plus one discretionary day, a retirement program, medical & dental insurance, life and disability insurance, other benefit plan options, and State of Kansas discounts offered by various vendors. KU also offers employees educational and professional development opportunities.

Tuition assistance offers up to 12 credit hours per year for employees and Employee Dependent Tuition Assistance Scholarship (EDTAS) award opportunities! Details and additional KU Benefits information available at: Tuition Assistance | KU Benefits

KU’s excellence is a result of the rich tapestry of experiences, perspectives, and backgrounds of our faculty, staff, students, and colleagues from across our nation and the globe. At KU, we invest in continuous learning and growth by creating a climate where people engage in respectful dialogue and debate and support each other’s success. We foster a culture of care where each person is seen, heard, and valued. When people feel a true sense of belonging, we believe they are better able to reach their full potential and achieve remarkable things.

The successful candidate must be eligible to work in the U.S. by the effective date of the appointment.

Position Requirements

1. This position is on-site at the School of Journalism, Stauffer-Flint Hall, Lawrence campus.

Required Qualifications

1. Bachelor’s degree in a related field and 3 years of related experience OR Associate’s degree and 5 years of related experience OR High School diploma and 7 years of related experience.
2. A minimum of two years of experience in a management role, supervisory experience, and/or project team leadership.
3. A minimum of three years of managing or monitoring sponsored projects, with an understanding of KU and federal guidelines regarding the appropriate use of funds and effort certification reporting, or equivalent experience in a comparable setting.
4. Excellent written communication skills as demonstrated by application materials, as well as excellent communicationskills (to be confirmed by references).
5. Experience in developing and administering budgets as demonstrated by work history.
6. Excellent analysis and problem-solving skills, as demonstrated by work history.

Preferred Qualifications

1. Master’s degree in accounting, finance, business administration, or related field.
2. Minimum seven years supervisory experience, with a history of progressive leadership responsibility.
3. Experience in developing and using financial models, forecasting tools, and predictive analytics.
4. Demonstrated ability to work collaboratively with a population of students, staff, faculty, administrators and other members of a post-secondary educational institution from a variety of backgrounds and disciplines.
5. Experience with Oracle Cloud Financials and HR Pay systems.
6. Experience working within KU business operations, policies, procedures and fiscal processes.

Contact Information to Applicants

Stephen Wolgast

[e-mail]

Additional Candidate Instruction

In addition to the online application, the following documents are required to be considered for this position:

• Cover letter describing how you meet the required and preferred qualifications
• Resume
• List of three (3) professional references

Application review begins Monday September 14, 2026, and will continue until a qualified pool of applicants is identified.

#LI-HR1

Work Schedule

M-F 8-5

Disclaimer

The University of Kansas prohibits discrimination on the basis of race, color, ethnicity, religion, sex, national origin, age, ancestry, disability, status as a veteran, sexual orientation, marital status, parental status, gender identity, gender expression, and genetic information in the university's programs and activities. Retaliation is also prohibited by university policy. The following person has been designated to handle inquiries regarding the nondiscrimination policies and is the Title IX coordinator for all KU and KUMC campuses: Associate Vice Chancellor for the Office of Civil Rights and Title IX, [e-mail], Room 1082, Dole Human Development Center, 1000 Sunnyside Avenue, Lawrence, KS 66045, 785-864-6414, 711 TTY.