Executive Director, Finance and Business Operations

Arizona State University; Phoenix (AZ); On-site; USD 175,000 - 195,000; Full time

Job summary

The Sandra Day O'Connor College of Law at Arizona State University seeks an accomplished executive leader to provide strategic oversight of the College's finance, business operations, and human resources functions. Reporting directly to the Dean, the Executive Director serves as a member of the College's Executive Committee and as the Dean's principal advisor on financial strategy.

The Executive Director partners with college and university leadership to develop and implement long-range

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree and nine (9) years of experience appropriate to the area of assignment/field including five (5) years managerial experience; OR, Any equivalent combination of experience and/or training from which comparable knowledge, skills and abilities have been achieved.

Responsibilities

• Strategic Leadership: Advise Dean and senior leadership on strategic, financial, operational, and organizational matters.
• Financial Leadership & Stewardship: Oversee budgeting, forecasting, financial planning, accounting, fund management, and reporting.
• Human Resources & Organizational Leadership: Lead HR strategy and operations in partnership with university HR; workforce planning and development.
• Administrative & Operational Leadership: Oversee business operations, internal controls, audits, and compliance with policies and regulations.

Education

Bachelor's degree

Job description

Job Profile

Administrative Operations Manager 4

Job Family

Administrative Operations

Time Type

Full time

Minimum Qualifications

Bachelor's degree and nine (9) years of experience appropriate to the area of assignment/field including five (5) years managerial experience; OR, Any equivalent combination of experience and/or training from which comparable knowledge, skills and abilities have been achieved.

Job Profile Summary

Administers and evaluates all business and administrative matters including budget, operations, and programs and personnel administration within several departments. Provides financial analysis and strategic planning as well as oversees the budgetary controls.

Job Description

The Sandra Day O'Connor College of Law seeks an accomplished executive leader to provide strategic oversight of the College's finance, business operations, and human resources functions. Reporting directly to the Dean, the Executive Director serves as a member of the College's Executive Committee and as the Dean's principal advisor on financial strategy.

The Executive Director partners with college and university leadership to develop and implement long-range strategies that advance the College's mission through financial stewardship, organizational effectiveness, and operational excellence. This position aligns financial, human, and operational resources with institutional priorities while ensuring compliance with university policies and applicable regulatory requirements.

Salary Range

$175,000 - $195,000 per year; DOE

Essential Duties

Strategic Leadership

• Serve as a member of the ASU Law Executive Committee, advising the Dean and senior leadership on strategic, financial, operational, and organizational matters.
• Develop and implement long-range strategic plans that align financial, human capital, and operational resources with the College's mission and priorities.
• Collaborate with college leadership to advance institutional goals related to academic excellence, student success, faculty and staff support, reputation, rankings, and new degree development.
• Foster collaborative relationships with university leadership and administrative partners to advance college initiatives and ensure alignment with university priorities.
• Identify risks and opportunities and recommend strategies that improve operational effectiveness, financial sustainability, and organizational performance.

Financial Leadership & Stewardship

• Provide executive oversight of the College's financial operations, including budgeting, forecasting, financial planning, accounting, fund management, and financial reporting.
• Lead the development of annual operating and special budgets, multi-year financial forecasts, and strategic financial analyses to support executive decision-making.
• Ensure responsible stewardship of college financial resources and compliance with university, state, federal, and donor requirements.
• Oversee management of personnel services budgets, operating expenditures, revenues, financial aid, and capital planning.
• Provide executive oversight of sponsored project financial administration, including proposal review, post-award financial management, effort reporting, and compliance with applicable regulations.
• Analyze financial trends and organizational data to inform strategic resource allocation and long‑term planning.

Human Resources & Organizational Leadership

• Provide executive leadership for the College's human resources strategy and operations in partnership with university Human Resources.
• Oversee workforce planning, organizational structure, and position management to support the College's strategic priorities.
• Advise leadership on employee relations, performance management, compensation planning, succession planning, and organizational development.
• Ensure compliance with university policies, employment regulations, and applicable state and federal employment laws.
• Promote employee engagement, professional development, and leadership development across administrative units.
• Provide strategic guidance regarding recruitment, retention, and workforce planning.

Administrative & Operational Leadership

• Provide executive oversight of the College's business operations and administrative services.
• Develop and implement administrative policies, procedures, and internal controls that improve efficiency, compliance, and service delivery.
• Lead and mentor managers within the Business Office and HR functions while fostering a culture of accountability, collaboration, and continuous improvement.
• Ensure effective coordination of internal and external audits and implementation of audit recommendations.
• Remain informed of and ensure compliance with university policies and applicable state and federal regulations.

Desired Qualifications

• Demonstrated executive leadership experience in finance, business operations, or administration within a complex organization, preferably in higher education.
• Experience developing long‑range financial strategies and managing large, multi‑source budgets.
• Experience building high‑performing administrative teams.
• Experience with higher education finance, budgeting, and human resource administration.
• Knowledge of university financial systems, policies, and sponsored project administration.
• Demonstrated ability to communicate complex financial and organizational information to executive leadership.
• Experience collaborating with senior leadership to develop strategic initiatives.
• Demonstrated understanding of the unique governance, academic, and operational environment of an ABA‑accredited law school. A Juris Doctor from an ABA‑accredited law school or significant professional experience supporting executive leadership within an ABA‑accredited law school environment is preferred.
• CPA, MBA, MPA, or other relevant professional credentials.

Working Environment

• Regular activities require the ability to quickly change priorities which may include and/or are subject to resolution of conflicts.
• Evidence of effective communication skills
• Regular use of standard office equipment including, but not limited to: computer workstation/laptop (keyboard, monitor, mouse), printer, fax, calculator, copier, telephone and associated computer/technology peripherals

Department Statement

The Sandra Day O'Connor College of Law at Arizona State University is one of the nation's preeminent law schools, offering students a personalized legal education and providing a top 10 return on investment for legal education. Ranked No. 1 in Arizona since 2010 and a top 20 Public Law school by U.S. News & World Report for 17 years in a row, ASU Law is also ranked #1 in the nation for legal masters graduates. ASU Law's LEED Gold certified building in downtown Phoenix is steps away from the legal, political, and economic heart of Arizona. For more information, visit law.asu.edu.

Driving Requirement

Driving is not required for this position.

Location

Campus: Downtown Phoenix

Funding

No Federal Funding

All Qualified Applicants Statement

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability, protected veteran status, or any other basis protected by law.

ASU Statement

Arizona State University is a new model for American higher education, an unprecedented combination of academic excellence, entrepreneurial energy and broad access. This New American University is a single, unified institution comprising four differentiated campuses positively impacting the economic, social, cultural and environmental health of the communities it serves. Its research is inspired by real world application blurring the boundaries that traditionally separate academic disciplines. ASU serves more than 100,000 students in metropolitan Phoenix, Arizona, the nation's fifth largest city. ASU champions inclusive excellence, and welcomes students from all fifty states and more than one hundred nations across the globe.

Tobacco-Free Policy

ASU is a tobacco-free university. For details visit https://wellness.asu.edu/explore-wellness/body/alcohol-and-drugs/tobacco.

Employment Verification Statement

ASU conducts pre-employment screening which may include verification of work history, academic credentials, licenses, and certifications.

Background Check Statement

ASU conducts pre-employment screening for all positions which includes a criminal background check, verification of work history, academic credentials, licenses, and certifications. Employment is contingent upon successful passing of the background check.

Fingerprint Check Statement

This position is considered safety/security sensitive and will include a fingerprint check. Employment is contingent upon successful passing of the fingerprint check.