Job No. 156823
- Job Title:
- Assistant Vice President for Operational Support
- Employer:
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University of Michigan-Ann Arbor
- Location:
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Ann Arbor , MI
- Posting Date:
- 23-Oct-2025
- Description:
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Job Summary
The Assistant Vice President (working title) serves as the senior administrative officer for Facilities and Operations (F&O), entrusted with strategic planning and delivery of consolidated business functions to an organization of 1,700 staff members with an operating budget of over $360 million annually. This individual leads a group of 70 finance, human resources, training, special projects, and information services professionals. Acting under the authority delegated by the Vice President for Facilities and Operations, this leader oversees the full spectrum of resource planning and management functions.
Responsibilities*
An outstanding and experienced university administrator is needed to oversee:
Financial Management: Provide comprehensive oversight of fiscal activities, including financial planning, scenario forecasting, variance analysis, financial reporting, and rate setting. Lead the development, implementation, and monitoring of complex annual budgets, ensuring strategic alignment, optimal resource allocation, and effective financial planning across multiple areas with diverse funding sources and structures.
Human Resources: Lead the development and execution of a comprehensive human resources strategy for the organization, supporting a workforce of 1,700 staff - including approximately 1,100 represented by labor agreements. Oversee a team that provides guidance and services to F&O departments in human resources policy and strategy, employment services, performance management, and compensation planning.
Training: Oversee employee and organizational development by coordinating training classes and programs, collaborating with F&O departments to assess and meet training needs, and ensuring compliance with regulatory requirements through accurate tracking and reporting of training data.
Special Activities: Oversee the review and permitting of over 1000 outdoor events and film shoots annually on university property, working closely with campus partners, enforcing relevant university and legal regulations. Oversee non-profit special liquor license applications.
Information Services: Oversee the optimization of information access and delivery of essential tools, including application development, cybersecurity, software and systems management, data governance, business intelligence and reporting, building and utility information management, document management, infrastructure support and web development.
Risk Management: Administer robust internal controls and direct the annual certification process for F&O while promoting efficiency, accountability, compliance, and fiscal responsibility.Leadership and Team Development: Lead, mentor, and develop a high-performing team, fostering a culture of collaboration, proactiveness, accountability, and continuous improvement.
Communications: Provide leadership and oversight for Facilities & Operations communications, ensuring cohesive messaging and strategic alignment across the organization. Manage communication channels to ensure timely dissemination of important information, support unit initiatives, and enhance employee engagement.
Stakeholder Engagement: Ensure that work functions are effectively structured and work procedures are in place to deliver high quality service to F&O partners. Collaborate with F&O departments and other campus units for effective and efficient business processes and sharing of information
Required Qualifications*
Education: Bachelor's degree in Business Administration, Finance, Public Administration, Higher Education, or a related field.
Experience: Significant and progressive administrative leadership experience (typically 10+ years) in finance, resource planning, or administration in a large, complex organization, ideally within higher education. Demonstrated experience overseeing multiple administrative functions.
Financial Expertise: Extensive knowledge of financial management, budgeting, forecasting, planning, and analysis in a university or similarly complex environment. Experience with financial reporting, compliance (such as GAAP, GASB, FASB), audits, risk management, and internal controls.
Leadership and Supervision: Proven ability to lead, motivate, and develop large, multidimensional teams, including managers and professional staff. Demonstrated experience in organizational and leadership development.
Strategic Planning & Resource Allocation: Experience collaborating with executive leadership and multiple stakeholders to develop and implement strategic financial and operational plans. Expertise in resource allocation and optimization across diverse units or programs.
Human Resources Administration: Substantial experience with personnel management, including recruitment, performance management, compensation planning, and supporting professional development.
Broad knowledge of enterprise IT systems, particularly those supporting facilities (CMMS, ERP, HRIS, financial systems, space and event scheduling software).
Understanding of cybersecurity, data governance, and IT service delivery models.
Ability to evaluate and implement technology solutions that support operations, finance, HR, and training.
Communication and Interpersonal Skills: Exceptional written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills. Proven ability to build relationships and work collaboratively across organizational boundaries.
Analytical and Decision-Making Skills: Strong analytical, critical thinking, and problem-solving ability.
Desired Qualifications*
Master's degree in Business Administration, Finance, Public Administration, Higher Education, or a related field.
Experience working within a public research university or academic environment.
Knowledge of the University of Michigan policies, systems, and procedures.
- Contact information:
- University of Michigan-Ann Arbor
- Ann Arbor, MI 48109
- United States
- Employer's Website:
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