Executive Director

Executive Director, Finance and Administration

University Overview

The University of Pennsylvania, the largest private employer in Philadelphia, is a world-renowned leader in education, research, and innovation. This historic, Ivy League school consistently ranks among the top 10 universities in the annual U.S. News & World Report survey. Penn has 12 highly-regarded schools that provide opportunities for undergraduate, graduate and continuing education, all influenced by Penn's distinctive interdisciplinary approach to scholarship and learning. As an employer Penn has been ranked nationally on many occasions with the most recent award from Forbes who named Penn one of America's Best Large Employers in 2023.

Penn offers a unique working environment within the city of Philadelphia. The University is situated on a beautiful urban campus, with easy access to a range of educational, cultural, and recreational activities. With its historical significance and landmarks, lively cultural offerings, and wide variety of atmospheres, Philadelphia is the perfect place to call home for work and play.

The University offers a competitive benefits package that includes excellent healthcare and tuition benefits for employees and their families, generous retirement benefits, a wide variety of professional development opportunities, supportive work and family benefits, a wealth of health and wellness programs and resources, and much more.

Posted Job Title
Executive Director, Finance and Administration

Job Profile Title
Executive Director C, Facilities

Job Description Summary
Facilities and Real Estate Services, as stewards of Penn's physical environment, strives to provide innovative and cost-effective solutions that embrace our rich past and enhance the quality of the University's living and learning experience. Learn more about FRES HERE .

Job Description
Reporting to the Senior Vice President for Facilities and Real Estate Services (FRES), the Executive Director of Finance and Administration is responsible for the strategic direction of the administrative support group for the facilities organization, including budget, information technology, human resources, and finance (including accounting, procurement, and auditing).

The Executive Director is responsible for overseeing the $200 million consolidated operating budget for the Division (University Architect, Design and Construction, Operations and Maintenance, and Real Estate). Collaborate with Divisions of Finance and the Office of Budget and Management Analysis to ensure alignment in all areas while providing decision support to the FRES division.

Oversee the University-wide capital planning and approval process for individual projects totaling about $350M to $450M annually. The capital plans are reviewed by University leadership and financial review committees. Depending on the project total, the individual projects also get approved by the financial review committees, including the Capital Advisory Group, Capital Council, and the Trustee Committee on Budget and Finance.

Monitor all expenditures, both operating and capital, to ensure proper payment of invoices and payroll (950 employees), adherence to budgets, compliance with both University financial policies and procedures and proper accounting principles, and ensure appropriate processes are in place to track costs to school/center level. Ensure proper procurement of $12M in annual maintenance contracts.

Oversee the division's Information Technology strategic direction and functions, including the successful management of several facility-specific software applications and daily support of technology used by approx. 450 employees. Ensure alignment of IT policies, procedures and applications with ISC, the central information technology organization. Represent FRES on the
Penn Secure IT program, a multi-year initiative to enhance Penn's technology and data environment.

Provide strategic direction for and oversee human resource staff that provides support to approximately 950 employees, including 750 union employees comprised of 500 housekeepers from Local 115 and 250 Trades from Local 835.

Responsibilities:
Manage 30 staff with direct supervision of six, including the Director of Information Technology, Comptroller, Director of Human Resources, Director of Budget and several high-level financial managers and analysts.

Regularly collaborate and represent FRES with Penn's Central offices including Information Systems and Computing, Division of Human Resources, Office of Budget and Management Analysis and Division of Finance.

Oversee all financial aspects of the facilities operating budget; develop $200M annual operating budget and about $55M annual FRES capital infrastructure spending, including facilities renewal funds. Provide decision support through data analysis, modeling, and forecasting. Monitor expenditures, both operating and capital, to ensure proper payment of invoices and payroll (950 employees), adherence to budgets, compliance with both University financial policies and procedures and proper accounting principles, and ensure appropriate processes are in place to track costs to school/center level. Ensure proper procurement and contracts performance of $12M in annual maintenance contracts. Strategically develop opportunities to increase WMBE participation. Collaborates closely with Division of Finance and Office of Budget and Management Analysis.

Oversee the division's Information Technology strategic direction and function, including the successful management of several facilities' specific software applications and daily support of technology used by approximately 450 employees. Regularly collaborate with Penn's Central Information Systems and Computing Division. Ensure alignment of IT strategic direction and functions, policies, procedures and applications with Information Systems and Computing, the central information technology organization.
Oversee Human Resources function including professional development and employee engagement programs including the Diversity and Inclusion Advisory Committee. Collaborate with Central HR to ensure proper implementation of HR policies and processes.

Collaborates in reporting for strategic goals, dashboards, and financial presentations.

Other duties as assigned.

Qualifications:
Bachelor's degree required. MBA/CPA or advanced degree preferred and 10+ years of experience or an equivalent combination of education and experience is required. Strong knowledge and experience in finance and budgeting, and analytical skills. Experience managing a $200M+ capital budget and 100M+ operating budget is preferred.

Previous demonstrated supervisory experience of high-level professionals. Strong proven experience in leading or project management for system implementations.

Solid experience in establishing and implementing HR efforts that effectively communicate and support the Division's business objectives, mission and strategic vision.

Function as a strategic business advisor to the executive/senior management regarding key organizational and management issues.

Must possess the ability to collaboratively plan, organize, develop, implement, and interpret programs, goals, objectives, policies and procedures, etc., that are necessary for providing quality service and maintaining solid operational processes.

This role requires strong partnering with all levels of the organization including other FRES Executives, University leadership, leadership from schools/centers, operations staff, consultants and external University partners.

Must have three or more years of leading process improvements and working with all levels of an organization.

Excellent oral, presentation, and written skills are needed, and strong information technology experience is desired.

Job Location - City, State
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

Department / School
Facilities and Real Estate Services

Pay Range
$90,000.00 - $250,000.00 Annual Rate
Salary offers are made based on the candidate's qualifications, experience, skills, and education as they directly relate to the requirements of the position, and in alignment with salary ranges based on external market data for the job's level. Internal organization and peer data at Penn are also considered.

Equal Opportunity Statement

The University of Pennsylvania is an equal opportunity employer. Candidates are considered for employment without regard to race, color, sex, sexual orientation, religion, creed, national origin (including shared ancestry or ethnic characteristics), citizenship status, age, disability, veteran status or any class protected under applicable federal, state or local law.

Special Requirements
Background checks may be required after a conditional job offer is made. Consideration of the background check will be tailored to the requirements of the job.

University Benefits
•   Health, Life, and Flexible Spending Accounts : Penn offers comprehensive medical, prescription, behavioral health, dental, vision, and life insurance benefits to protect you and your family's health and welfare . click apply for full job details