Nicholas Center Director

Job Summary

The Nicholas Center for Corporate Finance and Investment Banking at the Wisconsin School of Business seeks a Director to further its mission of developing the strategic finance leaders of the future. The center offers corporate finance and investment banking MBA students an opportunity to work directly on a variety of real‑world corporate finance problems and teaches students how to apply technical and theoretical financial tools and frameworks to analyze unstructured problems, improve decision‑making and develop strategic recommendations.

• Teach graduate and/or undergraduate courses in Corporate Finance and Investment Banking, including course development, assessment, grading, and student support.
• Teach and oversee the Applied Corporate Finance MBA projects course.
• Design and deliver integrative learning experiences incorporating academic research and industry application.
• Facilitate faculty‑student and faculty‑industry engagement to promote research translation and knowledge exchange.
• Contribute to executive education and cross‑program learning initiatives.
• Source and oversee industry‑sponsored student projects.
• Recruit and coordinate industry professionals for applied learning engagements.
• Lead industry site visits and experiential learning activities.
• Develop programming that connects instruction to internships and full‑time placement opportunities.
• Represent the Center at industry and academic conferences.
• Serve as primary advisor for students pursuing careers in Corporate Finance and Investment Banking.
• Mentor and coach students on professional preparation and industry expectations.
• Partner with MBA Career Coaching staff to enhance placement outcomes.
• Participate in MBA recruiting and admissions activities, including candidate review and interviews.
• Lead Center‑specific orientation programming and advise on scholarships and financial awards.
• Provide day‑to‑day operational and strategic oversight of the Center.
• Manage Center budgeting, financial reporting, and operational resources.
• Supervise Center staff, including the Assistant Director.
• Administer the Executive in Residence program.
• Serve as primary liaison to the Executive Advisory Board, alumni, and industry partners.
• Oversee Center communications, marketing content, and website presence.
• Collaborate with Finance Department leadership and program offices to align strategy and programming.
• Participate in department, program, and school‑wide initiatives.
• Other duties as assigned.

• Required: 7‑10 years of progressive business experience, including substantial responsibility for major financing and/or corporate strategic investment initiatives, with interaction at the CFO/CEO level.
• Preferred: Experience leading or managing large‑scale projects and initiatives in a corporate finance or capital markets environment, or an academic center, program, or course.
• Preferred: Experience mentoring early‑career professionals or advising students.
• Preferred: Established network within corporate finance and capital markets/investment banking sectors.
• Preferred: Experience sourcing and managing applied industry projects, budget management, and supervisory experience.
• Preferred: Record of collaboration across internal and external stakeholders or academic departments.
• Master’s degree (MBA preferred) in Finance, Business, or a related field.

Minimum salary $120,000, with actual starting salary based on experience and qualifications. Benefits include generous vacation, holidays, paid time off, competitive insurance and savings plans, and retirement benefits.

Internal applicants must log in to Workday to apply through the internal process. External applicants can apply by clicking the “Apply” button. Please upload a resume and a letter of qualifications detailing your training and experience related to the required and preferred qualifications.

The University of Wisconsin–Madison is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, national origin, age, pregnancy, disability, or protected veteran status, and other bases as defined by federal regulations and UW System policies.