Assistant Director of Housing – Business Services Director

The Division of University Housing at the University of Wisconsin - Madison is seeking an experienced financial professional for the position of Director of Business Services. University Housing is a forward-looking and innovative organization with a well-established tradition of excellence. This position reports directly to the Associate Vice Chancellor for Finance and Administration/Director of University Housing and is a member of the senior leadership team for the Division, as well as a highly visible partner on the university campus.

The Business Services Director for University Housing provides strategic vision, leadership, and oversight to ensure the long-term financial stability and operational effectiveness of the Division of University Housing. This position leads the Business Services team through the direct and indirect supervision of approximately eight employees and serves as a trusted subject matter expert for internal and external stakeholders, including campus committees, work groups, and institutional leadership.

As a member of the Division's Leadership Team, the Director of Business Services contributes to the overall management of the Division, including policy development, strategic planning, and organizational decision-making. Leadership Team members are responsible for advancing the Division's mission, vision, and core values through collaborative leadership and strategic stewardship.

In addition, the Director serves on the Division's Continuity of Operations Plan (COOP) Executive Management Team, providing leadership and guidance to support business continuity, risk management, and organizational resilience initiatives.

A. Directs strategic planning initiatives and establishes objectives for multiple finance functional areas to ensure appropriate use of financial, administrative, and staffing resources and alignment with the strategic plan

• Provide strategic leadership of Housing’s financial operations, including budget development, forecasting, capital planning, debt management, and long-term financial sustainability.
• Direct accounting, budgeting, and financial reporting functions to ensure accurate financial management, analysis, and organizational decision support.
• Ensure compliance and strengthen internal controls by overseeing financial policies, regulatory requirements, risk management, and audit activities.
• Lead the development and continuous improvement of financial systems, processes, and procedures to enhance operational efficiency and accountability.
• Supervise and develop financial and administrative teams, fostering a culture of collaboration, customer service, and continuous improvement.
• Serve as a strategic advisor and business partner to Housing leadership and stakeholders, providing financial analysis, recommendations, and guidance to support organizational goals.

B. Exercises supervisory authority, including hiring, transferring, suspending, promoting, managing conduct and performance, discharging, assigning, rewarding, disciplining, and/or approving hours worked of at least 2.0 full-time equivalent (FTE) employees.

• Provide a clear onboarding program for Business Services staff.
• Demonstrate the ability and willingness to delegate effectively and to hold direct reports accountable; promoting the professional growth and development of the entire team.
• Be a strong decision-maker, with transparency in decision-making and management; the ability to make good, consistent, and fair decisions.
• Provide a…