Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey is seeking a Director of Business Services for the School of Social Work.
Reporting to the Associate Dean for Administration and Finance, the Director of Business Services is the chief business and human resources officer of the school, responsible for the short-and long range supervision and planning of all fiscal matters, and the planning and implementation of fiscal and administrative policy and procedures for the school ensuring sound fiscal practices compliant with university policies, union bargaining agreements, funding agencies, and other applicable policies.
Responsibilities include the preparation and administration of responsibility center management including the operating budget, grants, contracts, endowments, gifts, etc. Is a strategic partner for pre-award activities and oversees post-award administration for all grants and contract activity. Oversees the supervision of all appointments (academic, research, administrative), payroll and benefits for faculty and staff, student financial aid, academic support needs, and other duties as assigned. Supervises the business services support staff that provide customer-oriented business and facilities services to the Dean’s office, faculty and staff, and the various academic programs and centers throughout the school. Serves as representative of the school on various committees and working groups across the campus and university.
SSW Operating Scope: 2,000+ students, 4 degree offerings – BASW, MSW, DSW, PhD – with multiple program options (including a large online program, dual degrees, and global programs) and academic certificates, largest SW continuing education program, 5 active research centers/institute/hubs, approaching $80M operating budget, >$60M grants/contracts portfolio, 75+ faculty (TT & NTT), 180+ adjunct faculty, 150+ practicum support adjuncts, and 160+ full-time administrative and professional staff. Headquartered in New Brunswick with operations on the Camden and Newark campuses and several off-campus locations.
Among the key duties of the position are the following:
- Lead Financial Planning & Budget Administration: With the Associate Dean for Administration and Finance, develop, implement, and oversee long- and short-term school budgets aligned with the University’s RCM model; prepare forecasts and financial analyses to support strategic academic and operational goals.
- Direct Business Services Operations & Staff Supervision: Manage and supervise Business Office staff across accounting, HR, grants, and facilities functions, including hiring, training, performance management, delegation, and operational oversight.
- Ensure Financial Accountability & Compliance: Oversee accounting operations for 130+ projects and $80M+ in funds, ensuring compliance with University, State, Federal, and sponsor regulations through monitoring, reconciliations, and internal controls.
- Approve and Oversee Financial Transactions: Review and authorize purchases, journal entries, reimbursements, consultant agreements, invoices, and other financial transactions to ensure accuracy, compliance, and budget alignment
- Manage Payroll & Personnel Administration: Oversee payroll processing and reconciliation for salaried and hourly employees; coordinate faculty, lecturer, adjunct, and practicum consultant appointments and ensure timely onboarding documentation.
- Provide HR Guidance & Labor Contract Administration: Advise leadership, faculty, and staff on HR policies, benefits, appointments, and collective bargaining agreement requirements when appropriate, including salary, union, and pension eligibility determinations.
- Support Grant & Contract Budget Management: Collaborate with Associate Dean, Research and Research Services, faculty and grants staff to develop proposal budgets, ensure sponsor compliance, monitor expenditures, and advise on re-budgeting and fiscal performance of funded projects.
- Maintain Financial Reporting & Operational Analysis: Prepare financial reports, forecasting analyses, account reconciliations, fund balance tracking, year-end close activities, and other analyses to support informed decision-making and fiscal stewardship.
- Foster Cross-Functional Communication & Collaboration: Build strong working relationships across departments, provide operational guidance to faculty and staff, and maintain effective communication with University and external stakeholders.
- Drive Continuous Improvement & Strategic Initiatives: Lead efforts to streamline processes, modernize systems, support professional development, participate in University initiatives and committees, and provide ad hoc reporting and operational solutions.
