Director of Budget, Finance, and Operations

InsideHigherEdDenver, Colorado, United States

1 day ago

Job type

Full-time

Job description

Director of Budget, Finance, and Operations

Job No : 498376

Work Type : Staff Full-Time

Location : Denver, CO

Categories : Student Affairs / Services, Student Health / Counseling, Business Operations / Services

At the University of Denver, Student Affairs is at the heart of the student journey-empowering every student to thrive academically, personally, and professionally. Rooted in DU's signature 4D Experience, our division is committed to fostering holistic development through four dimensions : deepen intellect, develop wellbeing, discover character, and design careers and lives of purpose.

Our work reaches far beyond the classroom. Through dynamic, high-impact programs, services, and experiences offered at both the Denver Campus and the Kennedy Mountain Campus, we foster inclusive communities, promote health and wellness, cultivate exploration, engagement, and leadership, and develop a deep sense of belonging. We are committed to creating a high-touch environment where students and participants connect meaningfully, grow confidently, and thrive personally and collectively.

Together, we are shaping a vibrant, supportive, and dynamic campus culture where every student and participant can discover their potential and make a meaningful impact.

Department Summary

The mission of the DU Health & Counseling Center ("the HCC", www.du.edu / hcc ) is to enhance overall student well-being and success through inclusive physical and mental healthcare, prevention, education, advocacy, and support services. Among its five departments, the HCC includes an on-campus medical and counseling clinic open 8am-5pm M-F, with some evening hours when quarter classes are in session. DU and the HCC are deeply committed to diversity, equity and inclusion; and seek an experienced psychiatrist who possesses cultural humility and a commitment to student wellness.

The HCC offers confidential medical care, mental health counseling, and psychiatric services designed to help students with mental health concerns that may be affecting their quality of life and ability to learn. Our providers include psychiatrists, psychologists, social workers, counselors, physicians, physician assistants, nurses, and nurse practitioners from all backgrounds. HCC providers value students in all of their individuality and are committed to providing integrated care to all people with respect and sensitivity.

The Administrative department is responsible for non-clinical operations at the HCC. Responsible for front line customer support and service, insurance and health fee programs, facility and financial operations, budget, planning, and forecasting, and departmental HR, this department supports the other HCC areas to achieve their mission. Working interactively and in a cross-trained nature, this group of staff strive to provide the highest level of care to our students through purposeful efficient and effective operations.

Position Summary

The Director of Budget, Finance, and Operations is a pivotal leadership role responsible for the strategic, fiscal, and operational oversight of the University of Denver's Health and Counseling Center (HCC). This position ensures the financial health, regulatory compliance, operational excellence, and strategic alignment of the HCC with university-wide objectives. The Director serves as a key advisor to HCC and university leadership and acts as the primary liaison with central budget, finance, and administrative offices, with a dotted line to SAIE and Budget and Planning.

Reports to the Assistant Vice Chancellor of Health and Wellness and supervises the Associate Director of Business Operations. This position summary is not designed to capture all activities, duties, or responsibilities required for this position. Responsibilities may change or new ones may be assigned at any time.

Essential Functions

Strategic Financial Leadership

Develops, implements, and monitors comprehensive budgetary management strategies to ensure fiscal profitability and sustainability for the HCC and its service units.
Leads annual and multi-year budget planning, modeling, forecasting, and financial management, including revenue generation and expense allocation for all HCC operations.
Maintains all financial data, records, and accounts necessary for day-to-day and long-term financial operations, ensuring accuracy and compliance with university and regulatory standards.
Produces timely, detailed financial reports and analyses for university leadership, including the Assistant Vice Chancellor, Vice Chancellor for Student Affairs and Inclusive Excellence, Vice Chancellor for Business and Financial Affairs, and other senior administrators.
Oversees General Ledger Accounts for the Student Health Insurance Plan, Student Dental Plan, and additional directed accounts, managing budgets in excess of $8 million.

Operational and Administrative Oversight

Directs and manages all administrative practice functions, including front office operations, billing, collections, scheduling, and patient / client flow to ensure efficient, high-quality service delivery.

Supervises and mentors a team of managers, administrative specialists, and finance staff, overseeing hiring, training, performance evaluation, and professional development.

Establishes and maintains effective billing and collection systems, including coordination with other university departments and accurate tracking of accounts receivable processes and procedures.

Directs purchasing, inventory control, and procurement of supplies, materials, medications, vaccines, and equipment, coordinates vendor relationships and contract negotiations for both revenue and expense contracts.

Quality, Compliance, and Risk Management

Ensures all operations adhere to accreditation, legislative, and regulatory requirements; oversees administrative quality improvement programs and risk management documentation.

Administers the Student Health Insurance Plan (SHIP), including vendor selection, benefit design, contract maintenance, plan marketing, and compliance.

Maintains HIPAA and Medicaid compliance and manages renewals for outside accreditations.

Develops and implements organizational policies, procedures, and training to promote operational effectiveness and compliance.

Organizational Leadership and Strategic Initiatives

Develops, recommends, and implements new or revised procedures, departmental policies, and programs to enhance service effectiveness and operational excellence.

Collaborates with university leadership to align HCC operations with institutional strategic priorities and resource allocations.

Leads multidisciplinary committees focused on operational efficiency and high-quality care delivery.

Prepares and presents comprehensive reports, analyses, and communications for all stakeholders, including students, parents, faculty, staff, and external partners.

Human Resources and Facility Management

Serves as the HR liaison for the HCC, overseeing payroll, personnel records, and internal personnel programs in accordance with university procedures.

Manages recruitment, onboarding, and performance management for administrative staff, including contract specialty care providers.

Reviews and recommends changes to HCC facilities, directing repairs, modifications, and construction as needed to support service delivery.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

Knowledge

In-depth understanding of healthcare financial management, budget forecasting, and resource allocation.

Comprehensive knowledge of higher education compliance and regulatory standards, including HIPAA, Medicaid, and accreditation processes.

Expertise in operational management in a healthcare setting, including patient flow, billing, and office administration.

Skills

Financial analysis and forecasting, with an ability to translate data into actionable recommendations.

Strategic planning with a proven ability to develop and implement organizational goals.

Leadership and management skills, including team supervision, mentoring, and performance evaluation.

Contract negotiation and vendor management skills.

Advanced problem-solving and decision-making skills in a fast-paced environment.

Abilities

Ability to think strategically and execute operational improvements that support financial sustainability and quality care delivery.

Ability to communicate complex financial data effectively to both internal and external stakeholders.

Ability to manage competing priorities, balancing long-term strategic goals with day-to-day operational needs.

Ability to foster a collaborative work environment and build strong cross-functional teams.

Required Qualifications

Degree in business administration, finance, healthcare administration, or a related field (MBA or equivalent strongly preferred).

Extensive experience (typically 7+ years) in financial management, budget development, and operational leadership within a complex healthcare, higher education, or large non-profit environment.

Demonstrated expertise in strategic planning, financial modeling, and multi-million-dollar budget oversight.

Proven leadership in managing cross-functional teams, contract negotiations, and vendor relationships.

Deep knowledge of healthcare compliance, risk management, and regulatory standards (e.g., HIPAA, Medicaid, accreditation).

Outstanding analytical, communication, and negotiation skills, with the ability to synthesize and present complex data to all audiences.

Preferred Qualifications

Advanced degree in business administration, finance, healthcare administration, or a related field (MBA or equivalent strongly preferred).

Experience working in an academic healthcare environment with a focus on student health and wellness.

Advanced proficiency with budgeting software and enterprise resource planning (ERP) systems.

Knowledge of healthcare revenue cycle management, including billing, collections, and insurance reimbursements.

Strong leadership and mentorship skills with the ability to manage teams through change and innovation.

Experience with accreditation processes and maintaining compliance in a highly regulated environment.

Proven ability to build and maintain strategic relationships with internal and external stakeholders.

Working Environment

Standard office environment unexpected interruptions occur often

Stress level is moderate to high

Noise level is quiet to moderate

Physical Activities

Ability to work in front of a computer for an extended period of time

Occasionally required to move about the office / campus with the capability of transporting objects up to 20 lbs.

Work Schedule

This position requires employees to work onsite 8 : 00am-5 : 00pm M-F with occasional evening, weekends, and holiday shifts. (Schedules vary by department and position.)

Staff are expected to support student Hallmark, Tradition and other program events throughout the year. The University of Denver and Student Affairs recognize the utilization of flexible work arrangements where these arrangements are operationally appropriate, and supervisor approved.

Application Deadline

For priority consideration, please submit your application materials by 4 : 00 p.m. (MST) October 16, 2025.

Special Instructions

Candidates must apply online through jobs.du.edu to be considered. Only applications submitted online will be accepted.

Salary Grade Number

The salary grade for the position is 13.

Salary Range

The salary range for this position is $105,000 - $115,000.

The University of Denver has provided a compensation range that represents its good faith estimate of what the University may pay for the position at the time of posting. The University may ultimately pay more or less than the posted compensation range. The salary offered to the selected candidate will be determined based on factors such as the qualifications of the selected candidate, departmental budget availability, internal salary equity considerations, and available market information, but not based on a candidate's sex or any other protected status.

Benefits

The University of Denver offers excellent benefits , including medical, dental, retirement, paid time off, tuition benefit and ECO pass. The University of Denver is a private institution that empowers students who want to make a difference. Learn more about the University of Denver .

Please include the following documents with your application :

Resume

Cover Letter

The University of Denver is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex (including sex stereotypes, sex characteristics, sexual orientation, gender identity, and gender expression), marital, family, or parental status, pregnancy or related conditions, national origin, disability, or status as a protected veteran. The University of Denver does not discriminate and prohibits discrimination on the basis of race, color, national origin, ancestry, age, religion, creed, disability, sex (including sex stereotypes, sex characteristics, sexual orientation, gender identity, and gender expression), marital family, and parental status, pregnancy, genetic information, military enlistment, or veteran status, and any other class of individuals protected from discrimination under federal, state, or local law, regulation, or ordinance in any of the University's educational programs and activities, and in the employment (including application for employment) and admissions (including application for admission) context, as required by Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972; the Americans with Disabilities Act; Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973; Title VI and VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964; the Age Discrimination Act of 1975; the Age Discrimination in Employment Act of 1967; the Equal Pay Act; the Colorado Equal Pay for Equal Work Act; the Colorado Protecting Opportunities and Worker's Rights ("POWR") Act; and any other federal, state, and local laws, regulations, or ordinances that prohibit discrimination, harassment, and / or retaliation. For more information, please see the University of Denver's Non‑Discrimination‑Statement .

All offers of employment are contingent upon satisfactory completion of a criminal history background check.

To apply, visit https : / / jobs.du.edu / en-us / job / 498376

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Director Of Finance • Denver, Colorado, United States