Assistant Director

Bachelor’s degree in business administration, accounting, finance, or a related field required; Master’s degree preferred.

5+ years of progressive experience in budgeting, financial management, or fiscal administration, preferably in a higher education setting.

Strong analytical skills with experience in financial modeling and reporting.

Demonstrated ability to develop and monitor budgets, identify variances, and recommend actionable solutions.

Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint) and financial systems such as PeopleSoft or similar platforms.

Strong organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities and meet deadlines.

Excellent interpersonal, verbal, and written communication skills with the ability to build relationships at all levels of the organization.

High level of attention to detail and accuracy, with strong problem-solving and decision-making capabilities.

Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a dynamic and diverse environment.

Commitment to confidentiality and discretion when handling sensitive information.

This job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties, or responsibilities required of the employee and is subject to change based on the needs of the department and/or college.

Position Minimum Hourly Rate or Annual Salary\: $84,000.00

Position Maximum Hourly Rate or Annual Salary: $100,000.00

The salary range provided in this posting reflects what we reasonably expect to pay for this position. Actual compensation offered or earned is dependent on experience, education and other factors including department budget.

At Columbia, we offer a rewarding work environment for our faculty and staff. We take pride in offering competitive benefits with affordable health, dental and vision coverage; flexible spending accounts; commuter benefit program, life, and accidental, death & dismemberment coverage; paid and unpaid leave options; work/life benefits; educational assistance programs; and retirement and financial planning benefits. Click here for more information.

We invite you to join our talented faculty and staff and become part of our collective aspiration to ensure Columbia prepares students for success in their creative fields through innovation, engagement, and real-world experiences.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

Position subject to a background screening

This is a non- union position

This is a full-time position.

This position is overtime ineligible

Qualified candidates of all backgrounds are encouraged to apply.

Columbia College Chicago is an equal opportunity employer and complies with all local, state, and federal laws and regulations concerning civil rights. The college does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national or ethnic origin, age, disability, protected veteran status, genetic information, or other protected classes under the law.

Columbia College Chicago is an acclaimed undergraduate and graduate institution that provides a comprehensive education in the arts, communications, and public relations. We constantly aim to reach our full potential as an educational innovator, incubator of new creative practice and generator of real-world success for young creatives. We are in the heart of Chicago, across the street from historic Grant Park, and housed in some of the most iconic buildings in the South Loop.

Columbia College Chicago a private urban institution of over 6,000 undergraduate and graduate students, four-year College offering a distinctive curriculum that blends liberal arts, creative and media arts and business is currently searching for an ASSISTANT DIRECTOR.

POSITION SUMMARY

Reporting to the Assistant Provost of Finance and Budget Analysis, the Assistant Director provides critical support for the financial and operational activities of assigned departments. The Assistant Director will be assigned 1 to 2 schools and multiple departments where they will be the primary fiscal officer. This position offers a blend of analytical and administrative expertise. The Assistant Director plays a key role in budget preparation, financial analysis, and operational management to ensure fiscal health and compliance with institutional policies.

Flexible work options are available.

DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES

Assist in the preparation, analysis, and monitoring of budgets for assigned school(s) and/ or department(s), including developing projections and tracking variances.

Conduct monthly budget-to-actual reviews and identify variances; provide recommendations for corrective actions as needed.

Work closely with the assigned budget area(s) to monitor and explain variations from the budget, pressures that may lead to variations, or opportunities for savings/increased revenue throughout the year.

Conduct detailed personnel analyses and projections, estimating current and future year costs under various scenarios.

Conduct detailed non-personnel cost analyses to determine the effectiveness and appropriateness of expenditures.

Analyze grant funding or revenue generated within the budget area(s) to assist with reporting and/or projections.

Collaborate with academic and administrative leaders to support financial planning, ensuring efficient resource allocation and alignment with institutional goals.

Process and code invoices, reconcile accounts, and prepare journal entries for assigned areas.

Oversee and manage procurement requests, including review of contracts, statements of work, and other documentation to ensure compliance with institutional policies.

Support the Assistant Provost and Associate Director in preparing detailed financial analyses and reports for leadership.

Track and report on faculty and staff vacancies, including budgeting and funding for active searches.

Provide administrative oversight of restricted and unrestricted accounts, ensuring compliance with policies and procedures.

Prepare, reconcile, and approve procurement credit card expenditures.

Contribute to the development and implementation of financial and operational policies, processes, and systems to enhance efficiency and compliance.

Serve as a point of contact for travel reimbursements; manage the related processes to ensure accuracy and compliance.

Manage and/or assist with the DEI fellowships, grants, awards, and cash advance/reimbursement processes.

Manage the full and part-time faculty development grant and cash advance process.

Collaborate with Human Resources, Academic Personnel, and Payroll on staff and faculty hiring processes and other personnel actions.

Perform other related duties and/or responsibilities as assigned or required.