Associate Vice Chancellor for Budget Analysis

Please Note: The University System of Maryland Office (USMO) has made the safety of our staff and our surrounding communities a top priority. As part of that commitment, all staff are required to be vaccinated against COVID. As a prospective employee at the USMO, you will be required to provide proof of full vaccination before the start of employment or be granted a request for a medical or religious exemption.

• Best Consideration Date: 9/3/2021
• Closing Date: Open until filled

Purpose of Position:

Directs, coordinates, and analyzes the University System of Maryland (USM) Operating Budget for approval of Board of Regents. Operates as the budget contact for external agencies such as Maryland Higher Education Commission (MHEC), Maryland’s Department of Budget and Management (DBM), and Maryland’s Department of Legislative Services (DLS) regarding content, policy, and analysis of budget-related matters. Develops a comprehensive USM financial model working collaboratively with the offices of Operating Budget, Capital Budget, Finance, and Institutional Research in response to USM Strategic Planning goals.

Responsibilities:

• Provides leadership to institutional and regional higher education centers’ budget representatives; acts as a liaison with state budget representatives, particularly DBM, for state budget data and analysis as necessary for the completion of the Governor’s annual operating budget request and finalizing legislative appropriation. Prepares budget amendments as required to assure appropriation is sufficient and correct for operating fiscal year expenditures.
• Works closely with the Vice Chancellor of Administration & Finance in operating budget request development and appropriation allocations by institutions for Chancellor and Board of Regents (BOR) review and approval. Directs the development and evolution of the USM's long-term financial plan.  In conjunction with applicable staff, monitors the actual expenditure of funds and negotiates and recommends the reallocation of related resources.
• Oversees all budget-related data analysis, including fiscal notes for bills before the legislature, as well as estimates and projections as needed to support USM leadership decision making. Provides analyses and articulates periodic budget variances as well as revenue and expense trends.  Conducts financial feasibility analyses on existing programs and new initiatives.  Continuously monitors, evaluates and reports on the USM’s financial position, including recommendations for enhancing revenues and/or mitigating costs, all while ensuring a strong customer service philosophy.  Participates in year-end closing procedures.
• Performs detailed analysis upon request for the Chancellor, Vice Chancellors, and senior staff. Prepares presentations for the BOR, Governor, Legislature, and USM Systemwide groups. Meets regularly with USM Administrative Vice Presidents and budget officers.
• Identifies and implements best practices for the department and evaluates and manages performance, keeping an eye on emerging trends and brings innovation to the USM, including implementing new budgeting and planning tools. Works closely with academic and administrative leaders and their staff.  Communicates and provides guidance and advice regarding budget and accounting procedures as well as explores how the budget function can support department and program success.
• Participates in various internal and external workgroups and panels as a representative of the USM budget.

Minimum Qualifications:  

Education: Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, Economics, or other similar degree.

Experience: 5 years of professional work experience supervising Budget Office staff in a large organization.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities: Advanced financial expertise, analytical skills, supervisory and organizational capabilities, familiarity with accounting, budget computer systems and software such as Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, etc. Ability to interact effectively with all areas of financial management and other System Office departments. An attitude of continuous improvement and operational excellence with an ability to exercise a high degree of independent judgment. Ability to manage and lead a team through training, coaching, motivation, and collaboration. Good listening skills and an ability to describe complex issues in simple terms.

Preferred Qualifications:

Education: Master’s degree in Accounting, Finance, Economics, or other similar degree.

Experience: 5 years of professional work experience in working with Federal or state appropriations legislative staff and other stakeholders. 5 years of professional work experience in higher education. Previous experience in preparing budget materials for a fiduciary Board of Regents/Trustees.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities: Professional work experience in an environment that has board level or system level policies and has experience in working with external stakeholders.

Benefits: Exempt Benefits Summary: includes full medical, dental, and vision benefits; tuition remission at any of the 12 USM institutions; and generous leave plan.

Application Instructions: Please combine your cover letter, resume, and list of references (at least three references with contact information) into one PDF or Microsoft Word document.