Director of Finance and Business Operations
Rank: Administrator VI
Search #: S25-024
Job Posted: December 16, 2025
Southern Connecticut State University is a diverse and student-centered university dedicated to academic excellence, access, and service for the public good. Southern provides a supportive and welcoming environment for all members of its community through a campus wide commitment to social justice. Founded as a teacher’s college in 1893, Southern has evolved over the past century into a comprehensive public university of more than 9,000 students, offering graduate and undergraduate programs in the liberal arts and professional disciplines. It is one of four universities in the Connecticut State Colleges and Universities System. The University is located in New Haven, a city rich with arts and culture, and less than 90 miles from New York City and 140 miles from Boston.
The Director of Finance and Business Operations is responsible for the administration, business analysis, configuration, daily operations, troubleshooting, and problem resolution within the university's ERP system. Supports functional users by providing guidance on optimizing system use, streamlining processes, and integrating external applications. The Director of Finance and Business Operations supervises professional staff, University Assistants, and student employees.
Position Responsibilities:
Provides financial leadership in planning and securing the ongoing stability of the SCSU Foundation, by managing the financial, operating, and administrative systems infrastructure.
Responsible for all aspects of the SCSU Foundation financial operations including, but not limited to, accounting, income and disbursement of funds, tax returns, financial reports, reporting financial status to the Vice President and Board of Directors accordingly, creation and implementation of Board policy and By-laws; preparing annual budgets; managing all banking relationships, investment accounts and other Foundation assets; training staff.
Oversees the gift, pledge, and acknowledgement processes, ensuring the security and integrity of donor and donation information and reports in support of the University’s gift development activities.
Oversees and generates financial reports to external donors, University Deans, Department Chairs and other Foundation account holders annually or as requested.
Oversees the General Ledger Function, which includes ensuring the timely and accurate daily, monthly, quarterly and year end reconciliations of A/P, A/R, cash receipts, inter-fund transfers, banking relationships, journal entries, and the posting of investment earnings to endowment funds
Manages and tracks the investment performance of the Foundation's endowment, keeping with the policies and guidelines established. Oversees the spending and allocation of endowed and non-endowed resources used to support the University's Financial Aid office for scholarships and other University programs and activities.
Manages all Foundation related audits, including the Connecticut State Colleges & Universities audit.
Manages all Request for Proposal processes and Foundation hired consultants.
Serves on University committees as requested to provide financial planning and general consulting support as it relates to Foundation assets.
Responsible for compliance with the Foundation’s By-Laws and Connecticut General Statutes, State and Federal fiscal and management laws and regulations, and Board of Regents reporting requirements and when needed oversees and assures data integrity of the Voluntary Support of Education Survey (VSE) or NACUBO endowment surveys.
Works with the VPIA and Foundation Board of Directors on the identification and resolution of strategic financial issues with current or potential impact on the Foundation and the University as well as planning, policy development, and problem resolution.
Responsible for the overall development and management of the Foundation’s annual budget and manages the Institutional Advancement University budget.
Oversees legal, insurance and other contract obligations of the organization to ensure consistency with overall financial goals, objectives, and plans, and compliance with Foundation financial policies, procedures, and standards.
Plays an integral role in the Division’s strategic planning process as a member of the senior management team.
Performs other duties and responsibilities related to those enumerated above which do not alter the basic level and responsibilities of the position.
Qualifications:
Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration or a related field required, Master’s degree in related field preferred. Six (6) years of demonstrated professional experience in institutional advancement or with a complex not-for-profit organization required. Credentials and/or experience substantially comparable to the above may also be considered. Considerable knowledge of development and institutional advancement in higher education. Demonstrated strong analytical, strategic thinking, and planning skills. Experience in monitoring and overseeing budgets. Considerable interpersonal skills and presentation skills. Considerable oral and written communication skills. Demonstrated knowledge and ability to supervise and lead a team. Sound knowledge of philanthropy. High degree of technical expertise in accounting and financial management; ability to lead and motivate groups and individuals. Multilingual or bilingual skills preferred. These qualifications may be waived for individuals with appropriate alternate experience.
Application:
For full consideration, please submit a letter of application, resume, and contact information for three professional references to Brett Santo, SantoB1@southernct.edu by January 28, 2026. The position will remain open until filled.
Southern Connecticut State University is an Affirmative Action/Equal Employment Opportunity Employer. The University seeks to enhance the diversity of its faculty and staff. People of color, women, veterans, and persons with disabilities are strongly encouraged to apply.