Inside Higher Ed is hiring: Director of Finance (7710U), School of Journalism -

Director of Finance (7710U), School of Journalism – 82373

Posted 4 days ago. Be among the first 25 applicants.

About Berkeley
At the University of California, Berkeley, we are dedicated to fostering a community where everyone feels welcome and can thrive. Our culture of openness, freedom, and belonging makes it a special place for students, faculty, and staff. As a world‑leading institution, Berkeley is known for its academic and research excellence, public mission, diverse student body, and commitment to equity and social justice. We seek applicants who reflect California's diversity and who share our values.

Departmental Overview

The School of Journalism offers a two‑year Master of Journalism degree to about 120 students and a journalism minor serving 300 undergraduates. Faculty comprise ~15 senate/adjunct members and over 20 working journalists. Approximately 30 career staff manage academic functions and ancillary programs.

Position Summary

The Director of Finance manages the finances for the entire School of Journalism, including ancillary programs such as the Investigative Reporting Program and the California Local News Fellowship. The role oversees the school’s budget process, advises leadership on key budgetary decisions, and advocates for the school’s needs and priorities.

Responsibilities

Financial Management

• Oversee and implement unit budget allocations, review and approve financial transactions, and ensure fiscal close deadlines are met.
• Build the annual Forecast and Operating Budget in CalPlanning, perform quarterly variance analysis, and adjust projections throughout the year.
• Establish processes for monitoring budget-to-actuals and distribute projections and reports to directors and managers in compliance with university, campus, and external policies.
• Manage the school’s operating budget of approximately $25 million.

Complex Financial Analysis & Reporting

• Apply advanced concepts to perform technical financial analysis, prepare models, projections, and reports, and conduct highly complex analysis of multiple fund sources.
• Advise the Dean, CAO, and leadership team on financial trade‑offs to achieve strategic goals; recommend improvements to finance-related processes, ensuring changes are communicated and supported with training.

Resource Analysis

• Gather, analyze, and summarize financial and resource data to support strategic planning and allocation decisions.
• Perform analysis of salary/FTE planning, enrollment trends, and academic policies, integrating faculty recruitment and retention commitments into long‑term projections.
• Develop financial and resource reports to inform leadership on sources, uses, and future requirements.

Supervision

• Directly supervise 2–3 finance and operations staff.

Personnel Support

• Prepare and manage documentation for faculty start‑up and retention funding, track commitments and liabilities, and assist with onboarding of new faculty and staff.
• Support academic and staff personnel transactions with financial implications, coordinating closely with HR and divisional leadership.
• Align personnel actions with budgetary capacity to ensure financial sustainability.

Training & Communication

• Provide training to staff, managers, and faculty on financial systems, policies, and procedures.
• Assess training needs, develop user‑friendly resources, and streamline procedures for financial management.
• Communicate updates, policies, and compliance requirements clearly to ensure transparency and consistent practices.

Required Qualifications

• Advanced knowledge of finance policies, practices, and systems.
• Ability to identify, collect, and analyze information from multiple sources.
• Advanced ability to effectively present complex finance related information both verbally and in writing in a clear and concise manner.
• In‑depth ability to use multiple spreadsheet and database software tools for complex financial analysis and reporting.
• Advanced interpersonal skills at all levels within the organization; advanced service orientation and critical thinking skills; attention to detail.
• In‑depth ability to use organizational skills to multi‑task in a high‑volume environment.
• Ability to adapt to changing priorities.
• Ability to function as a member of a team.
• Advanced knowledge and understanding of internal control practices and their impact on protecting University resources.
• Advanced degree in a related area and/or equivalent experience/training.

Salary & Benefits

The University of California, Berkeley expects to pay an annual salary in the range of $120,000.00 – $145,000.00, within the full pay scale of $101,600.00 – $189,800.00. This is an exempt, monthly‑paid position.

How to Apply

• Submit a resume and cover letter.

Other Information

• This is not a visa opportunity.
• Eligible for up to 40% hybrid work. Arrangements determined in partnership with supervisor and department needs.

Conviction History Background

This position requires fingerprinting and a background check due to the nature of the job responsibilities. Berkeley hires people with conviction histories and reviews information in the context of the job responsibilities. Employment is contingent upon successful completion of the background check.

Equal Employment Opportunity

The University of California is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, age, protected veteran status, or other protected status under state or federal law.

Application Process

To apply, visit the following link: https://careerspub.universityofcalifornia.edu/psc/ucb/EMPLOYEE/HRMS/c/HRS_HRAM_FL.HRS_CG_SEARCH_FL.GBL?Page=HRS_APP_JBPST_FL&JobOpeningId=82373&PostingSeq=1&SiteId=21&languageCd=ENG&FOCUS=Applicant