Northwestern University Medill School of Journalism, Media, Integrated Marketing Communications is a leader in education and research. As the media industry experiences unprecedented change, Medill is at the forefront of innovation. Our expert teaching and thought leadership focus on enduring skills and values as well as new techniques and technologies that are changing the way stories are told and consumed in today's digital world. In celebrating our 100th year in 2021, our experience in leading the fields of journalism and IMC is unparalleled.

Medill offers undergraduate and graduate degrees in journalism, and an undergraduate certificate and graduate degree in integrated marketing communications. The Medill community is tight-knit and supportive. It consists of 100 faculty, 50 staff, 1,200 students and 18,000 alumni. The diversity of the Medill community has been a source of innovation, excellence and leadership throughout our history. Today Medill continues its commitment to creating an inclusive environment and to providing equity in opportunities regarding research, teaching, administration and student services. We aim to welcome students, staff and faculty from diverse backgrounds and support them so they may thrive at Medill.

Job Summary:

The Assistant Director of Business & Finance manages the day-to-day financial operations of the Medill School at Northwestern University. This position coordinates with central offices including HR, Budget, Financial Aid, Facilities, Purchasing, IT, Research Provost, etc. The Assistant Director provides financial models and analyses for the school leadership and its partnering central offices. This position assists with the quarterly and annual budgeting and forecasting processes. The Assistant Director supervises a team of two staff members and works closely with the Executive Director to oversee the workflow and structure of the Business & Finance Office.

This position will be on-site on the Evanston campus for a minimum of two days per week, while the remaining time is allowed to be worked remotely. This remote working arrangement will be evaluated on a regular basis and may be changed based on business and operational needs.

Please note: The target budgeted salary for this position is $73,000 - $80,000 annually. Offers will be based on candidate experience and education, as well as equity within Northwestern University.

Specific Responsibilities:

Budget Planning:

Assist with reconciliation of annual management budget provided by Budget Office to prior year’s allocation, including detailed summary of change to Central appropriation.
Review entry of annual budget into NUPlans Contributor budget system, confirming entry aligns with management budget. Work with Budget Office analyst as necessary to gather allocation details that may be needed to balance budget across all funds.
Complete thorough review of approximately half of department/program budget reports monthly, communicating concerns to Executive Director (ED) as they arise, directing ad hoc analyses as necessary, proposing solutions for ED, and following up to ensure budget issues are resolved timely.
Complete tasks assigned by ED for quarterly all funds and tuition revenue-sharing forecasts due to the Budget Office meeting deadlines set by ED.
Manage the day-to-day operations of the annual fiscal year-end budget close process.
Financial Management / Administration:

Ensure that appropriate financial controls and processes in place across School are followed, working in conjunction with internal staff and various Central administrative offices, where necessary.
Responsible for certifying that spending is appropriate and in alignment with plans and within approved budgets across School. Communicate concerns to ED on a timely basis.
Assist with development and updates of financial reports and propose agenda items for quarterly meetings held with academic Associate Deans to review financial issues associated with academic programs.
Review approximately half of School’s chart strings monthly, taking action to resolve potential problems.
Advise faculty and staff throughout School on financial policies and procedures as necessary.
Responsible for regular, timely and complete update of financial reports developed for managing endowment and gift funds, to be reviewed in regular meetings with School development team, faculty and staff, as part of process to ensure that funds are spent in accordance with donor intent (i.e., proper stewardship).
Oversee faculty research funding plans to ensure resources are allocated according to Dean’s direction.
Respond to School faculty and staff requests for budget/financial information on a timely basis, developing and presenting financial reports and analyses as necessary.
Collaborate with Director of HR & Faculty Administration and Executive Director on salary allocation process, performed to ensure salaries are fairly allocated across School funding sources, based on faculty and staff allocation of effort.
Coordinate review of School agreements/contracts provided to office for signature, involving Office of General Counsel and others as necessary.
Transactions / Operations:

Oversee accurate, efficient and compliant workflow of all transactional processes across areas/units.
Serve as primary Level 3 school approver for NUFinancials transactions.
Supervise Financial Coordinator’s (FC) role as Level 1 and 2 approver of transactions and serve as a backup approver when needed.
Provide optimal customer service and financial guidance to areas/units.
Oversee processing of all daily financial transactional activity.
Review and approve requests for new chart strings entered by FC.
Supervise monitoring of open encumbrances & deficit chart strings performed by FC, including special review of charges to deficit chart strings.
Lead and provide support for internal &/or granting agency audit requests as necessary.
Supervise FC’s management of Medill Business Office email, providing input and assistance with problem-solving as needed.
Grants Administration:

Provide post award management.
Help guide pre-award budget inquiries.
Process all effort reports.
Work with ASRSP to close out awards.
Training:

Develop internal financial training for faculty and staff as necessary, presenting updates to selected groups on operational issues as needed.
Supervision:

Direct supervision of two employees, a Financial Coordinator and a Senior Accounting Specialist.
Train direct reports.
Hire direct reports.
Evaluate performance of direct reports.
Provide work direction to other employees as needed.