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Syracuse University

Senior Director of Budget and Administration

🇺🇸 Syracuse, NY 🕑 Full-Time 💰 $156K - $165K 💻 Finance 🗓️ April 1st, 2026

Edtech.com's Summary

Syracuse University is hiring a Senior Director of Budget and Administration. This role involves collaborating with the Dean and leadership team to manage the budget, financial planning, and operations for the College of Visual and Performing Arts, ensuring alignment with the college's strategic goals. The position also oversees payroll, HR activities, procurement, policy enforcement, and serves as a liaison between the college and university offices.

Highlights
  • Manage current year budget and long-range financial planning for the College of Visual and Performing Arts.
  • Oversee payroll, HR processes, procurement, disbursements, and enforcement of college and university policies.
  • Collaborate with leadership to align financial priorities with strategic initiatives and operational needs.
  • Provide counsel and support on special projects and financial reporting to the college leadership team.
  • Maintain positive relationships with central university offices, schools/departments, and external organizations.
  • Required skills include advanced proficiency in Excel; familiarity with PeopleSoft and Hyperion preferred.
  • Bachelor’s degree in management or finance required; master’s degree preferred.
  • Minimum of seven years in business operations, financial planning and analysis, or related fields; higher education experience preferred.
  • Compensation range from $156,000 to $165,000 annually.
  • Responsible for staff training initiatives and overseeing the annual salary and performance review process.

Senior Director of Budget and Administration Full Description

Senior Director of Budget and Administration
Posting Details
 Posting Details 
Job #  | 042693
Department Code  | 23001-4030
Department  | CVPA - Dean's office
Job Title  | Senior Director of Budget and Administration
Location  | Syracuse, NY
Campus  | Syracuse, NY
Commitment to On-Campus Experience  | Syracuse University is committed to delivering an exceptional student experience through vibrant, engaged campus communities. This position is based at the above campus location and requires regular in-person presence to support our students, collaborate with colleagues, and contribute to our thriving academic environment. Syracuse University values the collaboration, mentorship, and spontaneous connections that happen when our community works together on campus. Remote work arrangements are limited in accordance with University policy.
Pay Range  | $156,000 - $165,000
Pay Determination  | Pay rates at Syracuse University are based on a combination of factors including, but not limited to, the job responsibilities; the candidate’s education, training, work experience and key competencies; the university’s strategic priorities; internal peer equity; applicable federal, state, local laws, grant funding and contractual requisites; and external market analyses.
Staff Level  | S6
FLSA Status  | Exempt
Hours  | Standard University business hours

8:30am – 5:00pm (academic year)
8:00am – 4:30pm (summer)
Hours may vary based on operational needs.
Job Type  | Full-time
Unionized Position Code  | Not Applicable

Job Description  | As a member of the college’s leadership team, the Senior Director of Budget and Administration will work closely with the Dean to set financial priorities in alignment with the college’s strategic goals, and within available resources. This position will be responsible for administering the current year budget and long-range planning for the College of Visual and Performing Arts and subordinate units through collaboration with the leadership team. This position will serve as the principal staff officer for the college community and will oversee the college office of budget and operations responsible for approving and processing payroll and HR related activities, procurement, disbursements, establish controls surrounding best business practices, and enforce college and university policies. This role will support the operations and strategic initiatives as the College moves forward with the ongoing implementation of the strategic plan and will act as a liaison between the college and university offices.

Education and Experience  | Bachelor’s degree in management or financial field required, master’s degree preferred. Seven (7+) plus years of experience in business operations, financial planning and analysis, or related field required. Experience in higher education preferred.
Skills and Knowledge  | Excellent interpersonal and communication skills (both verbal and written) are required. Supervisory experience and leadership skills that instill trust and confidence through demonstration of integrity, accountability, and fiscal responsibility are required. Must be discreet. Expert in analysis and data driven problem solving and decision-making skills. Ability to troubleshoot situations. Experience with Excel is essential and PeopleSoft, Hyperion are preferred. Ability to contain costs and manage limited resources. Highly organized and strong time management skills – ability to work under pressure and manage multiple tasks and deadlines required.
Responsibilities  | Evaluate, propose, and enforce internal controls, identify opportunities for standardization, enhance organizational effectiveness, improve business processes, and streamline College policies. Coordinate discussions that advance the implementation of the College’s academic strategic plan, particularly related to the organizational structure, space planning and business processes. Ensure actionable items are included in the College’s financial plan and are fiscally viable and sustainable. Direct and collaborate on special projects and provide counsel to the members of the College’s leadership team. Collaborate with senior leadership to identify program needs and financial outcomes, align investments with strategic initiatives and advise on improvement of operations and related workflow, including faculty workloads and course enrollments in response to enrollment trends and curricular changes. Oversee/manage all aspects of the College’s budgeting (including estimated finals and long-range plans), procurement, disbursements, and payroll. Effectively manage college expenditures at all levels to align with revenues received. Responsible for creating financial reports and analysis for the College leadership team. Analyze and forecast salary, operating and capital project budgets, sponsored contracts, gifts and endowments, tuition and other revenues. Perform complex financial analysis and build modeling tools to inform recommendations for maximizing financial or other resource outcomes that will allow the College to achieve its goals. Act as liaison with VPA schools/departments regarding college-wide financial policies, as well as maintain positive relationships with central University offices, other schools/colleges, and outside organizations; must possess the ability to effectively communicate and execute across different levels and departments regarding financial matters. In consultation with the Assistant Dean for Advancement and External Affairs, oversee and analyze gifts and endowment payout funds to ensure funds are utilized in accordance with donor restrictions, and that the college is maximizing the utilization of restricted funds. Partner with University offices (HR, Payroll and Academic affairs) to oversee the HR related processes in the College and serve as primary point of contact for the Senior HR Business Partner. Responsible for understanding the organizational structure of the college and recommending enhancements to leadership. Evaluate, develop, and implement staff training initiatives to ensure continuous improvement in staff skills consistent with performance expectations. Coordinate and oversee the annual salary and performance review process for the College of Visual & Performing Arts faculty and staff. Participate in complex and confidential issues related to employment, compensation, appointment letters, and employee relations. Act as liaison with VPA schools/departments regarding college-wide financial policies and cultivates strong partnerships with central University offices and services, other schools/colleges, and outside organizations; must possess the ability to effectively communicate and execute across different levels and departments regarding financial and operational matters. In consultation with the Assistant Dean for Advancement and External Affairs, oversee and analyze gifts and endowment payout funds to ensure funds are utilized in accordance with donor restrictions, and that the college is maximizing the utilization of restricted funds. Other duties as assigned.

Physical Requirements  | *
Tools/Equipment  | *
Application Instructions  | In addition to completing an online application, please attach a resume and cover letter.
About Syracuse University  | Syracuse University is a private, international research university with distinctive academics, diversely unique offerings, and an undeniable spirit. Located in the geographic heart of New York State, with a global footprint, and over 150 years of history, Syracuse University offers a quintessential college experience.

The scope of Syracuse University is a testament to its strengths: a pioneering history dating back to 1870; a choice of more than 200 majors, 100 minors, and 200 advanced degree programs offered across the University’s 13 schools and colleges; over 15,000 undergraduates and over 6,000 graduate students; more than a quarter of a million alumni in 160 countries; and a student population from all 50 U.S. states and 123 countries. For more information, please visit http://www.syracuse.edu.

About the Syracuse area  | Syracuse is a medium-sized city situated in the geographic center of New York State approximately 250 miles northwest of New York City. The metro-area population totals approximately 500,000. The area offers a low cost of living and provides many social, cultural, and recreational options, including parks, museums, festivals, professional regional theater, and premier shopping venues. Syracuse and Central New York present a wide range of seasonal recreation and attractions ranging from water skiing and snow skiing, hiking in the Adirondacks, touring the historic sites, visiting wineries along the Finger Lakes, and biking on trails along the Erie Canal.

EEO Statement  | Syracuse University is an equal-opportunity institution. The University prohibits discrimination and harassment based on race, color, creed, religion, sex, gender, national origin, citizenship, ethnicity, marital status, age, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity and gender expression, veteran status, or any other status protected by applicable law to the extent prohibited by law. This nondiscrimination policy covers admissions, employment, and access to and treatment in University programs, services, and activities.

Commitment to Supporting and Hiring Veterans  | Syracuse University has a long history of engaging veterans and the military-connected community through its educational programs, community outreach, and employment programs. After World War II, Syracuse University welcomed more than 10,000 returning veterans to our campus, and those veterans literally transformed Syracuse University into the national research institution it is today. The University’s contemporary commitment to veterans builds on this historical legacy, and extends to both class-leading initiatives focused on making an SU degree accessible and affordable to the post-9/11 generation of veterans, and also programs designed to position Syracuse University as the employer of choice for military veterans, members of the Guard and Reserve, and military family members.

Commitment to a Respectful and Welcoming Community  | Syracuse University fosters a welcoming learning environment where students, faculty, administrators, staff, curriculum, social activities, governance, and all aspects of campus life reflect a broad range of perspectives and experiences. The University community values the many similarities and differences among individuals and groups. At Syracuse, we are committed to preparing students to engage with and appreciate the richness of backgrounds, beliefs, and experiences that shape our society. To achieve this, we strive to cultivate a community that respects and encourages open dialogue, understanding, and mutual respect.

Quick Link  | https://www.sujobopps.com/postings/112693
Job Posting Date  | 03/30/2026
Application Deadline  |
Full Consideration By  |
Job Category  | Staff
Message to Applicants  | 
Applicant Documents
Required Documents
  1. Resume/CV
  2. Cover Letter

Optional Documents
Supplemental Questions
Required fields are indicated with an asterisk (*).
  1. * How did you first find out about this position? 
    • sujobopps.com (Syracuse University Online Employment website)
    • Syracuse University HR Recruiter
    • Virtual Career Fair (via NYS Department of Labor)
    • SUNY EOC (Equal Opportunity Center)
    • Women’s Opportunity Center
    • Jubilee Homes
    • Syracuse Northeast Community Center
    • Interfaith Works
    • JobPlus
    • Syracuse.com
    • Chronicle of Higher Education
    • HigherEdJobs.com
    • HERC (HERC Higher Ed Recruitment Consortium)
    • InsideHigherEd.com
    • Indeed.com
    • DiverseEducation.com (Diverse Issues in Higher Education website)
    • LinkedIn Job Posting
    • Facebook
    • Job Fair
    • Search Firm
    • Referred by an SU Employee
    • Other
  2.  If "other", please describe how you first found out about this position. 
    (Open Ended Question)

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