Director of Finance, COSThe George Mason University, College of Science, invites well qualified applicants to apply for our position as Director of Finance.Mason Science is committed to advancing access, justice, equity, diversity, and inclusion (A-JEDI) throughout our STEM community, including within our hiring and retention practices. At Mason Science, our values include fostering an organizational culture that promotes anti-racism, belonging, respect, and civility. We believe that a diversity of opinions, cultures, and perspectives is what provides vibrancy, innovation and growth to an academic community. By prioritizing inclusive excellence in academics, teaching, research, and global engagement, we strive to attract a diverse pool of faculty and staff who exemplify the Mason Science mission and vision.George Mason University has a strong institutional commitment to the achievement of excellence and diversity among its faculty and staff, and strongly encourages candidates to apply who will enrich Mason's academic and culturally inclusive environment.About the Department: The College of Science at George Mason University blends traditional science education with sought-after programs in molecular medicine, climate dynamics, planetary science, forensic science, environmental studies, and geoinformation science to prepare students for exciting careers at the cutting edge of interdisciplinary scientific domains.While serving as a vital community and regional resource for teaching and learning through hands-on programming for kindergarten through 12th grade (K-12) students, teacher training, and outreach programs, the college also undertakes pioneering research endeavors that offer insight and solutions to the complex issues that challenge today's world. The COS community includes more than 4,100 undergraduate students; 1,000 graduate students; and 970 faculty and staff. To learn more visit https://science.gmu.edu/About the Position:Reporting to the Chief Business Officer (CBO) of the College of Science, the Director of Finance administers and provides strategic leadership for all financial activities for COS, including budget preparation, financial planning, and management of all state and foundation funding. This leadership position requires confidence in strategic budgeting and financial management, and experience forecasting and projecting budget scenarios to ensure the College is fiscally positioned to advance its mission and goals.The Director of Finance will lead the planning and implementation of the College's finance-related initiatives and processes, including financial management and budgeting, forecasting and modeling, and financial controls. The incumbent will also provide overall leadership, supervision, management, and coordination of the College's finance functions, including supervision and development of the COS finance team and close coordination with the Research Administration and Human Resources teams. The Director of Finance will oversee the development and implementation of financial policies and procedures while serving as finance liaison for the College with University administration and collaborate with peers in other colleges/units.The selected candidate will also work closely with the CBO and other members of the College's senior leadership team in strategic planning to ensure the fiscal health of the College and to meet the College's vision and growth strategy. In particular, under the direction of the CBO, the incumbent will oversee financial planning and analysis, forecasting and strategic planning, and fiscal operations for the College of Science, apply thoughtful methods to manage and operate financial resources to allow for opportunities to advance the mission of the College and assist College leadership in the development and implementation of clear, transparent policies and procedures related to all financial matters.Responsibilities:Lead the development of a transparent, sustainable, equitable, and inclusive strategic budgeting process within the College, working closely with Department Chairs and College leadership;Develop multi-year revenue and expenditure projections, including scenario planning; make recommendations regarding resource allocations to College leadership;Develop analyses to facilitate strategic decision-making and understand financial feasibility of cost-related initiatives associated with advancing the College's strategic plan;Establish and maintain effective financial management systems, tools, and reporting for timely, comprehensive decision-making; provide regular (i.e., monthly) forecasts and budget to actual analyses to budget owners;Oversee the day-to-day management of fiscal operations, including assessing and maintaining effective financial controls for the College;Lead the development and implementation of financial policies and procedures for the College that promote transparency, equity, inclusivity, effectiveness and efficiency in the College's processes; ensure COS policies are in alignment with University policies and procedures;Work closely with the College's research administration team and Associate Dean for Research on financial analyses and forecasts related to sponsored research expenditures and indirect recovery;Work with the College's advancement team on analysis of fund balances and spending trends in Foundation accounts;Collaborate with the College's Director of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) to ensure that fiscal processes are equitable, inclusive, and reflect anti-racist and Inclusive Excellence values;Collaborate with the CBO and budget owners to identify, analyze and resolve budgetary and other fiscal issues;Work collaboratively with College Human Resources on position control, resource allocations for positions, payroll, and other related activities;Supervise, train and cross-train finance staff to provide high quality service to the College; provide leadership for College and departmental staff in training and development related to financial policies, procedures, and practices; andServe as a team member and leader in establishing and maintaining a collaborative, respectful, inclusive work environment within the College.Required Qualifications:Master's degree in a relevant field or a Bachelor's degree accompanied by extensive relevant experience; or equivalent combination of education and experience;Advanced knowledge of principles and practices of financial management, planning, forecasting and controls;Experience in developing and maintaining financial planning tools and forecasting models for both short- and long-range financial planning;Experience overseeing financial operations for a complex organization;Experience aligning strategic initiatives with financial plans;Demonstrated ability to act with integrity and maintain confidentiality;Ability to work in partnership with and across various internal and external stakeholders (e.g., faculty, staff, supervisees, University Fiscal Services team);Committed to advancing access, justice, equity, diversity, and inclusion (A-JEDI);Ability to effectively communicate with colleagues across a range of financial skillsets;Ability to work independently and collaboratively with minimal supervision;Seek out opportunities to improve operations and make recommendations for implementation; andBe willing to take on additional work as needed to ensure smooth operations of the unit and the College.Preferred Qualifications:Experience in the leadership and management of financial strategy, planning, and execution, preferably within a higher education setting.

For full consideration, applicants must apply at https://jobs.gmu.edu/; complete and submit the online application; and upload a cover letter, resume, and a list of three professional references with contact information.

"Great Careers Begin at Mason! George Mason University is an innovative, entrepreneurial institution with national distinction in both academics and research. Mason holds a top U.S. News and World Report "Up and Coming" spot for national universities and is recognized for its global appeal and excellence in higher education.Mason is currently the largest and most diverse university in Virginia with students and faculty from all 50 states and over 135 countries studying in over 200 degree programs at campuses in Arlington, Fairfax and Prince William, as well as at learning locations across the commonwealth. Rooted in Mason's diversity is a campus culture that is both rewarding and exciting, work that is meaningful, and opportunities to both collaborate and create.If you are interested in joining the Mason family take a look at our current opportunities and catch some Mason spirit at jobs.gmu.edu/!George Mason University, Where Innovation is Tradition."