Description

Rutgers School of Social Work, ranked #12 among MSW programs in the nation, is among the largest social work programs in the United States, offering BASW, MSW, DSW, and Ph.D. degrees to over 2,000 students across three campuses in Camden, Newark, and New Brunswick. Founded in 1766, Rutgers is a major research university and a member of the Association of American Universities, a federation of 62 leading research universities, and the Big Ten Academic Alliance, an academic consortium of Big 10 universities.

The School of Social Work’s mission is to develop and disseminate knowledge through social work research, education, and training that promotes social and economic justice and strengthens individual, family, and community well-being in this diverse and increasingly global environment of New Jersey and beyond.

Reporting to the Associate Dean for Administration and Finance, the Director of Business Services is the chief business and human resources officer of the school, responsible for the short-and long range supervision and planning of all fiscal matters, and the planning and implementation of fiscal and administrative policy and procedures for the school ensuring sound fiscal practices compliant with university policies, union bargaining agreements, funding agencies, and other applicable policies. Responsibilities include the preparation and administration of responsibility center management including the operating budget, grants, contracts, endowments, gifts, etc. Is a strategic partner for pre-award activities and oversees post-award administration for all grants and contract activity. Oversees the supervision of all appointments (academic, research, administrative), payroll and benefits for faculty and staff, student financial aid, academic support needs, and other duties as assigned. Supervises the business services support staff that provide customer-oriented business and facilities services to the Dean’s office, faculty and staff, and the various academic programs and centers throughout the school. Serves as representative of the school on various committees and working groups across the campus and university. 

SSW Operating Scope: 2,000+ students, 4 degree offerings – BASW, MSW, DSW, PhD - with multiple program options (including a large online program, dual degrees, and global programs) and academic certificates, largest SW continuing education program, 5 active research centers/institute/hubs, approaching $80M operating budget, >$60M grants/contracts portfolio, 75+ faculty (TT & NTT), 180+ adjunct faculty, 150+ practicum support adjuncts, and 160+ full-time administrative and professional staff. Headquartered in New Brunswick with operations on the Camden and Newark campuses and several off-campus locations.

Specific Job Duties Include:

• Lead Financial Planning & Budget Administration: With the Associate Dean for Administration and Finance, develop, implement, and oversee long- and short-term school budgets aligned with the University’s RCM model; prepare forecasts and financial analyses to support strategic academic and operational goals.
• Direct Business Services Operations & Staff Supervision: Manage and supervise Business Office staff across accounting, HR, grants, and facilities functions, including hiring, training, performance management, delegation, and operational oversight.
• Ensure Financial Accountability & Compliance:  Oversee accounting operations for 130+ projects and $80M+ in funds, ensuring compliance with University, State, Federal, and sponsor regulations through monitoring, reconciliations, and internal controls.
• Approve and Oversee Financial Transactions: Review and authorize purchases, journal entries, reimbursements, consultant agreements, invoices, and other financial transactions to ensure accuracy, compliance, and budget alignment
• Manage Payroll & Personnel Administration: Oversee payroll processing and reconciliation for salaried and hourly employees; coordinate faculty, lecturer, adjunct, and practicum consultant appointments and ensure timely onboarding documentation.
• Provide HR Guidance & Labor Contract Administration: Advise leadership, faculty, and staff on HR policies, benefits, appointments, and collective bargaining agreement requirements when appropriate, including salary, union, and pension eligibility determinations.
• Support Grant & Contract Budget Management: Collaborate with Associate Dean, Research and Research Services, faculty and grants staff to develop proposal budgets, ensure sponsor compliance, monitor expenditures, and advise on re-budgeting and fiscal performance of funded projects.
• Maintain Financial Reporting & Operational Analysis: Prepare financial reports, forecasting analyses, account reconciliations, fund balance tracking, year-end close activities, and other analyses to support informed decision-making and fiscal stewardship.
• Foster Cross-Functional Communication & Collaboration: Build strong working relationships across departments, provide operational guidance to faculty and staff, and maintain effective communication with University and external stakeholders.
• Drive Continuous Improvement & Strategic Initiatives: Lead efforts to streamline processes, modernize systems, support professional development, participate in University initiatives and committees, and provide ad hoc reporting and operational solutions.

Requirements

Required: 

Requires a bachelor's degree in accounting, finance, business administration, or related field; or an equivalent combination of education and/or experience that demonstrates comprehensive knowledge and understanding of general accounting principles and practices. Also requires a minimum of five years of relevant professional experience in a financial/accounting/business function, excellent communication skills, and computer literacy.

Must be able to handle multiple, diverse tasks, and establish effective working relations with internal and external constituencies. Strong interpersonal, diplomatic, customer-service and communications skills are essential. Must be able to effectively manage multiple priorities, sensitive situations/information and tight deadlines.

Preferred:

A master's degree in a related field and experience in higher education setting is preferred.