Business Manager (Director of Budget & Administration)

The Director of Administration and Budget provides strategic direction, leadership and oversight of the School of Journalism programs, projects, functions, and processes primarily on the Lawrence campus. This position conceptualizes and develops unit strategies and works with School leadership team to ensure strategies and business operations are implemented and in compliance with KU and state requirements. Assures unit effectiveness and accountability and is responsible for departmental allocation of fiscal and human resources.
The Director of Administration and Budget has the overall responsibility for the financial reporting, financial analysis, budgeting, and preparation and review of the organizational budget for the School and serves as the fiscal liaison between the School and other University financial offices, including KU Office of Research and KU Endowment.
The Director of Administration and Budget also supports budget preparation of grant applications and management. This position is part of a senior administrative team and plays a key role in developing strategic financial plans for budgeting, cash management, forecasting, risk management, and financial analysis, as well coordinating related fiscal, budget, and personnel activities. This role will be responsible for maintaining budgetary and administrative structures and systems within the School, and in partnership with School leaders and it's partners, implement continuous improvements to these practices.

KU offers great benefits to employees with up to 176 hours of paid vacation per year, 96 hours of sick leave earned per year, nine paid holidays plus one discretionary day, a retirement program, medical & dental insurance, life and disability insurance, other benefit plan options, and State of Kansas discounts offered by various vendors. KU also offers employees educational and professional development opportunities.
Tuition assistance offers up to 12 credit hours per year for employees and Employee Dependent Tuition Assistance Scholarship (EDTAS) award opportunities! Details and additional KU Benefits information available at: Tuition Assistance | KU Benefits

KU's excellence is a result of the rich tapestry of experiences, perspectives, and backgrounds of our faculty, staff, students, and colleagues from across our nation and the globe. At KU, we invest in continuous learning and growth by creating a climate where people engage in respectful dialogue and debate and support each other's success. We foster a culture of care where each person is seen, heard, and valued. When people feel a true sense of belonging, we believe they are better able to reach their full potential and achieve remarkable things.

The successful candidate must be eligible to work in the U.S. by the effective date of the appointment.

40% Budget/Planning

• Provides overall financial leadership and planning in the management of all funding sources available to the School of Journalism and Mass Communications and all other units within the school, following State and University policies and procedures.
• Coordinates strategic review of resource allocation to ensure funds are directed toward strategic initiatives of the School and the University.
• Prepares and develops the annual operating budget, analysis of carry forward and reserve balances, and an all-funds budget model. Review and authorize state and private payments to verify appropriate funding sources are used and that funds are not overspent or underspent.
• Manages annual budget requests from internal units, summarize requests for the Dean, and distributes approved budgets to units.
• Develops summer school budget with senior leadership team and provides recommendations based upon profit/loss scenarios. Serves as a lead liaison for the School as it relates to University awards, summer research funding, research grants, and Endowment funds.
• Performs all University budget collection processes and transfers following University procedures and deadlines. Serves as a lead representative on financial committees for the School. Consults with University central offices (KU Budget Office, Comptroller, Office of Research, Endowment, Human Resources) and other units on funding, financial and policy issues.
• Assists principal investigators with evaluating budget needs for proposal activities and provides guidance on appropriate expenditures. Works as a lead liaison between the School and the Shared Service Center as it relates to all financial matters to ensure fiscal accuracy and accountability. Responsible for leading all audits of financial activities, including but not limited to all payroll expenditures. Establishes internal controls to ensure the School is following all state, federal, and/or endowment requirements.
• Provides strategic advice to the Dean on all financial matters and significant budget issues throughout the year. Serves as a key leader for all audits of the School's financial expenditures.
• Reviews, reconciles and balances all state and private funds. Provides reporting to the Dean and other leaders on a regular basis. Responsible for compiling financial data for accreditation reporting, etc.

35% Personnel Management

• Provides administrative support and tracking for faculty and staff merit, Promotion and Tenure processes, faculty hiring coordination, and may oversee administrative staff in the school.
• Serves as the coordinator of funding for all payroll related transactions for all appointments within the School, including overload and award payments.
• In coordination with HR Partner and Central HR staff when needed, provides consultation with Dean on personnel related issues and processes.
• Coordinates job postings with Human Resources personnel. Serves as committee chair and supervisor for administrative hires.
• In coordination with the Associate Dean, assists in managing Lecturer and Instructor pool related hires each semester.
• Manages summer pay appointments for faculty and 3G hires (GRA/GTA/GA). Maintains security of personnel files and other records.

15% Sponsored Project Support

• Act as lead liaison between the School's faculty and research staff, and KUOR in managing externally funded awards, sponsored projects and contracts.
• Coordinates resources with the School's Research Office to support research faculty and staff.
• Assists with providing grants management and related training in financial compliance areas.

5% Administrative Support

• Develops School procedures with the Dean and leadership team related to financial operations in accordance with best practices. Works with key offices to ensure accuracy and compliance.
• Attends meetings related to budget, payroll and other financial events held by the University, Office of Research, Endowment, etc.

5% Other

• Performs other duties as assigned.

In addition to the online application, the following documents are required to be considered for this position:

• Cover letter describing how you meet the required and preferred qualifications
• Resume
• List of three (3) professional references

Application review begins Monday July 13, 2026, and will continue until a qualified pool of applicants is identified.

#LI-HR1

Stephen Wolgast
wolgast@ku.edu

$72,000

Monday July 13, 2026

Monday August 10, 2026