Job Description

Basic Function:

The Executive Director of Business Operations leads the development and execution of a centralized business services model for the Office of Information Technology (OIT), driving consistency, efficiency, and scalability across financial and operational functions.

This role oversees financial planning, budgeting, reporting, procurement, and operational support, ensuring alignment with OIT and institutional priorities.

Department Overview:

The Office of Information Technology (OIT) at Boise State University is seeking an Executive Director of Business Operations to provide strategic leadership for financial planning, business operations, and organizational effectiveness across the division. This newly established role will lead the development of an OIT Finance and Business Services function, helping ensure the long-term sustainability, efficiency, and alignment of OIT's services, resources, and operations.

Reporting directly to the CIO, the Executive Director will oversee financial planning and analysis, budgeting, forecasting, business operations, oversight and financial stewardship of OIT services and lines of business, and operational planning. The position will work closely with university leaders and campus partners to support institutional priorities, advance the University Budget Model (UBM), and improve decision-making through data, analytics, and emerging technologies, including artificial intelligence.

This role is also responsible for helping OIT navigate complex, cross-functional challenges that require collaboration across multiple teams and stakeholders. The successful candidate will be a strategic thinker, relationship builder, and change leader who can translate vision into action, improve processes, and build alignment across varied perspectives.

This is a unique opportunity to help shape the future of technology services at Idaho's largest university while building a modern business operations function that supports innovation, financial stewardship, and institutional success.

This position requires the candidate to work from campus in Boise, Idaho.

This position does not qualify for any type of Visa sponsorship, now or in the future.

Level Scope:

Manages a large team typically consisting of both experienced professionals and subordinate Managers. Focuses on tactical and operational plans with short to mid term focus; significant responsibility to achieve broadly stated goals through subordinate Managers. Determines objectives, directs programs, develops strategies and policies, manages human, financial, and physical resources, and functions with a high degree of autonomy. Requires broad management and leadership knowledge to lead project or program teams in one dept/job family. Proactively assesses risk to establish systems and procedures to protect organizational assets. Determines campus strategies for a program with campus wide impact.

Essential Functions:

Financial Strategy, Planning & Operations

• Lead OIT’s financial management, including budgeting, forecasting, reporting, and comprehensive data analysis.
• Direct integrated annual planning across programs, services, infrastructure investments, and vendor/contract strategies.
• Establish and oversee financial reporting, dynamic dashboards, and analytics to drive strategic decision-making.
• Ensure robust internal controls through process standardization, data accuracy, and strict policy compliance.
• Provide portfolio-level oversight of OIT services and lines of business, focusing on cost optimization, performance evaluation, and long-term sustainability.
• Develop targeted strategies for resource allocation, fiscal efficiency, and service pricing models.
• Leverage enterprise systems, data integration, and AI tools to modernize financial visibility and forecasting accuracy.

Operational Leadership

• Establish and lead a centralized OIT Finance and Business Operations unit.
• Responsible for communicating complex budget related data and information across OIT units to support the University Budget Model.
• Standardize processes to improve efficiency, transparency.
• Supervise and develop staff.
• Foster a culture of accountability, collaboration, and continuous improvement.

Change Management & Process Improvement

• Lead implementation of new business processes and organizational improvements.
• Redesign workflows to increase efficiency and reduce fragmentation.
• Facilitate the implementation of automation and AI-enabled solutions within the scope of the role.
• Lead coordination and resolution of complex, cross-functional challenges that span multiple OIT units, aligning distributed efforts into cohesive, enterprise-supported approaches while preserving the value of existing solutions.

Institutional Alignment & Partnership

• Partner with Finance, Budget, Procurement, Sponsored Projects, and other central units.
• Ensure alignment with institutional policies, practices, and priorities.
• Represent and advocate for OIT in institutional planning and resource processes.

Systems & Data Integration

• Lead integration of financial and operational data across systems to enhance reporting and decision-making.

Other duties as assigned.

Knowledge, Skills, Abilities:

• Ability to lead and integrate complex financial and business operations in a multi-functional environment.
• Strong analytical skills, translating data into strategic insights and actionable decisions.
• Proven ability to prioritize, anticipate needs, and deliver results in a deadline-driven environment.
• Exceptional interpersonal and communication skills with all stakeholders.
• Experience leading organizational change and process improvement.
• Ability to design and implement efficient business and financial processes.
• Experience leveraging data systems, analytics tools, and AI to enhance decision-making.
• Knowledge of financial management in complex organizations (e.g., higher education, IT, or service environments).

Minimum Qualifications:

Bachelor’s degree and 8 years of experience or equivalent, including 3 years managerial.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Master’s degree in Finance, Business Administration, Accounting, or related field.
• Experience in Higher Education, Information Technology, Public Sector, or complex service organizations.
• Experience with centralized/shared services models.
• Demonstrated knowledge of financial reporting tools (e.g., Oracle, Power BI, Domo, or similar tools).

Salary and Benefits:

Starting salary is $108,014.40 annually and is commensurate with experience. Boise State University provides a best-in-class benefits package, including (but not limited to):

• 12 paid holidays AND the University is closed between Christmas and New Year's (requires use of 3 vacation days)
• Between 12-24 annual paid vacation days for full-time Professional and Classified staff depending on position type and years of service
• 10.76% University contribution to your ORP retirement fund (Professional and Faculty employees)
• 11.96% University contribution to your PERSI retirement fund (Classified employees)
• Excellent medical, dental and other health-related insurance coverages
• Tuition fee waiver benefits for employees, spouses and their dependents
• See our full benefits page for more information!

Required Application Materials:

To be fully considered for this position, please submit the following materials:
(1) a cover letter outlining your interest and qualifications,
(2) a current résumé, and
(3) the names and contact information of three professional references.

This position requires the candidate to work from campus in Boise, Idaho.

This position does not qualify for any type of Visa sponsorship, now or in the future.

About Us:

Nestled along the Boise River and steps from the state capitol, Boise State University fosters a vibrant and welcoming academic environment that fuels student and employee success. We’re a trailblazing institution, nationally recognized for our innovative spirit and commitment to positive impact on Idaho and beyond.

Boise State is proud to be recognized by Forbes as the only Idaho employer listed in the top 100 of all national midsize and large employers. We’re building a thriving community of faculty and staff whose unique skills, experiences, and perspectives come together to create a rich and rewarding academic experience. Applications from all backgrounds are welcomed.

Learn more about Boise State and living in Idaho’s Treasure Valley at https://www.boisestate.edu/about/