QUALIFICATIONS AND EDUCATION REQUIREMENTS
- BA/BS in Finance, Accounting, or related field
- Ten (10) years of experience; Eight (8) of those years must include a strong financial background and significant management experience
- Progressive experience in a leadership position in the development and implementation of financial strategies and overseeing the fiscal administration and budget
- Excellent computer skills
- Demonstrated excellence in communication and organization
- Demonstrated ability to work collaboratively and effectively across all levels of an organization.
- Documented experience managing high-quality customer experience initiatives
- Demonstrated commitment to advancing and promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion including the ability to work respectfully and effectively with individuals with diverse identities and underrepresented groups
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:
- Master’s degree in Business Administration, Finance, Accounting, or related area
- CPA certification
Overview
The Director of Business and Finance works closely with the Executive Director and other Arboretum Directors to develop financial strategies to implement and maintain the
Arboretum’s mission-driven priorities. This position will lead the Arboretum’s financial and accounting functions and develop all types of high-quality financial analysis in support of goals and outcomes across the institution. This position is responsible for the Arboretum’s earned revenue business and retail operations including all aspects of guest services, special exhibitions and events, rentals and reservations, and maintaining high standards of internal and external customer service across these activities. The Director of Business must use analytical and problem-solving skills to manage multiple priorities, meet goals, and coordinate work and priorities with staff and other stakeholders across the organization.
The Director of Business and Finance manages a team of full-time, part-time, and seasonal employees, ensures appropriate personnel training, development, and performance feedback. As a key member of the Arboretum’s leadership team, the position fosters a workplace environment where all staff are committed to principles and practices of respect, diversity, inclusivity, continuous improvement, excellent customer service, and teamwork. The successful candidate is expected to play a leadership role on Arboretum-wide committees, and work collaboratively with other units to provide broad analysis and internal oversight across the operations.
SPECIFIC DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
Finance (35%)
- Provide strategic direction and oversight of finance operations and personnel, including:
- Analyze, interpret and communicate information pertaining to financial performance of the Arboretum.
- Manage, administer, and monitor the Arboretum budgets, strategic and planning processes, including preparation of the annual budgets working closely with the Arboretum leadership team in a collaborative manner.
- Provide counsel to the Arboretum’s leadership team on strategic allocation of resources, business processes and policies; develop strategies to improve financial performance and efficiency; identify trends and changes in resources and expenditures that may require action.
- Manage Arboretum fiscal administration, budget planning, payroll (collaboratively with Human Resources), and financial planning including for capital (collaboratively with related University offices) and other special projects.
- Coordinate internal financial audits, which includes submission of documentation requested by the University, draft response to any findings and ensure that auditor findings are resolved.
- Maintain open and frequent contact with related CFANS administration offices.
Guest Services (20%)
- Research, develop, implement, and monitor a strategic plan, processes, and policies for onsite Guest Services including gate admissions/ticketing, guest information.
- Maintain a focus on exceptional customer service, consistently providing a welcoming environment for all audiences
- Supervise key guest services staff
Onsite Sales (20%)
- Develop fiscal goals and strategic plans for maximizing revenue from onsite sales.
- Lead strategic development for units with onsite sales, including:
- AppleHouse
- Food Service
- Gift and Garden Store
- Annual Plant Sale
- Relevant future capital projects
- Meet defined metrics for annual sales activities
- Supervise key staff responsible for onsite sales
Reservations, Rentals, and Private Events (15%)
- Provide strategic direction for Arboretum private event reservations and rentals
- Provide strategic direction for Arboretum public exhibitions and events
- Maximize return on investment (ROI) for private events
- Meet key performance indicators (KPIs) for internal meetings and events
Other Duties as Assigned (10%)
- Assists in engaging and supporting the Minnesota Landscape Arboretum
- Foundation advisory Board of Trustees in strategic activities and prepares and delivers regular reports to members.
- Collaborate with directors of departments affected by the business strategy
- Provide leadership for arboretum-wide initiatives as assigned
The Minnesota Landscape Arboretum is a community outreach unit of the University of Minnesota’s College of Food, Agriculture and Natural Resource Sciences. The Arboretum is located west of Minneapolis/St Paul and its 1,200 acres traverse the municipalities of Chaska, Chanhassen and Victoria. As a member of the American Public Garden Association and an accredited museum through the American Alliance of Museums, the Arboretum is a tremendous public asset. Visitors engage with gardens, collections, natural areas, a farm, research demonstrations, youth and adult education, events and exhibits. Please visit us at https://arb.umn.edu/ for more information.
Applications must be submitted online. To be considered for this position, please click the Apply button and follow the instructions. You will be given the opportunity to complete an online application for the position and attach a cover letter and resume.
Additional documents may be attached after application by accessing your "My Job Applications" page and uploading documents in the "My Cover Letters and Attachments" section.
To request an accommodation during the application process, please e-mail employ@umn.edu or call (612) 624-UOHR (8647).
The University recognizes and values the importance of diversity and inclusion in enriching the employment experience of its employees and in supporting the academic mission. The University is committed to attracting and retaining employees with varying identities and backgrounds.
The University of Minnesota provides equal access to and opportunity in its programs, facilities, and employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, gender, age, marital status, disability, public assistance status, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or gender expression. To learn more about diversity at the U: http://diversity.umn.edu
Any offer of employment is contingent upon the successful completion of a background check. Our presumption is that prospective employees are eligible to work here. Criminal convictions do not automatically disqualify finalists from employment.
The University of Minnesota, Twin Cities (UMTC)
The University of Minnesota, Twin Cities (UMTC), is among the largest public research universities in the country, offering undergraduate, graduate, and professional students a multitude of opportunities for study and research. Located at the heart of one of the nation's most vibrant, diverse metropolitan communities, students on the campuses in Minneapolis and St. Paul benefit from extensive partnerships with world-renowned health centers, international corporations, government agencies, and arts, nonprofit, and public service organizations.