University of Nebraska System

Job Summary:

The Senior Manager for Finance leads financial planning, analysis, and stewardship of the Institute’s financial portfolio, including operating funds, sponsored awards, and endowment resources in coordination with executive leadership. This role manages a diverse portfolio of funding sources, including federal grants, state appropriations, endowment distributions, and private funds, and provides comprehensive pre- and post-award grant support to ensure alignment with Institute priorities. This position is responsible for forecasting long-term financial performance, including endowment yield and balance projections, and translating complex financial data into clear visual and analytical tools to support executive decision-making. It partners closely with Institute leadership and external partners to strengthen financial sustainability, enhance transparency, and implement effective, compliant financial solutions.

About Us:

Envisioned as a new model for how public higher education is engaged in the first years of life, the Buffett Early Childhood Institute (https://buffettinstitute.nebraska.edu/) is a four campus, university-wide, multidisciplinary research, education, outreach, and policy institute of the University of Nebraska committed to helping transform early childhood development and education in Nebraska and across the nation. The long-term goal of the Institute is to be a leading center where scholars, practitioners, community members, and policy makers collaborate to advance a unified approach that can improve the lives of young children and families and the systems that support them.

Applicants should note that the goals of the Institute are university-, state-, and nation-wide, but the location of the Institute administration is in Omaha. This position will work primarily out of the Omaha office.

Required Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree
• Five years of progressively responsible experience in financial management, budgeting, or accounting.
• Demonstrated experience managing multiple funding sources, including federal grants, state appropriations, and/or private funds.
• Experience producing financial reports for government contractors and philanthropic donors.
• Working knowledge of grants/contracts, accounting, budgeting, and business/information systems.
• Experience developing financial models, forecasts, and strategic analyses to support leadership decision-making.
• Strong analytical, and problem-solving with a high level of attention to detail and accuracy.
• Effective communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to collaborate with diverse stakeholders and present financial information to non-financial audiences

Equivalent combination of education and experience, that provides the required knowledge, skills, and abililities may be considered.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Master’s degree or Certified Public Accountant (CPA)
• Supervisory or lead experience
• Experience working with university foundations, endowments, or donor-restricted funds.
• Knowledge of University of Nebraska accounting practices and policies.
• Knowledge of higher education and government accounting principles.
• Experience with sponsored programs administration.
• Experience with SAP.