Description
University of California, Santa Barbara, a leading research institution offering a comprehensive liberal arts education in Santa Barbara, California, invites inquiries, nominations, and applications for its executive director of business & financial planning. This is an on-site position that offers flexible work arrangements, including the option to work a hybrid schedule with up to two remote workdays per week. The anticipated start date is January 2027.
The University of California, Santa Barbara, is a public land-grant research institution. Tracing its roots to 1890 as an independent teacher's college, UC Santa Barbara joined the prestigious University of California system in 1944 as its third-oldest undergraduate campus. As a leading research institution that also provides a comprehensive liberal arts learning experience, UC Santa Barbara welcomes approximately 25,000 undergraduate and graduate students each year to its beautiful oceanside campus. The university is regarded as a “Public Ivy” institution and is a member of the Association of American Universities (AAU).
Under the general direction of the associate vice chancellor (AVC) for housing, dining & auxiliary enterprises (HDAE), and with a secondary reporting relationship to the chief financial officer for Administrative Services, the executive director serves as a key member of the HDAE Senior Management Team. As a newly restructured executive leadership position, the role offers a unique opportunity to shape the strategic and financial future of one of the university's largest and most complex divisions. The executive director provides executive leadership for a broad and complex portfolio of auxiliary operations, overseeing annual operating and capital budgets totaling $220 million, and is responsible for approximately $40 million in capital and major maintenance reserves. HDAE houses more than 10,000 students, faculty, and family residents annually.
The salary range is $220,000–$240,000.
Qualifications
The successful candidate will bring a bachelor's degree in accounting, finance, business administration, or a related field; a master's degree or CPA is preferred. The executive director will possess progressively responsible leadership experience in finance, including responsibility for budgeting, financial planning and analysis, forecasting, reporting, and business operations within a complex organization. Experience working in higher education, particularly within auxiliary enterprises or other self-supporting operations, is preferred.
Application and Nomination The University of California, Santa Barbara, has selected Spelman Johnson, a leading executive search firm, to assist with this search. Review of applications will begin September 14, 2026, and continue until the position is filled. Submit a resume and cover letter via https://spelmanandjohnson.com/position/executive-director-of-business-financial-planning-housing-dining-auxiliary-enterprises/
- Contact Anne-Marie Kenney at amk@spelmanjohnson.com for confidential inquiries.
- Applicants needing reasonable accommodation to participate in the application process should contact Spelman Johnson at 413-529-2895 or email info@spelmanjohnson.com.
Visit the University of California, Santa Barbara website at www.ucsb.edu
UC Santa Barbara is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer, and all qualified applicants will be considered for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law. je-5bfb5b87012143e28b2117a1abc4121e