Assistant/Associate Director of Enterprise Procurement and Budget Management

Description

About Unity:
At Unity Environmental University we are on a mission to make environmental education accessible and affordable to all. Our unique model combines a functional hierarchy and project-based structure through our four Sustainable Education Business Units (SEBUs) to promote collaboration and innovation (Distance Education, Sustainable Ventures, and In-Person Education). We prioritize our students' needs above all else, offering a variety of modalities, including in-person, and online. Our innovative and inclusive culture prepares students to tackle real-world challenges and cultivate the next generation of environmental professionals and leaders who can make a positive impact on our world.

About The Enterprise Model:
In 2017, Unity Environmental University pioneered a shift in organizational structure by embracing the Enterprise Model. This innovative model strategically segments the university into several Sustainable Education Business Units (SEBUs), each functioning with a high degree of autonomy. Designed akin to a matrix organization, the Enterprise Model combines the benefits of both centralized and decentralized management, enhancing the university's agility and responsiveness to the dynamic needs of its students and broader societal challenges.

This entrepreneurial framework fosters an environment where each SEBU operates as an independent entity, yet is interconnected with the university's core mission. The SEBUs are empowered to develop specialized programs, services, and products that directly meet the unique demands of their specific audiences.

Leadership within the Enterprise Model is both collaborative and authoritative; decisions are made efficiently at various levels, from the President to the Heads of SEBUs and Chief Officers, all incorporating feedback from relevant stakeholders. This model abolishes traditional silos and eschews the need for consensus, ensuring that no single entity can veto the decisions of another, thereby maintaining a streamlined and effective decision-making process. In this model, every faculty member reports to a Dean who oversees their daily work and performance evaluations.
 

Our Mission:
We are dedicated to delivering quality education and experiences that produce outstanding environmentally competent professionals and inspire individuals from all walks of life to steward sustainable ecosystems.
 

The Opportunity:
The Assistant/Associate Director of Enterprise Procurement and Budget Management is responsible for overseeing financial planning, and budget management under the President of the Enterprise, and Procurement for the Institution. This role ensures fiscal accuracy, compliance, and efficiency by working closely with the President of the Enterprise. Additionally, the Assistant/Associate Director leads procurement strategy, financial modeling, contract audits, and automation efforts to drive operational and financial sustainability.

Day to day responsibilities:

• Oversee budget creation, execution, and forecasting for the Functional Areas under the President of Enterprise.
• Work with unit managers as needed to ensure compliance with audits, financial regulations, and enterprise budget policies.
• Assist the President of the Enterprise in developing financial heuristics for sustainable growth across units.
• Ensure accurate tracking of The President of the Enterprise expense accounts, encumbrances, and budget documents.
• Work with the Business Office to enforce internal control metrics and improve financial transparency.
• Lead institutional procurement, ensuring cost-effectiveness, compliance, and strategic alignment.
• Develop and communicate procurement strategies that optimize efficiency and financial sustainability.
• Oversee sustainability practices in procurement, ensuring alignment with the organization’s environmental and fiscal objectives.
• Review and submit purchase orders (POs) while maintaining oversight of all expenditures under the President of Enterprise.
• Conduct initial contract review and regular audits of vendor contracts and spending to ensure cost-effectiveness and compliance.
• Negotiate and optimize vendor agreements in alignment with enterprise goals.
• Work with the business office teams to monitor contract renewals, terms, and performance metrics.
• Assist in developing financial models to support cross-selling opportunities and revenue optimization.
• Analyze financial data to identify cost-saving measures and strategic investment opportunities.
• Work with the President of the Enterprise to work on budget assumptions and heuristics to create scalability to support rapid growth.
• Identify and implement automation solutions to streamline financial processes, reporting, and procurement.
• Collaborate with the units under the President of the Enterprise to enhance technology integration for financial oversight and clear ROI metrics.
• Lead special projects aimed at improving operational efficiency and financial sustainability.
• Assist other units as needed with budget planning, procurement, financial modeling, and compliance.
• Act as a resource for financial best practices, guiding units under the President of the Enterprise on budget management and strategic decision-making.
• Maintains open and honest communication with President, sharing relevant information promptly to foster trust and accountability. Ensuring there are no lies of omission.
• Support the President of the Enterprise a multiyear financial budget model that supports scalability to a net positive operating budget of $250M.
• Create real time tracking of budget utilization, revenue streams, and cost efficiency.
• Implement scenario planning and predictive analytics to inform executive decision making.
• Maintain compliance with regulatory requirements while driving proactive cost optimization strategies that fuel growth.
• Maintain the highest level of confidentiality when handling sensitive financial information, contracts, and strategic decisions.
• Ensure that proprietary and financial data is protected and shared only with authorized stakeholders.
• Uphold ethical standards and compliance with institutional and regulatory policies regarding financial management.
• While this position reports to the President of the Enterprise, this position will be deployed to other units as needed.
• Other duties as assigned

Qualifications

Do you have the skills?

• Advanced degree in Finance, Accounting, Business Administration, or a related field.
• 5 years in budget management and financial planning, preferably in a multi-unit organization.
• Certified Public Accountant (CPA) license required or willingness and ability to obtain CPA certification within a designated timeframe.
• Experience with contract review, compliance audits, and vendor negotiations.
• Proficiency in financial software and automation tools.
• Ability to develop and implement procurement and sustainability strategies.
• Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and leadership skills.
• Experience in an enterprise or higher education setting.
• Familiarity with institutional procurement and sustainability initiatives.
• Knowledge of Salesforce and financial reporting systems.
• Must maintain ultimate confidentiality and sign a confidentiality agreement.
   

Are you contemplating the job but uncertain if you should apply? We encourage you to reach out to us regardless. At our company, we acknowledge that not everyone begins their professional journey with equal advantages, opportunities, or privileges. Therefore, we value your unique skills and experiences. Take a chance and submit your application; you may be precisely the individual we're searching for!
 

Location: Pineland Farms, New Gloucester, Maine
Just a half hour from Portland, Unity Environmental University Headquarters, Unity Environmental University Distance Education, In-Person @ Pineland, and the School of Environmental Business & Sustainable Ventures are based at the Pineland Farms campus. The facilities are within easy access to one of the fastest-growing cities for startups in the country.
 

Work Schedule:
Work hours are specific to the requirements of this position and can include days, evenings, and weekends. Working extended hours required as needed. Must be flexible and cooperative in fulfilling responsibilities and meeting the Institution’s needs. Although Unity Environmental University employees are generally scheduled to work at their specifically assigned locations, there are times when travel is necessary and employees are required from time to time to attend events, meetings or work temporary assignment at any Unity Environmental University location.
 

Physical Demands:
While performing the duties of this job, it is regularly required to sit and talk or hear. The employee is occasionally required to stand or walk. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 25 lbs. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus. The use of either hand for repetitive movements such as grasping, grasping and turning, and fine manipulation is required as is the ability to use the telephone for internal and external communications.
 

Company Perks:
Unity Environmental University offers a comprehensive and competitive compensation and benefits package for its faculty and staff. Benefits for eligible employees include:

• Paid holidays off
• 4 weeks of PTO
• Medical, Dental, and Vision Insurance
• Short- and Long-term disability
• Life Insurance
• Retirement Plan with up to 8% match
• Relocation Assistance