Summary

The Senior Associate Administrator for Finance for the Department of Medicine is a senior leader in the department that is responsible for overseeing all financial operations, planning, and strategy within one of the largest and most complex departments at Baylor College of Medicine. This individual will serve as a key advisor to departmental leadership, driving financial and business strategy, optimizing resource allocation, and supporting the department’s mission in clinical care, research, and education.  This position may be eligible for an annual performance-based bonus.

The Margaret M. and Albert B. Alkek Department of Medicine is the largest adult practice department at Baylor College of Medicine, located in the Texas Medical Center in Houston. With an annual operating budget of over $350 million, the department includes more than 800 faculty across 14 sections and 10 centers, supported by seven vice-chair groups. It is home to one of the nation’s largest education programs, training over 700 students and trainees, and offers highly competitive residency and fellowship programs. Our faculty provide care to hundreds of thousands of patients annually across multiple inpatient and outpatient facilities, with clinical excellence recognized by U.S. News & World Report. The department leads in research, securing over $120 million in extramural funding, including approximately $70 million from the NIH, and spans the full spectrum from basic science to clinical studies.

Job Duties

Financial Strategy and Operations

• Lead the development and execution of the annual operating and capital budgets.
• Monitor financial transactions, performance, analyze variances, and implement corrective actions to ensure fiscal responsibility.
• Oversee financial reporting, forecasting, and financial planning.
• Recommend approval of purchases by analyzing the appropriateness of ownership vs. leasing and performing comparability analyses of alternate vendors. 
• Maintain internal/business controls which are designed to provide reasonable assurance that the information for the department is accurate, timely and reliable. 
• Ensure compliance with institutional policies, federal and state regulations, and sponsor requirements.

Business Strategy and Development

• Assist in the development of strategic and short-term planning processes and facilitate the obtainment and validation of data needed for strategic decision-making.
• Serve as a strategic resource to the Department Chair and Administrator to shape and advance strategic priorities and initiatives. 
• Conduct financial modeling and market analysis to support strategic initiatives, including expansion of clinical services, research programs, and educational offerings.
• Develop business plans for new programs, faculty recruitment, and capital investments. 

Leadership and Collaboration 

• Serve as a member of the Department Executive Leadership which defines strategic direction for the Department, future goals related to program, staffing and space needs, and establishes policies and procedures related to fiscal and information system operations.
• Lead and mentor a team of finance professionals, fostering a culture of accountability, innovation, and continuous improvement.
• Collaborate with central finance, grants administration, human resources, and other institutional departments to ensure alignment and efficiency. 

Grants and Research Finance 

• Ensure accurate reporting, cost allocations, and compliance with sponsor guidelines.
• Partner with research leadership to monitor financial performance of the research mission. 

Clinical Operations Support 

• Partner with medical directors and clinic leaders to optimize financial performance of clinical services. 
• Analyze productivity, payer mix, and reimbursement trends to inform decision-making. 
• Lead the development of contractual agreements including proformas and performance models.
• Support physician compensation planning and incentive models. 

Perform other job-related duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree.
• Eleven years of directly related experience with four years of supervisory experience.

Department Specific Requirements

• Progressive Financial Leadership: Demonstrated advancement in financial leadership roles, with a track record of driving strategic financial initiatives and operational excellence.
• Healthcare, Research, or Academic Medicine Finance: Deep understanding of financial operations within healthcare systems, research institutions, or academic medical centers, including funding models, compliance, and cost structures.
• Budget Development & Oversight: Expertise in developing, managing, and forecasting complex budgets across multiple departments or funding sources.
• Grants & Sponsored Programs Management: Working knowledge of grants management, including pre-award and post-award processes, regulatory compliance, and financial reporting.
• Strategic Planning & Analysis: Ability to lead long-term financial planning, scenario modeling, and data-driven decision-making to support institutional goals.
• Regulatory & Compliance Knowledge: Familiarity with federal, state, and institutional regulations governing healthcare and research finance (e.g., NIH, CMS, Uniform Guidance).
• Stakeholder Engagement: Proven ability to collaborate with executive leadership, department heads, and external partners to align financial strategy with organizational priorities.
• ERP & Financial Systems Expertise: Proficiency in financial systems and tools and data analytics platforms.
• Team Leadership & Development: Experience building and mentoring high-performing finance teams, fostering a culture of accountability and continuous improvement.

Preferred Qualifications and Skills

• Master’s degree and seven years of directly related experience with four years of supervisory experience.
• Experience in an academic medical center or healthcare setting.
• Experience with clinical, research, and educational financial models strongly preferred.
• Skills and Competencies
  • Strategic thinker with strong analytical and problem-solving skills. 
  • Proven ability to lead teams and manage complex financial operations.
  • Excellent communication and interpersonal skills demonstrating an executive presence.
  • Proficiency in financial systems, data analytics tools, and Microsoft Excel.
  • Knowledge of academic medicine, grants management, and healthcare finance.