Director of Finance and Operations, Department of Biology
Stanford University
Application
Details
Posted: 20-May-22
Location: Stanford, California
Type: Full-time
Salary: Open
Internal Number: 94373
The School of Humanities and Sciences (H&S) is the center of a world-class liberal arts education at Stanford University. H&S encompasses 23 departments--from Art and Art History, English, and History to Economics, Mathematics, and Biology--as well as 25 interdisciplinary programs. As the university's largest school, H&S serves as the foundation of a Stanford undergraduate education no matter which discipline students pursue as a major. Graduate students work alongside world-renowned faculty to pursue and shape foundational research that leads to breakthroughs and discoveries that shed new light on the past, influence the present, and shape the future. Together, faculty and students in H&S engage in inspirational teaching, learning, and research every day.
The Department of Biology is seeking a Director of Finance and Operations (DFO) to partner with the department faculty and staff to achieve continued growth and preeminence in research and teaching. Reporting to the Chair of Biology, with a secondary reporting relationship to the Senior Associate Dean for Finance and Administration at H&S, the DFO will provide strategic leadership and direction for the operations, administration, and finances for the department. As the partner to the chair, this critical leadership position will ensure sound management of the department and work with the chair and faculty leaders on new and existing research and education programs and initiatives to enable the department to achieve its strategic and operational goals. Additionally, the DFO serves as the liaison to the school and university in all business matters for the department with a combined budget of more than $60 million annually.
As the administrative leader for the department, the DFO provides leadership and direction for all financial and administrative functions, including budgeting and financial management, strategic planning, human resources, grant and contract administration, faculty affairs, facilities/space planning, compliance, and safety. The DFO manages department operations, establishes the administration's organizational structure and environment, and has oversight for administrative policies and procedures in the department. In addition, the DFO will oversee multiple levels of professional and supervisory staff. The DFO also partners with Hopkins Marine Station, School of Medicine, Carnegie Institution, and Howard Hughes Medical Institute (HHMI) on faculty affairs, student services, finance, and administration support matters.
In this role, you will:
Oversee the management of areas of responsibility. Direct staff and provide leadership to achieve goals and vision of the organization. Responsible for hiring and retaining staff, career coaching, personal development for direct reports and accountable for the performance of employees.
May independently or in collaboration with human resources managers, direct faculty supervisors and managers in the interpretation and implementation of human resources policies, procedures, and programs.
Develop the business and administrative mission and goals for the organization or school and oversees the implementation through department chairs and managers.
Set the direction of a school's internal academic and administrative policy development for programs and administrative operations. Negotiate and influence on issues of university-wide impact. May serve as senior advisor to Dean on programmatic and policy development.
Independently initiate and create strategic plans of considerable complexity and scope for organization or program(s) managed. Propose and manage the implementation of complex and significant programmatic changes that may impact the unit's academic and research capabilities. Consult and advise senior leadership. Oversee allocation of all resources
Responsible for the financial viability and success of the organization. Develop and deliver complex, comprehensive financial analysis, high level strategic modeling both short and long term and provide advice to senior leadership decisions. Oversee the management of the consolidated annual budget plan. Responsible for committing school resources with limited review by senior officers.
Champion major initiatives lead complex, high-visibility process redesign and innovation projects; develop and implement initiatives.
To be successful in this role, you will bring:
Bachelor's degree and ten years of relevant experience in administrative and financial management, or combination of education and relevant experience.
Demonstrated strategic leadership, planning and change management skills.
Ability to demonstrate a high level of diplomacy in persuading and influencing a wide variety of people at various levels to achieve results.
Excellent strategic planning skills.
Excellent communication skills. Able to influence people, solve problems, trouble shoot, think creatively and resolve conflicts.
Advanced financial expertise in accounting, budget planning, and financial forecasting.
Advanced expertise in grants and contract administration.
Exceptional negotiation and effective interpersonal skills negotiation and political acumen skills.
Attention to detail and accuracy.
Expert analytical and problem-solving skills.
Strong knowledge of industry standards, trends and/or regulatory requirements.
Subject matter expertise for area(s) of responsibility.
Advanced expertise in business and management computer applications and databases.
Broad understanding of information technology hardware and software infrastructure.
Ability to multi-task and manage deadlines.
Strong interpersonal skills with the ability to cultivate strong collaborative relationships with faculty and able to anticipate faculty needs.
Why Stanford is for You
Imagine a world without search engines or social platforms. Consider lives saved through first-ever organ transplants and research to cure illnesses. Stanford University has revolutionized the way we live and enrich the world. Supporting this mission is our diverse and dedicated 17,000 staff. We seek talent driven to impact the future of our legacy. Our culture and unique perks empower you with:
Freedom to grow. We offer career development programs, tuition reimbursement, or audit a course. Join a film screening or listen to a renowned author or global leader speak.
A caring culture. We provide superb retirement plans, generous time-off, and family care resources.
A healthier you. Climb our rock wall or choose from hundreds of health or fitness classes at our world-class exercise facilities. We also provide excellent health care benefits.
Discovery and fun. Stroll through historic sculptures, trails, and museums.
Enviable resources. Enjoy free commuter programs, ridesharing incentives, discounts and more
Other duties may also be assigned, not all unique aspects of this job are covered by this job posting. A full job description will be shared during the interview process.
Consistent with its obligations under the law, the University will provide reasonable accommodation to any employee with a disability who requires accommodation to perform the essential functions of his or her job.
Stanford is an equal employment opportunity and affirmative action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law
Why work at Stanford?Stanford University has changed the world, over and over again.We are one of Silicon Valley's largest employers - and also one of the most unique. Our mission is to educate future leaders and promote interdisciplinary, world-class research and teaching. This passion makes Stanford an intensely creative, rewarding, and challenging place to work. At the same time, our traditions of respect and collaboration sustain a humane, supportive environment in which to pursue your life and your career.At Stanford you'll work with bright, diverse, dedicated people. You'll find encouragement to learn and grow. You'll enjoy excellent benefits and an outstanding environment. How will it change you?
