"Associate Director for Finance and Administration"

SCHOOL/UNIT DESCRIPTION

Our research community draws from and informs multiple disciplines, including neuroscience, medicine, engineering, psychology, education and law. The discoveries that arise from these collaborations will transform our understanding of the human brain, provide novel treatments for brain disorders, and promote brain health throughout the lifespan. And the creative, cross-disciplinary mindset we foster in our trainees is cultivating the next generation of neuroscience research.

We are building a collaborative team that welcomes candidates from all backgrounds. We hope you will join us in our mission.

POSITION SUMMARY

The Wu Tsai Neurosciences Institute seeks an Associate Director for Finance and Administration (ADFA) to provide leadership and direction for the business operations of the institute.

The ADFA will report to Wu Tsai Neuro’s Executive Director and will collaborate closely with Associate Directors of Institute core functions (Communications, Programs, and Community Labs) to ensure sound management of the finances and administration of Wu Tsai Neuro and embedded initiatives including the Knight Initiative for Brain Resilience.

The ADFA will lead a team of financial and administrative staff to direct the finance and administrative operations including: budgeting, financial management and modeling, procurement, faculty affairs, human resources, facilities/space and capital equipment planning and implementation. The ADFA will be responsible for administrative policies and procedures and will apply Stanford University policies and procedures to the Institute.

The ideal candidate will be a highly organized, proactive self-starter with exceptional multitasking abilities and attention to detail. They will demonstrate strong administrative and collaborative leadership skills, anticipating needs and taking initiative in a dynamic environment. The successful ADFA will develop strong working relationships across Stanford Schools and Departments, interface effectively with the Office of the Vice Provost and Dean of Research, and be known for their responsiveness, particularly in email communications. They should possess cross-functional work experience, effective communication abilities, and be knowledgeable about Stanford's complex financial systems and policies. Their ability to juggle multiple priorities while ensuring smooth and efficient operations across all areas of responsibility will be crucial in this role.

Hybrid work arrangement expected at least 2 days per week on site or as needed.

CORE DUTIES

• Manage staff in the day-to-day operations for functional area(s) of responsibility. Responsible for hiring and retaining staff, career coaching, personal development for direct reports and accountable for the performance of employees. Ensure work completion within schedule and constraints.
• May independently or in collaboration with human resources managers, guide faculty supervisors in the interpretation and implementation of human resources policies, procedures and programs.
• Evaluate business processes and operational and/or financial effectiveness. Analyze and resolve complex issues and provide alternative solutions as necessary. May lead process improvement for immediate unit.
• Analyze unit needs and make recommendations to leadership for changes in staffing, facilities, health and safety compliance, finance, technology and/or administrative functions. Work with the Chair and/or Dean’s Office regarding resources to support faculty activities and interests.
• Interpret, implement and ensure compliance with university academic and administrative policies and procedures within an operating unit. Recommend new internal policies, guidelines and procedures.
• Manage the finances across all sources for the annual budget, including developing, monitoring, analyzing, forecasting and reporting.
• Manage and coordinate grants and contracts for the department. Ensure compliance with institutional and external requirements.
• Represent the unit’s business and academic operations within the organization/school.
• Manage student and faculty program administration for their unit.

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS

Education & Experience

Bachelor’s degree and three years of relevant experience in administrative and financial management, or combination of education and relevant experience.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Demonstrated supervisory skills including conflict resolution.
• Excellent planning and organizational skills.
• Excellent communication skills
• Working knowledge of accounting, budget planning and financial forecasting.
• Working knowledge of grants and contract administration.
• Strong negotiation and effective interpersonal skills.
• Solid analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Attention to detail and accuracy.
• Strong expertise in business and management computer applications and databases.
• Strong knowledge of industry standards and/or regulatory requirements.
• Ability to multitask and manage deadlines.
• Subject matter expertise for area(s) of responsibility.
• Able to keep abreast of general industry knowledge and trends.

DESIRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Advanced degree and five years of relevant experience or combination of education and relevant experience.
• Demonstrated creativity, problem solving, critical analysis, initiative, judgment and, decision-making skills.
• Experience with Google Suite, Advanced Excel, Oracle Business Analytics, PeopleSoft HRMS, Smartsheets or Airtable databases is highly desired.
• A demonstrated track record of creating a supportive and cooperative work environment.
• A flexible, open-minded, and collaborative work style.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

• Constantly perform desk-based computer tasks.
• Frequently sitting.
• Occasionally stand/walk, writing by hand, use a telephone, lift/carry/push/pull objects that weigh 11-20 pounds.
• Rarely sort/file paperwork or parts, rarely twist/bend/stoop/squat.

*Consistent with its obligations under the law, the University will provide reasonable accommodations to applicants and employees with disabilities. Applicants requiring a reasonable accommodation for any part of the application or hiring process should contact Stanford University Human Resources by submitting a contact form.

WORKING CONDITIONS

• Occasional evening and weekend hours.

WORK STANDARDS

• Interpersonal Skills: Demonstrates the ability to work well with Stanford colleagues and clients and with external organizations.
• Promote Culture of Safety: Demonstrates commitment to personal responsibility and value for safety; communicates safety concerns; uses and promotes safe behaviors based on training and lessons learned.
• Subject to and expected to comply with all applicable University policies and procedures, including but not limited to the personnel policies and other policies found in the University’s Administrative Guide.

The expected pay range for this position is $120,276 to $160,148 per annum.

Stanford University provides pay ranges representing its good faith estimate of what the university reasonably expects to pay for a position. The pay offered to a selected candidate will be determined based on a wide range of factors that are unique to each candidate including but not limited to geographic location, knowledge, skills and abilities, relevant education, depth and breadth of experience, performance; as well as other business and organization needs such as (but not limited to) the scope and responsibilities of the position, the minimum qualifications, departmental budget availability, and market and internal equity across the unit, department and reporting relationships.

At Stanford University, base pay represents only one aspect of the comprehensive rewards package. The Cardinal at Work website provides detailed information on Stanford’s extensive range of benefits and rewards offered to employees. Specifics about the rewards package for this position may be discussed during the hiring process.