Context of Job

Under the limited direction of the Center Director, the Director, Business Operations provides direction and leadership for the Center for Composite Materials (CCM) in the 1) planning, development, management, control, and reporting of CCM’s financial operations, 2) the implementation and management of CCM’s research administration, and 3) management of all other administrative functions. The Director, Business Operations manages and administers the Center’s research awards, which include all aspects of budget development and award management. The Director, Business Operations manages the development, preparation, and submission of all departmental operating budgets and all financial reports for CCM, as well as provides oversight on all sponsored research programs, endowments, restricted funds, and gift accounts. The Director, Business Operations is responsible for delivering systems and resources that meet the needs of research administration in a way that maximizes research productivity.

The Director, Business Operations works closely the Budget, Planning, Office of Research Administration, Procurement & Financial Processing, and Information Technology units in the College of Engineering to analyze and maintain oversight for all CCM administrative support functions.

The Director, Business Operations supervises Manager, Business Operations, Financial Analyst, and Financial Specialist and provides oversight to the Lab Coordinator II and Lab Coordinator. The Director, Business Operations manages the necessary administrative support to more than 250 affiliated faculty, professional researchers, graduate and undergraduate students and visiting scholars engaged in large (multi-year, multi-million dollar) research programs and has responsibility for over $17M in annual research expenditures and over $35M in active contracts.

Major Responsibilities

• Manage and direct all administrative functions, including, but not limited to, financial operations, research budget administration, and, in collaboration with the Manager of Composite Technology, the facility management for CCM.
• Actively participate in strategic planning and decision-making, focusing on budget planning, as part of the Center leadership team.
• Interpret accounting principles and ensure that the general accounting records and controls are maintained in compliance with the expectations of the College of Engineering, the University of Delaware, and the sponsoring agencies.
• Independently resolve complex administrative procedural problems in all financial management categories. Develop strategic and technical plans for implementing and completing special financial management projects and reports generated using various data sources and techniques.
• Participate in the planning and coordinating the development of comprehensive operating budgets and annual program plans for over 200 active research programs and center/departmental accounts.
• Oversee the approval and processing of revenue, expenditure, and position control documents, salary updates, ledger, account maintenance, ensuring compliance with University, State, and Federal policies and regulations, while maintaining appropriate internal control safeguards.
• Maintain the CCM’s staff organizational structure to effectively accomplish the center’s needs, goals and objectives.
• Review changes in State and Federal laws, procedures and accounting practices, and make recommendations for or implement changes following institutional policy.
• Oversight of CCM’s contracts, grants and special funds.
• Liaison between CCM and the College of Engineering in budget-related activity.
• Ensure that the design of all accounting computer programs, documentation, and ad hoc financial reports are produced accurately and timely, utilizing complex electronic financial information from university databases.
• Responsible for providing expert advice and consultation to faculty concerning contracts, grant proposal submission, and award management.
• Act as liaison between faculty, principal investigators and the University Research Office on contracts and grant issues.
• Manage CCM’s Export Control/Controlled Unclassified Information (CUI) program to include maintenance of the Standard Operating Procedure, employee training and development, write, review, and audit of Technology Control Plans. Utilize software to identify debarred persons and export-controlled/CUI technology. Write publication waiver letters as required. Interface, as required, with UD Regulatory Affairs Director of Research Security, University Public Safety, and US Federal Bureau of Investigation officers.
• Supervise Manager, Business Operations, Financial Analyst and Financial Specialist in the daily functions of CCM office management and research budget administration.
• Serve on University and College of Engineering committees.
• Perform job-related duties as requested by the Director.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in accounting, business administration, or related field and six years of progressively responsible job-related experience or equivalent combination of education and relevant experience. Extended experience in financial management, research budget administration, reporting and ongoing professional training.
• Skill in budget preparation and management with the ability to develop financial tools, plans, and manage resources.
• Ability to analyze statistical data and generate ad-hoc reports that are meaningful and understandable to those not familiar with the data being reported.
• Ability to use advanced techniques in spreadsheet and database management (Excel/Access), preferably experience with PeopleSoft and UD Financial systems with query writing and report generations using a variety of data sources.
• Ability to develop financial plans and analyze budgetary expenditures to comply with approved policies and procedures.
• Ability to work independently and handle multiple tasks simultaneously.
• Strong organizational and independent decision-making skills.
• Ability to interpret, adapt and apply guidelines and procedures.
• Ability to perform statistical analysis in order to satisfy a range of informational requirements.
• Skill in examining and re-engineering operations and procedures formulating policy and developing and implementing new strategies and procedures.
• Ability to plan, organize, implement, evaluate and modify administrative support needs.
• Effective communication skills.
• Ability to supervise and train assigned staff including organizing, prioritizing, and scheduling work assignments.
• Effective leadership, team building and collaboration skills.
• Ability to develop, plan, and implement short- and long-range goals.
• Demonstrates an understanding and consideration of the differing needs and concerns of individuals with varying identities, cultures, and backgrounds.
• Committed to fostering a workplace culture of belonging, where diversity is celebrated, and equity is a core value.