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Stanford University

Director of Finance & Operations

Closes:

Salary: $124,391 – $165,924 per year

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Director of Finance & Operations

This position has been deemed critical by the School of Engineering Dean's Office and is exempt from the hiring freeze.

Note - Visa sponsorship is not available for this position. All candidates must be eligible to work and live in the U.S

Work Arrangement:

This position is eligible for a hybrid work arrangement with a minimum of 4 days/week working at the Stanford main campus, subject to operational needs.

Budgeted Salary:

The budgeted base salary range for this position is $124,391 to $165,924 per annum.

The School of Engineering

Stanford Engineering has been at the forefront of innovation for over a century, creating pivotal technologies that have transformed the worlds of information technology, communications, health care, energy, business and beyond. Our faculty and students are creative risk-takers who pursue excellence across a breadth of disciplines. Our alumni include some of the world's most successful leaders in technology and business. Our staff are critical to enabling Stanford Engineering to accomplish its mission: seeking solutions to some of the world's most urgent challenges and educating leaders who will make the world a better place through the power of engineering principles, techniques and systems.

Computational mathematics has long been at the heart of engineering and science, and the rise of machine learning and artificial intelligence has made it even more central and essential. At the Institute for Computational and Mathematical Engineering (ICME), students and affiliated faculty conduct groundbreaking research, and the institute offers over 60 courses in computational mathematics and scientific computing at both the undergraduate and graduate levels. ICME is a multidisciplinary program spanning Stanford's seven schools, integrating cutting-edge knowledge in engineering, medicine, the sciences, sustainability, business, and more.

The Institute of Computational and Mathematical Engineering is seeking a Director of Finance and Operations (DFO) to partner with the institute's faculty and staff to achieve continued growth, innovation, and excellence in research and teaching. Reporting to the director of ICME, with a secondary reporting relationship to the senior associate dean for administration at the School of Engineering, the DFO will provide strategic leadership and direction for the operations, administration, and finances for the institute.

As the partner to the director, this critical leadership position will ensure sound management of the institute and work with the director and other faculty leaders on new and existing programs and initiatives to enable the institute 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 institute with a consolidated budget of more than $3 million annually.

As the operational leader for the institute, the DFO provides leadership and direction for all financial and administrative functions, including budgeting and financial management, strategic planning, human resources, student services, information technology, development, facilities/space planning, compliance, and safety. The DFO manages institute operations, and in partnership with the director, establishes the program's organizational structure and environment, and has oversight for administrative policies and procedures in the program.

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 Education

Bachelor's degree

Minimum Experience

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 in industry standards and/or regulatory requirements.
  • Ability to multi-task and manage deadlines.
  • Subject matter expertise for area(s) of responsibility.
  • Able to keep abreast of general industry knowledge and trends.

Job details

Title
Director of Finance & Operations
Employer
Stanford University
Location
Stanford, CA, United States
Published
Sep 15, 2026
Closes:
Nov 14, 2026
Job type
Full time, Staff / Administration
Field
Business and Financial Services
Salary

Salary: $124,391 – $165,924 per year

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Frequently Asked Questions

🎓Who is eligible to apply for the Director of Finance & Operations role?

This role requires a Bachelor's degree and at least three years of relevant experience in administrative and financial management, or an equivalent combination of education and experience. Candidates must be eligible to work and live in the U.S. because visa sponsorship is not available for this position. Ideal applicants have experience in higher education operations, budget management, and staff supervision. See related roles at administration jobs or higher ed admin jobs.

💼What are the main responsibilities of the Director of Finance & Operations at Stanford ICME?

The Director of Finance and Operations leads financial management, strategic planning, human resources, student services, IT, facilities and space planning, compliance, and safety for the Institute for Computational and Mathematical Engineering (ICME). The role manages a consolidated budget of more than $3 million annually and partners with the institute director to support research and teaching goals. Explore executive-level responsibilities at executive jobs in higher education.

💰What salary and work arrangement are offered for this position?

The budgeted base salary range is $124,391 to $165,924 per annum. This role is eligible for a hybrid work arrangement with a minimum of 4 days per week working at the Stanford main campus, subject to operational needs. Because this is a critical leadership position, it is exempt from the School of Engineering hiring freeze. Browse similar university finance and operations roles at higher education administration jobs.

📝How do I apply and what documents should I prepare?

Submit your application through the official Stanford careers or AcademicJobs posting before the listed deadline of November 14, 2026. Prepare a tailored CV and cover letter highlighting budget planning, grants administration, staff supervision, and financial forecasting. Use the free resume template and free cover letter template to structure your materials, and review how to write a winning academic CV.

📊What key skills are Stanford hiring managers looking for in this Director of Finance & Operations candidate?

Top required skills include supervisory skills with conflict resolution, excellent planning and organizational skills, working knowledge of accounting, budget planning, and financial forecasting, and grants and contract administration. Strong negotiation, interpersonal communication, analytical and problem-solving abilities, and attention to detail are also essential. Learn more about director-level requirements at university executive director role requirements.

🛂Is visa sponsorship available for the Director of Finance & Operations position?

No. Visa sponsorship is not available for this position. All candidates must be eligible to work and live in the U.S. at the time of application and throughout employment. This is common for university administrative and finance leadership roles that require immediate campus presence and compliance with institutional policies. For additional guidance on U.S. higher education employment, see administration jobs in higher education.

About the employer

Stanford University Jobs

Stanford University

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AcademicJobs.com is the premier platform to discover Stanford jobs, connecting talented professionals with exceptional career opportunities at one of the world’s most prestigious and innovative universities. Stanford University, located in the heart of California’s Silicon Valley, is globally renowned for its groundbreaking research and academic excellence, making Stanford Uni jobs highly sought after by academics and professionals worldwide. Stanford University careers offer a dynamic and collaborative environment for individuals to excel. Stanford University university careers span a diverse range of disciplines, reflecting the university’s key areas of academic specialization, including computer science, engineering, medicine, humanities, and business. Employment Stanford University includes roles such as professors, research fellows, lecturers, and professional staff positions, catering to various expertise levels. For those pursuing Stanford jobs California, the university’s iconic campus provides a vibrant workplace in a hub of innovation and technology. Stanford Uni vacancies and job postings are showcased on AcademicJobs.com, where candidates can explore opportunities in teaching, cutting-edge research, and administrative roles. Jobs at Stanford University cover fields like artificial intelligence, biomedical research, and sustainable energy, aligning with the university’s mission to address global challenges and drive societal impact. Each Stanford University vacancy is an opportunity to contribute to transformative initiatives within a world-class academic community. Stanford University Employment Opportunities are extensive, with Stanford University job Opportunities ranging from academic faculty to technical and operational roles. A Stanford University Career offers the chance to join an institution that values interdisciplinary collaboration, innovation, and global leadership. Stanford Uni openings are regularly updated on AcademicJobs.com, ensuring access to the latest Stanford University vacancies. Jobs at Stanford Uni are ideal for those passionate about advancing knowledge and shaping the future. Stanford University job postings include positions in law, environmental science, and professional services such as IT and research administration. Stanford University Employment through AcademicJobs.com connects talented individuals with Stanford Uni vacancies, providing a seamless pathway to join a leading institution driving global progress and innovation.

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