Manager, Finance and Administration

Requisition #
2026-21597

Date Posted
5 days ago(3/6/2026 11:19 AM)

Department: Innovation in Engineering Educ

Category: Academic Administration

Job Type: Full-Time

Overview

The Manager of Finance and Administration is a core member of the Keller Center leadership team, working closely with the Executive Director to design and execute an integrated approach to policy, operations, and strategic direction. This role contributes to both short- and long-term planning across all Center activities.

Serving as a key thought partner to the Executive Director, the Manager provides insight, solves operational challenges, and develops efficient processes that strengthen the Center’s overall effectiveness. This position oversees and plans finance, operations, personnel management, and facilities, ensuring faculty, students, and staff have the resources and infrastructure needed to fulfill their teaching, research, and administrative responsibilities. The Manager builds strong, trust-based relationships and collaborates effectively across academic and administrative units. The Manager supervises several direct reports.

The Keller Center is committed to fostering a high trust, high deliverable, and inclusive workplace. Our mission is to empower Princeton students, faculty, and external partners to bridge technology and society through entrepreneurship, human centered design, and innovative engineering education. We translate bold ideas into action and advance theory into meaningful societal impact. The Keller Center has on average 15-20 affiliated faculty, 1-2 visiting faculty, and several administrative staff. The Keller Center offers 25+ courses and 2 academic minors.

Responsibilities

Strategic Planning & Execution:
- Serve as a key partner, facilitator, and coordinator for all center initiatives.
- Support efforts to ensure appropriate funding for students, teaching, programs, events, and communication activities.
- Collaborate with the Executive Director and relevant campus colleagues to ensure a balanced and comprehensive suite of center academic curriculum and programmatic activities.
- Liaise with the Office of Advancement on donor relations and stewardship activities related to center finances.

Financial Management:
- Develop the Center’s administrative budget in partnership with the Executive Director.
- Manage discretionary, endowed, and gift funds in accordance with University policies.
- Monitor expenditures and provide timely financial analyses and projections to the Executive Director.
- Develop long-term financial models to identify potential funding gaps and plan for future needs.
- Produce pro forma analyses for new programs or initiatives, including estimated costs and donor funding requirements.
- Oversee Concur/credit card billing approvals and monthly reconciliations.

Personnel Management:
- Manage several direct reports, including setting expectations, providing ongoing guidance and coaching, and conducting annual performance reviews.
- Ensure staff have the tools and resources necessary to achieve their goals.
- Lead staff recruitment, onboarding, reviews, reclassifications, and offboarding for administrative personnel.
- Oversee onboarding/offboarding processes for ODOF-affiliated appointees, including lecturers and visiting faculty.

Policy & Compliance:
- Serve as the primary resource for understanding, interpreting, and communicating all relevant University policies to faculty, staff, researchers, and students.
- Attend required trainings, meetings, and briefings to stay current on institutional policies, compliance expectations, and regulatory changes.
- Lead the implementation of University policies within the Center to ensure full adherence to institutional, state, and federal requirements.
- Establish and maintain processes that promote consistent compliance across financial, personnel, operational, and academic activities.
- Provide guidance and proactive problem-solving on policy-related issues to ensure a culture of accountability and good stewardship.

Events & Facilities Management:
- Oversee the planning and execution of high-profile events, including lectures, speaker series, and visits from industry leaders.
- Oversee the management and strategic planning of Center spaces, including renovations, space allocation, and planning for anticipated growth or relocations.

Qualifications

Required qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree (or equivalent) and 7+ years of experience
• At least 5 years of experience in an administrative position that includes supervisory experience
• Demonstrated experience in budget management and oversight of financial operations
• Excellent oral and written communication skills
• Excellent organizational skills and ability to manage multiple priorities
• Ability to anticipate and initiate appropriate action in support of the Director and Center faculty
• Demonstrated leadership, problem-solving and decision-making skills
• Proficiency in computing tools and software, including email, internet, MS Office, slack, MIRO, etc.

Preferred qualifications:

• Advanced degree preferred, ideally in entrepreneurship, design, or higher education
• Proficiency in University administrative applications and enterprise systems.
• Experience in higher education administration or non-profit background.
• Experience is space management and laboratory/office renovations.

Princeton University is an Equal Opportunity and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.

The University considers factors such as (but not limited to) scope and responsibilities of the position, candidate's qualifications, work experience, education/training, key skills, market, collective bargaining agreements as applicable, and organizational considerations when extending an offer. The posted salary range represents the University's good faith and reasonable estimate for a full-time position; salaries for part-time positions are pro-rated accordingly.

If the salary range on the posted position shows an hourly rate, this is the baseline; the actual hourly rate may be higher, depending on the position and factors listed above.

The University also offers a comprehensive benefit program to eligible employees. Please see this link for more information.

Standard Weekly Hours
36.25

Eligible for Overtime
No

Benefits Eligible
Yes

Probationary Period
180 days

Essential Services Personnel (see policy for detail)
No

Physical Capacity Exam Required
No

Valid Driver’s License Required
No

Experience Level
Mid-Senior Level

Salary Range
$106,000 to $120,000