The Global Resilience Institute at Northeastern University (GRI), seeks a dynamic and experienced Director of Finance and Administration to support a new US Department of Defense (DoD) research funded initiative as well as its overall institute mission in the metro-Boston area, nationally, and internationally. This role requires an extremely experienced person who combines a record of professional success in financial and grant management, office administration, human relations, and has strong collaboration and interpersonal skills.
The Director for Administration and Finance will provide oversight and management of all operational and financial matters of the new DoD initiative in support of the Chief Operating Officer and Institute Director. The director will ensure the efficient and effective management of all institute research and operational budgets, in compliance with Provost Office and University policies.
The position will work under the direction of the Chief Operating Officer in supporting GRI's mission and the DoD initiative. The director will be responsible for implementing an orderly and trackable business environment with best-in-class practices; implementing processes and providing oversight for effective financial and sponsored award management; executing all aspects of budgeting, financial transactions and analysis, and control; reporting of operational and project budgets; and overseeing administration management processes for GRI while working alongside colleagues across Northeastern Research, Provost Office and HRM departments, and interacting with external counterparts on contracting issues involving partner organizations and institutions of higher education.
The position will work closely with the Chief Operating Officer to support financial stakeholder conversations across academic institutions in support of research initiatives to ensure a smooth collaborative process.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
Bachelor's degree, with master's degree or relevant professional certification (e.g., CPA or CPM) preferred, in finance, accounting, business administration, project management, or a related field.
At least 8 years professional experience in financial planning and administration, project management or grant management in a complex organization, with experience working in a research university or research institution preferred. Additional functional experience in human resource management,or student and teaching support also preferred.
Demonstrated ability to execute financial planning and budgeting process and lead finance and/or general administrative staff (Budget Manager/Grant Manager), collaborate, and make effective decisions.
Effective communication and analytical skills and an ability to focus on the big picture and the overall operational needs of the Institute while executing (or overseeing the execution of) day-to-day transactional and tactical activities.
Knowledge of Northeastern University systems a plus (Banner, Concur, Workday, SharePoint, Argos, Cognos, Archibus, Excel, Tableau, etc.)
Experience managing federal and/or institutional research budgets of at least $5M strongly preferred.
Ability to multi-task and work independently as well as in teams, with a strong 'bias for action'.
Ability to adapt quickly to address new priorities as they arise. Comfort working in a fast-paced and unstructured environment with an entrepreneurial, solutions-oriented mindset.
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES & ACCOUNTABILITIES
Budgetary Strategy & Oversight (Operational and Research (30%)
Develop multi-year operational and research budgets and conduct regular 'budget vs. actual' analyses to inform the Institute's leadership.
Oversee a Budget Manager, who will be responsible for day to day operational, financial and administrative tasks and processes, including reconciliations for the DoD research initiative.
Manage revenue/expense projections for the Institute and the DoD initiative
Create/maintain budgetary policies and procedures. Assure compliance with all related University policies and procedures as well as federal funding requirements.
Recommend, develop, and implement processes and procedures, and budget structures to support effective and efficient financial operations.
Pre/Post administration of grants and external funding as it relates to budgetary issues.
Work closely with Northeastern HRM on the hiring and on-boarding of full-time and part-time staff and Institute-affiliated research scientists and faculty positions.
Work closely with Student employment office and College co-op advisors on hiring all Students across the institute.
Supports development of forecasting models for all research, initiatives, or programs to include operational management/support.
Manage and track unrestricted, Designated and Restricted budget oversight (Via Budget Manager)
Manage Transactional Activity (JV's, Budget Transfers, New account setup, Concur, etc.): Via Budget Manager.
Identifies short and long-range budgetary issues (operational or research) and recommends solutions.
Support contract development and oversight with external partner organizations and institutions of higher education.
Oversee Budget Manager role in monitoring all overhead, operational and research accounts under the initiative, to include all external rapid study teams and advancement gift accounts
Develop and track compliance processes for the institute and the set up of research accounts
Track research efforts reporting and compliance issues to ensure all are addressed while working with NU RES.
Troubleshoot and problem solve all compliance and risk management issues as they arise. Consult with University Central Offices (Office of the General Counsel, NU-Res and others) as necessary for guidance in partnership with the Chief Operating Officer.
Space and Management Reporting (40%)
Support Chief Operating Officer on all space matters including working with Provost Office on identifying space needs, moves, purchases, payments, etc.
Working alongside Office Manager, assisting on addressing space issues (work orders, CPR's, working with Facilities, moves, etc.), maintain space move records.
Under oversight of the Chief Operating Officer maintain staff and research management reporting up to date.
Responsible for oversight of management and ordering of equipment at the institute for technology compliance
Additional Information: This is a fixed term appointment, with the possibility of renewal based off of continuing external funding
Position Type
General Administration
Additional Information
Northeastern University considers factors such as candidate work experience, education and skills when extending an offer.
Northeastern has a comprehensive benefits package for benefit eligible employees. This includes medical, vision, dental, paid time off, tuition assistance, wellness & life, retirement- as well as commuting & transportation. Visit https://hr.northeastern.edu/benefits/ for more information.
Northeastern University is an equal opportunity employer, seeking to recruit and support a broadly diverse community of faculty and staff. Northeastern values and celebrates diversity in all its forms and strives to foster an inclusive culture built on respect that affirms inter-group relations and builds cohesion.
All qualified applicants are encouraged to apply and will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, religion, color, national origin, age, sex, sexual orientation, disability status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law.
To learn more about Northeastern University's commitment and support of diversity and inclusion, please see www.northeastern.edu/diversity.
Founded in 1898, Northeastern University is a private research university located in the heart of Boston. Northeastern is a leader in worldwide experiential learning, urban engagement, and interdisciplinary research that meets global and societal needs. Our broad mix of experience-based education programs?our signature cooperative education program, as well as student research, service learning, and global learning?build the connections that enable students to transform their lives. The University offers a comprehensive range of undergraduate and graduate programs leading to degrees through the doctorate in nine colleges and schools.