The Precourt Institute for Energy is seeking a highly-qualified Assistant Director for Finance with a strong financial background and exceptional communication and management skills.
This is an ideal role for a financial professional who is looking to grow and advance her/his management and leadership experience. For internal candidates in the financial analyst or research administrator roles, this is a great opportunity to progress and develop as a manager for career advancement in more senior director roles.
The Precourt Institute for Energy is the interdisciplinary hub for energy research, education and convening at Stanford. Since its founding in 2009, the institute has become the go-to place for scholars, business leaders, policymakers and others seeking solutions to the world’s most difficult energy challenges. The institute carries out its mission by funding early-stage energy research, developing new technologies and policies, educating leaders, and nurturing a vibrant energy ecosystem here and abroad.
Reporting to the Associate Director for Operations, the Assistant Director for Finance will manage the day-to-day financial functions of the Institute, its centers and programs, and its initiatives. The Assistant Director for Finance will be expected to dependably lead a team, strategically execute priorities, and thoughtfully make operationally informed decisions. The Institute’s financials and operations are multifaceted. Strong organizational and analytical skills are required as the Assistant Director for Finance will be tasked with having a significant role in supporting the financial management of the Institute and effecting policies and procedures.
The Assistant Director for Finance will also be responsible for implementing operational processes for administrative and financial functions to improve efficiencies and internal controls, and be expected to help identify and develop solutions to improve workflow effectiveness and best practices for productivity standards.
The Assistant Director for Finance will be expected to professionally represent the Institute with internal and external stakeholders and have significant skill with managing diverse relationships. Most importantly, the Assistant Director for Finance must have exceptional people skills with a propensity for building relationships and a desire to serve and lead.
Note: Not all unique aspects of the job are covered by this job description
JOB PURPOSE:
Provide management and coordination of administrative and operations-related functions for a program, division or department. Manage staff at least 50% of the time to achieve the research and teaching mission, goals and objectives of the unit. Partner with faculty leadership on departmental affairs.
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.
* - Other duties may also be assigned
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 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
Certifications and Licenses:
None
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 accommodation to any employee with a disability who requires accommodation to perform the essential functions of his or her job.
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, http://adminguide.stanford.edu.
