Associate Director of Finance and Administration

Stanford University seeks an Associate Director of Finance and Administration (ADFA) to provide strategic leadership and day-to-day management of financial, administrative, and operational functions for the Department of Molecular and Cellular Physiology (MCP) and its subunit, the Center for Molecular Neuroscience in Health and Disease (CMNHD). Reporting to the Director of Finance and Administration (DFA), the ADFA will partner closely with faculty leadership and the DFA to advance departmental priorities and ensure operational excellence across the organization. This is a hands-on leadership role overseeing research administration, including management of the department’s sponsored project awards and faculty financial portfolios, with a strong emphasis on financial planning, analysis, and sound stewardship of resources. The successful candidate will lead a team of research administrators and 3–4 additional administrative staff, building consistent, scalable approaches that support MCP’s research and teaching mission. We’re looking for someone who thrives on translating complex financial data into clear insights, building financial projections and reports from the ground up, and driving process improvement through tools, systems, and dashboards using Stanford’s available resources. Join a high-performing, collaborative team known for strong coverage and support, where you’ll have the opportunity to shape how the department operates and help enable cutting-edge science through effective financial and operational leadership. Duties include: 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. Work closely with the Director of Finance and Administration on special projects as needed. * - Other duties may also be assigned The job duties listed are typical examples of work performed by positions in this job classification and are not designed to contain or be interpreted as a comprehensive inventory of all duties, tasks, and responsibilities. Specific duties and responsibilities may vary depending on department or program needs without changing the general nature and scope of the job or level of responsibility. Employees may also perform other duties as assigned. DESIRED QUALIFICATIONS: Proactive, detail-oriented self-starter with extensive prior Stanford University (SOM) management experience and familiarity with grants management (NIH, CIRM, DOD, AHA, MDA, fellowships, etc.). Desire minimum of 5 years to 10 years relevant experience. 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.