Job Summary Table of Finance Director

Job Description Summary 🔍

The Director of Finance and Operations (DFO) will provide strategic leadership for the Geophysics department within Stanford’s prestigious Doerr School of Sustainability. This critical role manages all administrative, financial, and operational functions while supporting collaboration across the school and university. The ideal candidate will bring exceptional financial expertise, leadership skills, and a commitment to sustainability initiatives that benefit our planet’s future.

Responsibilities 📋

Financial Management Leadership 💰

• Develop comprehensive budget plans and resource allocation strategies aligned with departmental goals and sustainability initiatives
• Direct all fiscal operations for the department with meticulous attention to regulatory compliance and policy adherence
• Implement appropriate cost controls and maintain comprehensive financial records
• Provide strategic financial guidance to department leadership and faculty
• Oversee day-to-day financial management of individual accounts and transactions

Personnel Administration Excellence 👥

• Manage departmental administrative staff and serve as administrative supervisor for staff reporting to faculty
• Collaborate closely with School Human Resources and central offices to administer various personnel functions
• Direct personnel transactions for faculty, staff, students, postdocs, and others
• Provide comprehensive administrative support for faculty recruitment, appointment, and promotion procedures
• Foster a positive work environment that promotes diversity, equity, and inclusion

Research Administration Expertise 🔬

• Manage the proposal development and submittal process with precision and attention to detail
• Supervise staff working with Principal Investigators and the Office of Sponsored Research (OSR)
• Ensure compliance with agency requirements and university policies throughout the research lifecycle
• Oversee post-award processing and awards management in collaboration with relevant entities
• Establish effective mechanisms for project management from award through project close-out

Student Services Oversight 🎓

• Supervise the Student Services Officer and provide day-to-day guidance
• Ensure effective support for the department’s academic programs and student community
• Oversee admissions processes, financial aid allocation, and teaching program coordination
• Maintain high standards for services provided to graduate students
• Support departmental initiatives to enhance student experience and success

Facilities and Property Management 🏢

• Lead space planning and allocation for faculty, staff, and students
• Ensure appropriate maintenance of all departmental facilities and equipment
• Represent the department in facilities and renovation projects
• Coordinate faculty and staff moves within departmental facilities
• Maintain accurate department space and equipment inventories

Benefits and Perks 🌟

• Competitive salary range ($154,698 to $197,873 per annum)
• Comprehensive benefits package detailed on Stanford’s Cardinal at Work website
• Hybrid work arrangement available (partially onsite and offsite)
• Opportunity to contribute to groundbreaking sustainability research
• Professional development and growth opportunities at a world-class institution
• Collaborative work environment with leading researchers and academics
• Work with a department focused on critical environmental challenges

Company Overview 🏫

The Stanford Doerr School of Sustainability strives to create a future where humans and nature thrive in concert and in perpetuity. The school features a three-part structure designed to drive global impact:

1. Academic departments and programs that educate students and create new knowledge across crucial research areas
2. Institutes that bridge scholarship at Stanford and beyond, bringing multiple perspectives to urgent challenges
3. The Sustainability Accelerator that drives new policy and technology solutions through a worldwide network of partners

The Geophysics department specifically focuses on studying Earth and planetary processes through laboratory experiments, computational and theoretical modeling, remote imaging, and direct observation. The department comprises 24 faculty and staff, along with approximately 60 students and postdoctoral scholars.

Company Culture 🌱

Stanford University fosters a culture of innovation, collaboration, and academic excellence. The Doerr School of Sustainability is dedicated to creating and supporting a community with the richness of experience and background needed to develop solutions that benefit all people, particularly those most affected by environmental damage and climate change. The school values diverse perspectives and interdisciplinary approaches to solving complex sustainability challenges.

Career Growth Opportunities 📈

This role offers significant professional development potential within one of the world’s leading academic institutions. As the Director of Finance and Operations, you’ll have opportunities to:

• Develop advanced expertise in academic administration and research management
• Build relationships with faculty and researchers at the forefront of sustainability science
• Expand your leadership skills within a complex organization
• Contribute meaningfully to solutions for pressing environmental challenges
• Advance your career within Stanford’s broader administrative structure

Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging 🌍

The Stanford Doerr School of Sustainability is committed to creating a diverse and inclusive environment where all members of the community can thrive. The school actively works to develop solutions that benefit all people, particularly those most affected by environmental damage and climate change. This position will play an important role in supporting these initiatives through equitable administrative practices and fostering an inclusive departmental culture.

Equal Opportunity Statement ⚖️

Stanford is an equal employment opportunity and affirmative action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law. Stanford University provides reasonable accommodations to applicants and employees with disabilities.

Remote Work Policy 💻

This position is based on Stanford’s main campus with consideration given to the option for a hybrid work schedule (partially onsite and offsite), subject to operational need. The specific arrangement will be discussed during the hiring process and will balance the needs of the department with flexibility for the employee.

Application Process 📝

1. Click on the “Apply for Job” button through the Stanford Career Search website
2. Submit your resume and cover letter (required for consideration)
3. Complete the online application process
4. If selected, participate in Stanford’s interview process

How to Apply 🖱️

Interested candidates should apply through the Stanford Career Search website by clicking the “Apply for Job” button. A resume and cover letter are required for consideration. Please note that this position has been deemed critical by the Stanford Doerr School of Sustainability Dean’s Office and is exempt from the hiring pause.

For more information or to apply, visit: Stanford Career Search

Application Deadline ⏰

Information not available – interested candidates are encouraged to apply promptly.

Similar Opportunities at Stanford

Stanford currently has other administrative leadership roles available within the Doerr School of Sustainability, including:

• Program Manager, Explore Energy
• External Education & Mobilization Business Manager

FAQs and Additional Information ❓

What qualifications are required for this position?

The position requires a Bachelor’s degree and five years of relevant experience in administrative and financial management, or a combination of education and relevant experience. Strong leadership, financial expertise, and research administration skills are essential.

Is visa sponsorship available?

No. Applicants must be authorized to work for any employer in the U.S. Stanford is unable to sponsor or take over sponsorship of an employment VISA.

What is the work arrangement for this position?

This position is eligible for a hybrid work arrangement (partially onsite and offsite), subject to operational need.

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