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). The ADFA will partner closely with faculty leadership and the DFA to advance departmental priorities and ensure operational excellence across the organization. This hands‑on leadership role oversees 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

• Manage staff in the day‑to‑day operations for functional area(s) of responsibility; responsible for hiring, retaining staff, career coaching, personal development for direct reports, and accountable for employee performance.
• Ensure work completion within schedule and constraints.
• Guide faculty supervisors in interpreting and implementing human resources policies, procedures, and programs, with or without collaboration with HR managers.
• 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 recommend 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.
• 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 development, monitoring, analysis, 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.

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.).
• Minimum of 5 to 10 years of relevant experience.