Job Summary

Under the direction of the AVP, Research Business Operations and Technology (RBOT), the Associate Director, Finance & Administration within Office of Research & Innovation (ORI). The incumbent serves as the main point of contact and is responsible for the execution and support of financial and administrative operations described below. The Associate Director will develop a comprehensive understanding of guidelines, policies, procedures, business processes, and governance within the research enterprise and use this knowledge to ensure the organization is well-supported in each of these areas.

Essential Functions

• Develop and manage ORI annual budgets in conjunction with the Office of Budget & Financial Planning and the Office of the Provost.
• Identify and interpret variances in actual vs. budget and provide periodic reporting along with suggestions/recommendations for operational and strategic decision-making.
• Monthly accounting of all personnel, non-personnel, and capital budgets, including revenue and expenditures for operating, restricted, and designated funds.
• Ensure all transactions are balanced and properly recorded in university financial systems, including journal entries, as required.
• Review and approve personnel, non-personnel, and capital financial transactions for all ORI sub-units
• Manage purchasing card review and approval process in compliance with university policy.
• Manage human research participant payment accounting and operations. Administration/Operations (30%)
• Oversight and management of all office and facilities-related manners
• Execute all additional operations support for all sub-functional offices reporting to the Office of Research & Innovation
• Serve as a primary administrative liaison and service provider to all University business offices, external vendors, and other entities. Resolve issues, as needed.
• Create and maintain a clear and comprehensive set of resources and a training library for staff use during onboarding and throughout tenures, including information about ORI and University guidelines, policies, and procedures, and any relevant changes/updates.
• Develop and share communications for any deadlines, updates, or changes in ORI and university guidelines, policies, or procedures related to financial or administrative/operational matters.
• Provide input and support for financial and administrative reporting activity led by the Research Systems & Analytics team.
• Travel between Drexel University campuses and occasionally off-campus for training opportunities. 
• Possible work after business hours and weekends during busy periods. 
• Execute other financial and operational needs for the ORI, as needed. 

Required Qualifications

• Minimum of Bachelor's Degree in or the equivalent combination of education and work experience. 
  • Please review the Equivalency Chart for additional information.
• Minimum of 4+ years of combined education and experience is required
• Background in budgeting, accounting, and vendor contract administration
• Demonstrated track record in a front-line financial/administrative service role involving extensive customer contact and service.
• Proven experience simultaneously managing multiple financial and operational matters.
• Ability to distill complex financial data to a state understandable by any audience
• Proficiency in problem assessment and collaborative problem solving in interdisciplinary settings.
• Exceptional ability to establish clear priorities, multi-task, and meet deadlines in a high-volume setting. Responsive to externally generated deadlines
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills
• Demonstrated proficiency with standard office software applications (Microsoft Office Suite, ERP financial and procurement systems, etc.)

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience in a supervisory/management capacity
• Demonstrated experience with Ellucian Banner HRM/Financials, SAP Ariba, Oracle Analytics Server, PageUp, JPM Concourse, and other administrative/financial/reporting systems.
• Working knowledge of applicable federal, state and other sponsor regulations related to sponsored projects, including GAAP, OMB Circular A-21, A-110 and A-133, FAR, DFAR and Uniform Guidance helpful

Physical Demands

• Typically sitting at a desk/table

Location

• Hybrid/Flexible Work Arrangement (This position requires you to work onsite at our University City location 2 days per week)

Additional Information
This position is classified as Exempt, grade L. Compensation for this grade ranges from $62,630.00 - $93,950.00. Please note that the offered rate for this position typically aligns with the minimum to midrange of this grade, but it can vary based on the successful candidate’s qualifications and experience, department budget, and an internal equity review.

Applicants are encouraged to explore the Professional Staff salary structure and Compensation Guidelines & Policies for more details on Drexel’s compensation framework. For information about benefits, please review Drexel’s Benefits Brochure.

Special Instructions to the Applicant
Please make sure you upload your CV/resume and cover letter when submitting your application.

A review of applicants will begin once a suitable candidate pool is identified.