Senior Director of Finance - Stanford University

At a glance

Stanford University is hiring a Senior Director of Finance to support the Office of the Vice Provost and Dean of Research—one of the most dynamic and impactful research enterprises in higher education.

This is a high-visibility leadership role overseeing financial strategy, planning, and operations across a ~$325M portfolio of 20+ labs, institutes, and research centers. You’ll partner with senior leadership, lead a talented finance team of 3, and help shape the future of research at one of the world’s most influential universities.

Description: What you'll be doing

Another Source’s client,Stanford University, is recruiting aSenior Director of Financeto join their team in Stanford, California. This is a hybrid role, with an expectation of working onsite three days per week.

Here’sa little about Stanford University and theVPDoR:

Stanford University is seeking a Senior Director of Finance for the Office of Vice Provost and Dean of Research (VPDoR) to lead the financial planning and management for the independent labs, institutes and centers and research administrative and compliance offices within theVPDoR.Under the direction of the Senior Associate Dean and working alongside three senior financial analysts on the team and finance leads across 20 units, the senior director develops and manages long-range budget plans that inform strategic decision-making, oversees the annual financial cycle that underpins the fiscal health of a growing and evolving organization, and facilitates compliance of financial processes and systems in accordance with university and federal policies. The ideal candidate builds strong teams and mentor talents; collaborates across function to align financial goals; translates complex data into actional insights; tell the “stories behind the numbers”;leverages automation to improve processes and reporting accuracy;identifiesand mitigates financial risks; and moves beyond backward-looking reporting to influencing long-term strategy. Learn more here: https://doresearch.stanford.edu/who-we-are/office-vice-provost-and-dean-research

Scope & Impact:

• Design,establish, andmaintainan organizational structure and staffing to effectivelyaccomplishthe organization's goals andobjectives; oversee recruitment, training, supervision, and evaluation of staff.

• Lead, execute and communicate operational andlong rangebudgets,forecastingand strategy; direct business operation and administration functions; may manage oversight of post award sponsored research administration and services.

• Identifyand resolve strategic problems that affect the overall functioning beyond the immediate school/unit that have potential university wide impact.

• Make strategic decisions using complex, comprehensive analyses, high level financial modeling; provide information and context to leadership to support senior leadership decisions.

• Provide strategy, vision and direction that havewidescope and impact, make recommendations, influence issues related to university finance and accounting policy.

• Partner to design andestablishappropriate programsto providea strong systemof internal controls to protect and steward university resources.

• Partner across the university todeterminenew and ongoing business and technology initiatives.

• Direct high-visibility process redesign and innovation projects; champion majorinitiatives anddevelop and drive implementation of project initiatives.

• Represent the school/unit at the university leveland toexternal constituencies.

Qualifications:

• Master’s degree and at least eight (8) years of relevant experience, or a combination of education and experience

• Demonstrated leadership experience, including building and developing high-performing teams

• Strong background in financial planning, modeling, and analysis within complex organizations

• Advanced knowledge of financial systems (e.g., Oracle or similar platforms) and Microsoft Office Suite

• Deep understanding of financial principles, internal controls, and compliance requirements

• Exceptional communication skills, with the ability to present complex information to diverse audiences

• Proven ability to influence senior leadership and contribute to strategic decision-making

• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with attention to detail and accuracy

• Experience managing multiple priorities in a fast-paced, evolving environment

• Ability to interpret complex policies and serve as a trusted advisor to stakeholders

Preferred Qualifications:

• Supervisory experience in large, matrixed organizations

• CFA or CPA certification

Compensation & Benefits:

The expected pay range for this position is$234,433 to $270,414 annually.

This is a hybrid position that is expected to workonsitethree days a week.

Stanford University offers a comprehensive and highly competitive benefits package. Learn more about the full range of offerings here:https://cardinalatwork.stanford.edu/benefits-rewards

Stanford’s “Cardinal at Work” program highlightsa holistic approachto employee well-being, including:

• Robust retirement plans and generous time-off policies

• Access to world-class health and wellness resources, including fitness facilities and programs

• Tuition reimbursement and lifelong learning opportunities

• Cultural, educational, and community engagement experiences across campus

• Commuter programs, discounts, andadditionalperks

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.Another Source works with their clients, on a retained project basis.

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