Director of Finance & Operations

This position is exempt from the hiring freeze and does not offer visa sponsorship. All candidates must be eligible to work and live in the U.S.

About the Role

The Institute for Computational and Mathematical Engineering (ICME) at Stanford Engineering is seeking a Director of Finance and Operations (DFO) to partner with faculty and staff in driving continued growth, innovation, and excellence in research and teaching. Reporting to the ICME director and the senior associate dean for administration, the DFO provides strategic leadership for all operational, administrative, and financial functions of the institute, which has a consolidated budget exceeding $3 million annually.

ICME is a multidisciplinary program spanning Stanford’s seven schools, integrating computational mathematics and scientific computing across engineering, medicine, the sciences, sustainability, business, and more. The DFO will serve as the primary liaison to the School of Engineering and the university on all business matters, ensuring sound management and supporting the institute’s strategic and operational goals.

Responsibilities

• Manage day-to-day operations for assigned functional areas, including hiring, retaining, and developing staff, and ensuring work completion within schedule and constraints.
• Guide faculty supervisors in interpreting and implementing human resources policies, procedures, and programs.
• Evaluate business processes and operational or financial effectiveness; lead process improvements and resolve complex issues with alternative solutions.
• Analyze unit needs and recommend changes in staffing, facilities, compliance, finance, technology, or administrative functions to leadership.
• Collaborate with the Chair and Dean’s Office to secure resources supporting faculty activities and interests.
• Interpret, implement, and ensure compliance with university academic and administrative policies; recommend new internal policies, guidelines, and procedures.
• Manage finances across all funding sources, including developing, monitoring, analyzing, forecasting, and reporting the annual budget.
• Oversee grants and contracts, ensuring compliance with institutional and external requirements.
• Represent the unit’s business and academic operations within the organization and school.
• Manage student and faculty program administration for the unit.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree.
• Minimum of three years of relevant experience in administrative and financial management, or a combination of education and relevant experience.

Skills

• Demonstrated supervisory skills, including conflict resolution.
• Excellent planning and organizational skills.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills.
• Working knowledge of accounting, budget planning, and financial forecasting.
• Working knowledge of grants and contract administration.
• Strong negotiation, analytical, and problem-solving skills.
• Attention to detail and accuracy.
• Proficiency in business and management computer applications and databases.
• Knowledge of industry standards and/or regulatory requirements.
• Ability to multi-task and manage deadlines.
• Subject matter expertise in assigned areas of responsibility.
• Ability to stay abreast of industry knowledge and trends.

Schedule

This position is eligible for a hybrid work arrangement with a minimum of 4 days per week on Stanford’s main campus, subject to operational needs.

Pay

The budgeted base salary range for this position is $124,391 to $165,924 per annum.