Job Title: Senior Director of Research Support and Financial Management

Req Id: 42837 | West Lafayette

About the Role

The Senior Director of Research Support and Financial Management will lead and develop agile and responsive research support for the West Lafayette campus, elevating Finance support for faculty researchers to a new level of service. This position leads, represents Finance on, and provides input on consequential research topics impacting the university. The Senior Director will also lead, mentor, and work closely with the high-performing Directors of Financial Affairs of multiple colleges/units with annual expenditures exceeding $400M. This role oversees research-related financial operations, service delivery, and continuous improvement efforts that strengthen research stewardship, compliance, and operational effectiveness. The Senior Director collaborates with college and unit leadership, faculty, central offices, and finance teams to provide strategic guidance, sound financial management, and high-quality customer service in a complex and evolving research environment.

Responsibilities

• Lead various strategic initiatives and projects to completion resulting in positive financial management impacts.
• Provide strategic analysis and direction for business areas.
• Offer strategic advice and counsel to assigned units and respective leadership teams concerning initiatives and their financial impact.
• Provide proper interpretation of university, state, federal, and sponsoring agency policies and procedures.
• Authorize and approve business activities and financial transactions.
• Act as a fiduciary ensuring financial strength, maintaining internal control compliance, and managing risk.
• Collaborate with individuals across the organization, including Vice Presidents, Deans, Directors, Department Heads, faculty, and staff on varied finance and business operation topics.
• Direct multiple Directors of Financial Affairs and Finance staff to provide quality and efficient service supporting the mission, operations, and research for the division.
• Direct the coordination of the preparation of the annual budget plan for all assigned areas.
• Coordinate the creation and preparation of specialized management reports utilizing central databases to gather data.

Requirements

Education and Experience:

• Bachelor’s Degree in Business Administration, Management, Finance, or related field of study.
• 10 years of experience in business management, finance, or related field.
• Experience managing others.

Skills

• Ability to strategically analyze, interpret, and implement University policies and procedures.
• Demonstrated strong communication skills (oral and written).
• Excellent leadership, planning, strategic thinking, problem-solving, organizational, project management, process management, and customer service skills.
• Demonstrated quantitative analytical skills and ability to solve complicated problems with little or no precedential guidance.
• Ability to influence and build work relationships among a diverse workforce at all levels.
• Ability to foster a participative supervisory style that utilizes respect and teamwork to successfully guide the work of others.
• Must possess a learning orientation to changing technology impacting business processes (e.g., SAP, PERA, etc.).
• Personal computer and related software skills (spreadsheet, word processing, internet, database, etc.).
• Ability to manage multiple priorities and work with frequent interruptions.

What Is Helpful

• Higher Education finance experience.

Additional Information

• Purdue will not sponsor an employment-related visa for this position.
• A background check will be required for employment in this position.
• FLSA: Exempt (Not Eligible For Overtime).
• Retirement Eligibility: Defined Contributions Immediately.