DIRECTOR, CENTRAL FINANCE - OFFICE OF SPONSORED PROGRAMS

ABOUT US:

Scripps Research is a nonprofit biomedical institute ranked as one of the most influential in the world for its impact on innovation. We celebrated our 100-year legacy in 2024. This significant milestone marks a century of seminal discoveries in immunology, infectious diseases (such as COVID-19, flu, HIV), neuroscience, heart disease, cancer, and more. Located in La Jolla, California, the institute houses six research departments, multiple Nobel laureates, a top-ranked graduate school and a leading postdoctoral training program. Scripps Research encompasses two elite and highly innovative institutes, the Calibr-Skaggs Institute for Innovative Medicines and Scripps Research Translational Institute, which merge foundational studies in biology, chemistry and computer science with translational science to produce pioneering drugs and advances in digital and precision medicine. Together, we cultivate new scientific leaders and expand the frontiers of knowledge to deliver medical breakthroughs impacting human health around the globe. If you have a passion for making a difference, this could be your opportunity to join our transformative team.

 

POSITION TITLE:  Director, Central Finance

 

POSITION SUMMARY:

The Central Finance Director is a key leader responsible for the fiscal management and stewardship of externally funded grants (federal and non‑federal). This role requires a strong financial accounting background and extensive experience in grants administration. The Director will collaborate closely with internal partners—including Research Development, Office of Technology Development, Strategic Finance, Research Services, and Compliance—to support the long‑term success of Scripps Research’s Principal Investigators. The Director will also play a key role in process improvement, compliance oversight, and strengthening financial controls across post‑award activities.

 

RESPONSIBILITIES AND DUTIES: 

• Financial Oversight: Manage accurate, timely, and compliant financial reporting of grant activity, including providing updates to sponsors, stakeholders, and institutional leadership.
• Financial Management: Support the Sr Director, Central Finance in managing, reporting, and negotiating the Institute’s federal indirect rate agreement.
• Compliance Oversight: Ensure compliance with federal regulations, sponsor requirements, and institutional policies throughout the post-award grant lifecycle, including but not limited to Uniform Guidance (2 CFR 200).
• Risk Management: Identify and mitigate financial, administrative, and compliance risks associated with grant activities, collaborating closely with other stakeholders to implement/improve controls and procedures to safeguard against potential issues.
• Training and Support: Provide training and support to principal investigators, research staff, and departmental administrators on grant management best practices, policies, and procedures.
• Continuous Improvement: Evaluate and refine grant management processes, systems, and workflows to enhance efficiency, effectiveness, and compliance, fostering a culture of continuous improvement within the grants management team and across the institute.
• Details of established essential functions for this position will be addressed/discussed during the interview process.    

 

REQUIREMENTS:

• Bachelor’s Degree or equivalent experience required, preferably in finance, accounting, business administration, or related field.
• MBA and/or CPA highly desired.
• 10+ years’ experience working with, developing financial analyses, and modeling, with a background in auditing.
• Experience with Workday highly desired.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Advanced organizational skills with high attention to detail and excellent customer service.
• Must be self-directed with the ability to work independently and prioritize multiple tasks.
• Ability to consistently meet deadlines and work under pressure with shifting priorities.
• Proficient skills and ability to work with a diverse work group and individuals at all staff levels; ability to maintain diplomatic and respectful interactions.
• Must be able to work in a team environment and convey positive work ethic to complete any task as requested.
• Must maintain confidentiality and use discretion when dealing with sensitive issues and information.

• While subject to change based on business needs, this is an on-campus position requiring a minimum of 4 days pe