Assistant Director (AD2), Budget & Finance - College of Science & Mathematics, School of Earth & Environment

College of Science & Mathematics, School of Earth & Environment

Position Summary

Under the direction of the Dean, the Assistant Director of Budget & Finance manages the financial operations of the College and School, including budget development, financial analysis, faculty load and compensation processing, research purchasing oversight, and compliance with University policies. The position serves as a strategic partner to the Dean and academic leadership, providing data-driven analysis and guidance to support fiscal planning, academic priorities, and institutional growth.

The Assistant Director supervises assigned staff and collaborates extensively with department leadership, faculty, and central administrative offices to ensure responsible stewardship of resources and alignment with University financial policies and procedures.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

Budget Development & Financial Planning

• Lead the development, monitoring, and management of the College’s annual operating budget and technology fee requests.

• Manage and analyze complex multi-fund budgets supporting academic, research, and operational initiatives.

• Provide comprehensive financial analysis, projections, and reporting to support strategic planning, decision-making, and resource allocation.

• Monitor departmental spending and provide guidance to ensure fiscal responsibility and alignment with College and School priorities.

• Coordinate and monitor faculty start-up packages and College-funded initiatives.

• Operate with significant independence in managing financial operations, escalating only high-level strategic issues to the Dean.

Research & Sponsored Program Financial Support

• Oversee research purchasing and grant budget coordination, serving as the escalation point for complex purchases and funding structures (including startup packages), 

• Partner with the Office of Sponsored Programs, Office of Contracting & Procurement, IRT, and Accounting Services to ensure compliance and timely processing.

• Provide guidance to research-intensive faculty regarding financial compliance and spending.

Faculty Load & Compensation Administration

• Administer high volume faculty load and compensation processes, including adjunct, overload, reassign time, and secondary assignment contracts.

• Review and approve faculty-related compensation submissions for accuracy and policy compliance.

• Prepare reports and analysis related to faculty workload and compensation models.

Fellowship & Student Funding Administration

• Coordinate graduate teaching and research fellowships, including review and approval for compliance and completeness.

• Oversee student contract processing and funding allocations for College supported programs (e.g., SURP) and maintain required documentation.

• Ensure compliance with institutional and funding agency guidelines.

Financial Operations & Procurement

• Manage Dean’s Office procurement processes (requisitions, contracts, bundled quotes, purchasing card administration), ensuring compliance, efficiency, and end-to-end tracking.

• Coordinate financial transactions requiring Dean-level oversight (e.g., IDC distributions, summer salary processes) with accurate documentation and policy alignment.

Travel Administration

• Track and analyze faculty, graduate, and undergraduate student travel requests and expenses.

• Review Concur submissions and ensure adherence to College and University policies, travel policies, and guidelines.

Policy, Process, and Compliance

• Interpret and apply University financial policies, state requirements, and collective bargaining agreements as they relate to hiring, compensation, travel, and purchasing.

• Develop and refine internal processes to improve efficiency and compliance.

• Provide training and guidance to departmental administrative staff on financial systems and pr