IMS - Assistant Director for Finance and Administration

JOB SUMMARY

The Institute of Materials Science (IMS) at the University of Connecticut (UConn) seeks applicants for a full-time position as our Assistant Director for Finance and Administration (Administrative Program Manager 3) who will lead IMS’s professional staff team. The Institute of Materials Science is an interdisciplinary institute with a threefold mission fostering education, research, and outreach in all areas of the materials sciences. The Institute’s research environment is fast-paced, with a large and diverse portfolio of sponsored awards along with academic and revenue programs.

Reporting to the Director, the incumbent will oversee the administrative and fiscal operations for the unit, including supervision of professional staff. The Assistant Director will direct workflows and procedures for employees engaged in administration of business operations as well as grants and contracts, and is accountable for the productivity and accuracy of all administrative/financial tasks.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

1. Oversees the planning and implementation of administrative/financial services and activities, and is responsible for the day-to-day delivery of business and administrative services to IMS stakeholders.
2. Directs the day-to-day operation of IMS professional staff services in accordance with program goals and objectives.
3. Supervises the work of assigned personnel, including assigning and reviewing work, providing guidance, and conducting performance evaluations.
4. Leads administrative planning and evaluation of policies, procedures, and services. 
5. Interprets policies and procedures for supervisors, supervisees, and other stakeholders.
6. Manages, and is responsible for, the effectiveness of administrative/financial services within the Institute of Materials Science.
7. Oversees and directs non-routine projects necessary for evaluation and improvements to unit services.
8. Plans and implements changes to unit services, including responding to new or changing guidelines that impact workflows and procedures.
9. Develops and manages unit budget in line with goals and priorities set in collaboration with the IMS Director. 
10. Monitors and approves expenditures.
11. Supervises staff engaged in maintaining and monitoring financial records.
12. Accountable for and supervises staff engaged in maintaining administrative records.
13. Prepares annual and other periodic reports utilizing statistical data.
14. Serves as subject matter expert for students, faculty, staff, and customers on matters relating to IMS and University policies, procedures, and activities.
15. Corresponds routinely with stakeholders internal and external to the unit.
16. Shares responsibility for grants and contracts administration tasks, maintaining a portfolio of active awards and submission of projects where needed.
17. Upholds routine internal controls, in accordance with unit and University expectations.
18. Complies with federal, state, sponsor, and University standards and regulations for all aspects of sponsored project and operational fiscal management.
19. Works on related special projects as directed by the Director and/or central offices.
20. Performs related duties as required.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

• Bachelor’s degree and eight years of related experience in accounting, business management, or other comparable field, OR Master’s degree and six years of related experience in accounting, business management, or other comparable field.
• One year minimum serving as a supervisor of a moderate-sized department or unit charged with carrying out cross-disciplinary tasks or functions.
• Demonstrated knowledge of grant administration, including understanding of detailed grant program guidelines, policies, and procedures.
• Ability to interpret and apply federal, state, and local policies and regulations to a broad set of duties.
• Direct experience with financial management and planning, including application of accounting principles to produce financial reports and maintain accurate records for a moderate to large chart of accounts.
• Demonstrated ability to work with diverse student, administrative, and faculty populations.
• Mastery of written and verbal communication to a diverse audience.
• Excellent customer service and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to work independently and exercise sound judgment.
• Facility with Microsoft products and software applications.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Related professional certification (CPA, CRA, etc.).
• Three to five years of experience working in a higher education setting.
• Three to five years of experience working in pre-and/or post-award rese