Asst Dir for Finance and Research Administration

The University of Pittsburgh/VA Human Engineering Research Laboratories (HERL) is a collaborative venture advancing rehabilitation technology. Committed to enhancing the independence and quality of life for individuals with disabilities, HERL merges expertise from academia and the Veterans Affairs system. Our mission is to innovate, design, and implement cutting-edge technologies, promoting mobility, accessibility, and improved healthcare for those with disabilities. Through interdisciplinary research, HERL strives to empower individuals and shape the future of assistive technology. The management of HERL research and education administration involves a spectrum of activities to support HERL. This includes regularly reconciling fiscal reports, monitoring and preparing detailed financial reports, and building projections for employee salary support. Supporting and developing fundraising strategies, and meticulously crafting and managing budgets for multiple grants including center grants in collaboration with internal and external collaborators. Providing forecasting reports to research faculty and staff to ensure judicious fund utilization, and efforts are made to ensure accurate and timely reporting of faculty and staff effort. Additionally, activities encompass recruitment, retention and advertising for faculty, staff, and student positions, overseeing hiring processes for various positions, and managing payroll efficiently, including addressing any related stakeholder service needs. This multifaceted approach contributes to the seamless functioning of HERL and the realization of its strategic objectives. Work with a range of stakeholders, including government, military, veteran/community service providers, the utmost importance is placed on maintaining confidentiality and professionalism. Incumbent must be eligible for WOC appointment through the VA.

Oversees administrative, financial, general operations, and human resources functions within a complex department or departments. Performs budgetary functions and fiscal related activities. Serves as liaison between internal and external stakeholders and mitigates complex issues. Supports the strategic plan, directs proposals, assists with policy and procedure, and prepares documents and analyses for senior leadership.

The University of Pittsburgh/VA Human Engineering Research Laboratories (HERL) is a collaborative venture advancing rehabilitation technology. Committed to enhancing the independence and quality of life for individuals with disabilities, HERL merges expertise from academia and the Veterans Affairs system. Our mission is to innovate, design, and implement cutting-edge technologies, promoting mobility, accessibility, and improved healthcare for those with disabilities. Through interdisciplinary research, HERL strives to empower individuals and shape the future of assistive technology. The comprehensive management of research administration, financial operations, general functions, and human resources is crucial for supporting HERL. This involves reconciling monthly fiscal reports, closely monitoring the financial status of operating, discretionary, and research funds, and making recommendations for optimization based on identified spending trends. Create and explain projections built to ascertain employee salary support and gain insights into future financial and operational needs. Collaboration with PAE and EngagePitt is integral for developing effective fundraising strategies. Budgeting for multiple funding sources including center grants and collaborating with partners within and outside the university are key responsibilities. Provide forecasting reports to research faculty and staff to ensure judicious fund utilization, while accurate and timely reporting of faculty and staff effort is maintained. Recruitment and advertising for staff positions, overseeing hiring, retention, and evaluation management for faculty, staff, students, and certificate trainees, and managing payroll issues to contribute to the seamless functioning of HERL.

Work is largely performed in an office environment and requires the ability to operate standard office equipment and keyboards. Must be able to lift and carry or otherwise move 25-50 pounds. Must be able to effectively communicate, both face-to-face and via telephone or electronic communication.

The University of Pittsburgh is committed to championing all aspects of diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility within our community. This commitment is a fundamental value of the University and is crucial in helping us advance our mission, which includes attracting and retaining diverse workforces. We will continue to create and maintain an environment that allows individuals to discover, belong, contribute, and grow, while honoring the experiences, perspectives, and unique identities of all.

The University of Pittsburgh is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity Employer and values equality of opportunity, human dignity and diversity. EOE, including disability/vets.