Finance and Administrative Manager

The School of Humanities and Sciences (H&S) is the foundation of a liberal arts education at Stanford. The school encompasses 23 departments and 25 interdisciplinary programs. H&S is home to fundamental and applied research, where free, open, and critical inquiry is pursued across disciplines. As the university’s largest school, H&S serves as the foundation of a Stanford undergraduate education no matter which discipline students pursue as a major. Graduate students work alongside world-renowned faculty to pursue and shape foundational research that leads to breakthroughs and discoveries that shed new light on the past, influence the present, and shape the future. Together, faculty and students in H&S engage in inspirational teaching, learning, and research every day.

Department/Program Description: The Institute for Research in the Social Sciences’ (IRiSS) mission is to strengthen Stanford’s capacity as a leading institution for social science research, and specifically to address changing needs as the social sciences have become more collaborative and computationally intensive. The Institute’s aim is to: 1) expand research capacity and capabilities; 2) multiply opportunities for interdisciplinary research in the social sciences; and 3) enhance graduate training and research opportunities.  In addition to its core research services, such as the survey lab, subject pools, research data center, IRiSS hosts six interdisciplinary research centers, where contemporary issues of democracy, poverty, inequality, immigration and other major societal challenges are addressed.

Position Summary: IRiSS isseeking a Finance and Administrative Manager to join our team and oversee all administrative activities at the Institute, including finance, research administration, human resources, events, and facilities. In addition to supervising these functions for the Institute, the Manager has a critical role and devotes substantial attention to guide and oversee the administrative functions of the Institute’s research centers staff.  The financial responsibilities include independently performing and managing moderately complex financial functions related to budgeting and forecasting, and providing training and guidance as needed. This may require specific knowledge and skills in the broad application of internal financial systems and policies as well as an understanding of external regulations. The Manager will directly supervise two to three staff within IRiSS, and provide guidance and mentoring to administrative staff in IRiSS research centers.

The Administrator will work under general supervision of the Executive Director and must possess and demonstrate a positive outlook on continuous process improvement efforts while maintaining a team-based and customer-focused mindset. It is critical that this position exhibit the abilities to practice sound judgment and decision-making, effective written & oral communication, strong attention to detail and respectful relationship management. This position must also exhibit a strong desire to continuously learn new and unfamiliar business topics, policies and procedures as they relate to management of all administrative and financial needs of the Institute; the ability to translate this information into operational successes will be critical.

If you believe that this opportunity is a match for your knowledge, skills and abilities, we encourage you to apply. Thank you for considering employment opportunities with the School of Humanities and Sciences.

In this role, you will:

• Independently implement, administer and evaluate day-to-day activities of the unit, function or program by identifying and executing tasks and objectives, making recommendations that impact policies and programs, and assigning resources to achieve the goals of the program.
• Collect and analyze data, create reports, review and explain trends; formulate and evaluate alternative solutions and/or recommendations to achieve the goals of the program or function.
• Analyze and interpret policies; develop, revise and implement procedures for program or function.
• Represent the program or function as the key contact and subject matter expert within the department, unit or school. Commit resources and provide information and/or training. May also represent the program or function to external/internal stakeholders and constituencies.
• Organize and/or participate in outreach activities that may include developing communications and training, planning/promoting events and/or conferences.
• May participate in development of budgets, monitor, and approve expenditures. May perform limited forecasting and provide recommendations that determine the budget.
• May direct staff to perform various tasks and assignments. May also supervise staff.

* - Other duties may also be assigned

To be successful in this role, you will bring:

Education & Experience:

Bachelor’s degree and three years of relevant experience, or combination of education and relevant experience.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

• Demonstrated ability to prioritize own work and multi-task.
• Demonstrated excellent organizational skills.
• Demonstrated ability to take initiative and ownership of projects.
• Ability to communicate effectively both orally and in writing.
• Ability to routinely and independently exercise sound judgment in making decisions.
• Demonstrated experience working independently and as part of a team.
• Relevant subject matter knowledge.
• Ability to direct the work of others, for jobs requiring supervision.

In addition, preferred requirements include:

• Experience in Stanford’s Oracle Business Intelligence.
• Experience with Visiting Scholar and Postdoctoral Fellow appointments.
• Proficiency in GFS for Postdoctoral fellows and graduate students.
• Experience with desktop applications such as Excel, Adobe Acrobat, and PowerPoint.
• Awareness of social science research.

Why Stanford is for You

Imagine a world without search engines or social platforms. Consider lives saved through first-ever organ transplants and research to cure illnesses. Stanford University has revolutionized the way we live and enrich the world. Supporting this mission is our diverse and dedicated 17,000 staff. We seek talent driven to impact the future of our legacy. Our culture and unique perks  empower you with:

• Freedom to grow. We offer career development programs, tuition reimbursement, or audit a course. Join a TedTalk, film screening, or listen to a renowned author or global leader speak.
• A caring culture. We provide superb retirement plans, generous time-off, and family care resources.
• A healthier you. Climb our rock wall, or choose from hundreds of health or fitness classes at our world-class exercise facilities. We also provide excellent health care benefits.
• Discovery and fun. Stroll through historic sculptures, trails, and museums.
• Enviable resources. Enjoy free commuter programs, ridesharing incentives, discounts and more

Other duties may also be assigned, not all unique aspects of this job are covered by this job posting. A full job description will be shared during the interview process.

Consistent with its obligations under the law, the University will provide reasonable accommodation to any employee with a disability who requires accommodation to perform the essential functions of his or her job.

Stanford is an equal employment opportunity and affirmative action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.