Associate Director (Financial Operations)

Rutgers University; New Brunswick (NJ); Hybrid; USD 94,000 - 145,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, dental, and vision coverage

Paid vacation and holidays

Retirement benefits and 401(k) options

Educational benefits for employees and

Life insurance

Job summary

Rutgers University, The State University of New Jersey, is seeking an Associate Director (Financial Operations) in the Department of Chemistry and Chemical Biology. You will plan and administer broad financial operations including budgeting, purchasing, and grant administration for roughly $56M annual funding and supervise eight full‑time staff.

Reporting to the CCB Director, the role requires strategic thinking, strong communication, and proven improvements in systems and processes.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in business or related field with at least five years of management experience in budgeting and supervision, preferably in research administration.
• Advanced degree preferred and CRA/CPRA/CFRA certifications preferred.
• Experience managing academic department budgeting, purchasing, and post-award/pre-award operations.

Responsibilities

• Oversee pre- and post-award operations for ~35 research-active faculty and grant funding authority.
• Manage departmental operating financial activity with oversight of CCB funding.
• Oversee the department's purchasing program (thousands of PO per year).

Skills

Strategic thinking

Budgeting

Supervisory experience

Communication skills

Process improvement

Education

Bachelor's degree in business or related field

Advanced degree preferred

Tools

Excel

PeopleSoft

Oracle BI

Tableau

Access

Job description

Position Details

Recruitment/Posting Title: Associate Director (Financial Operations)

Job Category: Staff & Executive - Finance/Accounting/Purchasing

Department: Chemistry & Chemical Biology

Overview: Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, is a leading national research university and the State of New Jersey's preeminent, comprehensive public institution of higher education. As one of the largest employers in the State of New Jersey, Rutgers University is committed not only to the students and the State that we serve, but also to the faculty and staff who work on our campuses. For two consecutive years, Rutgers is ranked on Forbes' list of America's Best Large Employers. Rutgers holds #64 of 500 employers and is the #1 New Jersey employer on the publication's 2023 list. Rutgers’ commitment to its employees includes maintaining and fostering a safe, diverse, and respectful workplace environment, creating employment opportunities for our nation's military veterans, and ensuring accessibility and accommodation for individuals with disabilities.

Posting Summary: Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey is seeking an Associate Director (Financial Operations) within the Department of Chemistry and Chemical Biology (CCB). Reporting to the Department of Chemistry and Chemical Biology (CCB) Director, the Associate Director - Financial Operations is responsible for the planning and administration of CCB's broad financial operations. These operations represent ~$56M annual funding between department operating, gifts and endowments and sponsored research accounts. Incumbent will directly or indirectly supervise eight full-time staff.

• Oversees CCB's pre- and post-award operations for ~35 research-active faculty and serves as the department authority on grant funding
• Manages departmental operating financial activity, ensuring proper oversight and stewardship of CCB funding.
• Oversees CCB's purchasing program (averaging ~5,000 purchase orders per year).

Employment Classification: Exempt

Grade: 07

Salary: Minimum Salary: 94492.000; Mid Range Salary: 119604.000; Maximum Salary: 144715.000

Offer Information: The final salary offer may be determined by several factors, including, but not limited to, the candidate's qualifications, experience, and expertise, and availability of department or grant funds to support the position. We also take into consideration market benchmarks, if and when appropriate, and internal equity to ensure fair compensation relative to the university’s broader compensation structure. We are committed to offering competitive and flexible compensation packages to attract and retain top talent.

Benefits: Rutgers provides a comprehensive benefits package to eligible employees. The specific benefits vary based on the position and may include:

• Medical, prescription drug, and dental coverage
• Paid vacation, holidays, and various leave programs
• Competitive retirement benefits, including defined contribution plans and voluntary tax-deferred savings options
• Employee and dependent educational benefits (when applicable)
• Life insurance coverage
• Employee discount programs

Position Status: Full Time

Working Hours: 37.50

Daily Work Shift:

Work Arrangement: Consistent with the current application of Rutgers Policy 60.3.22 or the applicable provisions of relevant collective negotiations agreements, this position may be eligible for a hybrid work arrangement. Flexible work arrangements are not permanent, subject to change or discontinuation, and contingent on the employee receiving approval in the FlexWork@RU Application System.

Union Description: Admin Assembly (MPSC)

Payroll Designation: PeopleSoft

Seniority Unit:

Terms of Appointment: Staff - 12 month

Position Pension Eligibility: ABP

Qualifications

Minimum Education and Experience:

• Bachelor's degree in business or related field and a minimum of five years of management experience with budgeting and supervisory responsibility, particularly in research administration.

Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Ability to think strategically, handle complex organizational detail, and negotiate and resolve conflict.
• Excellent communication skills and computer literacy.
• Proven track record of developing and implementing system improvements.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Advanced degree preferred.
• CRA, CPRA, or CFRA preferred.
• Experience in academic department management.
• Familiarity with academic department purchasing.
• Experience with pre and/or post award management.
• Experience with Oracle BI and/or tableau reporting.

Equipment Utilized:

• Extensive use of Excel.
• Uses Access, Word, RU Marketplace, Expense Management, PeopleSoft Management, Financial Management (Oracle Cloud), RAPSS, a variety of SAS applications, departmental databases and funding agency applications.

Posting Details

Posting Number: 26ST2072

Posting Open Date: 10/29/2026

Special Instructions to Applicants:

Regional Campus: Rutgers University-New Brunswick

Home Location Campus: Busch (RU-New Brunswick)

City: Piscataway

State: NJ

Location Details:

Pre-employment Screenings

All offers of employment are contingent upon successful completion of all pre-employment screenings.

Immunization Requirements

Under Policy 100.3.1 Immunization Policy for Covered Individuals, if employment will commence during Flu Season, Rutgers University may require certain prospective employees to provide proof that they are vaccinated against Seasonal Influenza for the current Flu Season, unless the University has granted the individual a medical or religious exemption. Additional infection control and safety policies may apply. Prospective employees should speak with their hiring manager to determine which policies apply to the role or position for which they are applying. Failure to provide proof of vaccination for any required vaccines or obtain a medical or religious exemption from the University will result in rescission of a candidate's offer of employment or disciplinary action up to and including termination.

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement

It is university policy to provide equal employment opportunity to all its employees and applicants for employment regardless of their race, creed, color, national origin, age, ancestry, nationality, marital or domestic partnership or civil union status, sex, pregnancy, gender identity or expression, disability status, liability for military service, protected veteran status, affectional or sexual orientation, atypical cellular or blood trait, genetic information (including the refusal to submit to genetic testing), or any other category protected by law. As an institution, we encourage all qualified applicants to apply. For additional information please see the Non-Discrimination Statement at the following web address: http://uhr.rutgers.edu/non-discrimination-statement