CFO & Director of Sponsored Programs for Research Computing

University of California - Los Angeles (UCLA); Los Angeles (CA); On-site; USD 150,000 - 230,000; Full time

Job summary

University of California - Los Angeles (UCLA) is seeking a Chief Financial Officer & Director of Sponsored Programs (CFO/Director) to lead financial strategy for sponsored research, contracts, and business operations across diverse initiatives. The role partners with senior university leadership and external collaborators to advance research and innovation at UCLA.

The successful candidate will oversee financial administration, contract/grant policies, IP-related contracts, and high-stakes

Qualifications

• 10 or more years progressive work experience in financial analysis, strategy, business management.
• Experience managing multimillion-dollar budgets with multiple funding sources.
• Expert knowledge of financial policies, GAAP, budgeting and reporting techniques.
• Demonstrated working knowledge of Contract and Grant Administration policies and procedures.
• Experience with IP and tech transfer contract management.
• Proven skill in managing financial operations tailored to higher education and research environments.
• Strong executive-level communication and presentation skills.
• Exceptional interpersonal and collaborative skills to lead teams and resolve problems.
• High level of initiative, critical thinking, and analytical skills.
• Ability to work independently while balancing priorities and maintaining confidentiality.
• Ability to understand unit operational needs and develop responsive policies and procedures.
• Working knowledge of UCLA's personnel, purchasing, travel, and equipment management policies (Preferred)

Responsibilities

• Provide strategic leadership for a complex portfolio of sponsored research, advanced computing initiatives, and industry collaborations.
• Oversee financial strategy, sponsored research administration, contract management, and business operations.
• Serve as a key collaborator to university leadership, researchers, federal agencies, and industry partners.
• Oversee major initiatives including Innovate@UCLA and the OARC Build Smart Manufacturing Center.
• Drive operational excellence and support UCLA's research mission.
• Shape the future of research computing, AI, digital research, and innovation.

Skills

Financial analysis

Budgeting

Strategic planning

Contract and Grant Administration

GAAP accounting

Executive communication

Interpersonal collaboration

Analytical reasoning

Confidentiality

Higher education operations

Education

Bachelor's Degree in Accounting, Finance, or Business

Master's Degree in Accounting, Finance, or Business

Job description

University of California - Los Angeles (UCLA) is seeking a Chief Financial Officer & Director of Sponsored Programs (CFO/Director) to lead financial strategy for sponsored research, contracts, and business operations across diverse initiatives. The role partners with senior university leadership and external collaborators to advance research and innovation at UCLA.

The successful candidate will oversee financial administration, contract/grant policies, IP-related contracts, and high-stakes