Director, Research Finance & Strategy

Oregon Health & Science University; Portland (OR); Hybrid; USD 170,000 - 210,000; Full time

Job summary

Oregon Health & Science University seeks a Research Finance Director to lead the centralized Research Finance Hub within the School of Medicine. You will guide post‑award management, sponsored portfolio support, and analytics, partnering with faculty, department leaders, and institutional stakeholders to drive financial stewardship and strategic growth.

You will shape a scalable shared‑services model, set performance standards, and ensure compliance with federal regulations while delivering

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Finance, Accounting, Research Administration, or a related field.
• 8 years of experience supporting complex sponsored research portfolios, academic medical center finance, or related field, with at least 4 years of progressively responsible leadership experience.
• Advanced knowledge of research financial management, sponsored programs administration, and post‑award operations.
• Knowledge of federal regulations, Uniform Guidance, sponsor requirements, and research compliance standards.
• Knowledge of budgeting, forecasting, financial reporting, analytics, and strategic financial planning.
• Ability to lead organizational change, operational improvement, and shared‑services delivery models.
• Ability to build collaborative partnerships and influence decision‑making in a complex matrixed environment.
• Strong leadership, communication, analytical, and problem‑solving skills.
• Ability to translate complex financial information into actionable recommendations for diverse stakeholders.
• Commitment to customer service, continuous improvement, and stewardship of institutional resources.

Responsibilities

• Lead the School of Medicine Research Finance Hub and establish the vision, operating model, and service priorities for the organization.
• Guide the development and evolution of a scalable shared-services model that supports the changing needs of the research enterprise.
• Define performance expectations and service standards that promote operational excellence and stakeholder satisfaction.
• Evaluate operational effectiveness and implement improvements that enhance quality, efficiency, and customer experience.
• Develop workforce and resource strategies that support organizational growth and service delivery needs.
• Recommend operational priorities and resource investments that support organizational objectives and long-term success.
• Provide oversight of research financial management activities supporting sponsored projects, contracts, and other externally funded programs.
• Maintain a financial and compliance framework that supports effective management of sponsored funding across supported departments.
• Evaluate portfolio performance, funding trends, resource utilization, and financial risk.
• Advise on complex financial, compliance, and operational issues impacting sponsored research activity.
• Promote the use of analytics, forecasting, and performance measures to support planning and decision-making.
• Support effective stewardship of sponsored funding through sound financial management and compliance practices.

Skills

Leadership

Communication

Analytical thinking

Problem-solving

Strategic financial planning

Customer service mindset

Stakeholder engagement

Change management

Education

Bachelor's degree in Finance, Accounting, Research Administration

Advanced degree preferred (MBA, MRA, MHA)

Job description

Oregon Health & Science University seeks a Research Finance Director to lead the centralized Research Finance Hub within the School of Medicine. You will guide post‑award management, sponsored portfolio support, and analytics, partnering with faculty, department leaders, and institutional stakeholders to drive financial stewardship and strategic growth.

You will shape a scalable shared‑services model, set performance standards, and ensure compliance with federal regulations while delivering