Assistant Director - Business Administration

As a community, the University of Rochester is defined by a deep commitment to Meliora - Ever Better. Embedded in that ideal are the values we share: equity, leadership, integrity, openness, respect, and accountability. Together, we will set the highest standards for how we treat each other to ensure our community is welcoming to all and is a place where all can thrive.

Job Location (Full Address):

187 Edinburgh St, Rochester, New York, United States of America, 14608

Opening:

Worker Subtype:

Regular

Time Type:

Full time

Scheduled Weekly Hours:

40

Department:

210632 Psychology-MHFC

Work Shift:

UR - Day (United States of America)

Range:

UR URG 114

Compensation Range:

$86,900.00 - $130,300.00

Responsibilities:

Partners with Center leadership to develop and implement short- and long-range strategic plans to advance the Center’s research, clinical, training, and community engagement missions. Directs the business affairs and administrative operations of Mt. Hope Family Center, exercising broad fiscal, operational, and strategic responsibility across finance, research administration, human resources, compliance, facilities, information technology, and support services. Works with a finance and compliance team on management of complex budgets, grants, contracts, gifts, and other funding sources while ensuring adherence with University, sponsor, and regulatory requirements. Recruits, develops, and supervises administrative professionals and provides leadership on organizational initiatives, operational improvements, and long-term sustainability planning.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

• Strategic Leadership and Business Affairs: Partners with the Executive Director and senior leadership to establish strategic priorities, develop short- and long-term business plans, and ensure alignment of administrative resources with Center objectives. Directs the administrative and business operations of Mt. Hope Family Center, including finance, human resources, facilities, compliance, research administration, information technology, and operational support services. Creates and implements policies, operational metrics, and process improvements that strengthen organizational effectiveness, support growth initiatives, and promote long-term sustainability. Represents the Center in interactions with university leadership, funding agencies, community partners at the county level, contractors, and professional organizations including the Dept. of Human Services, Dept. of Public Health. Serves as the senior administrative advisor on operational, financial, compliance, and workforce planning matters.
• Financial Planning and Resource Management: Works with and directs a team to direct all financial operations for the Center, including operating budgets, sponsored research, clinical programs, gifts, endowments, and capital investments. Directs the production of multi-year financial forecasts and spending strategies to support organizational goals. Oversees financial reporting, variance analysis, resource allocation modeling, and cost management. Advises leadership on budget adjustments, revenue opportunities, technology investments, and funding strategies. Establishes internal controls and ensures compliance with University policies, sponsor requirements, and audit standards. Directs a team of financial staff to prepare executive-level financial analyses and recommendations to support strategic decision-making.
• Human Resources and Workforce Strategy: Develops and implements workforce planning strategies that support the Center's operational and strategic objectives. Directs recruitment, onboarding, performance management, employee relations, compensation planning, organizational design, and succession planning activities. Provides supervision and leadership to administrative staff and promotes professional growth through coaching, mentoring, and talent development initiatives. Reviews staffing models, job classifications, compensation recommendations, and organizational structure changes. Advises leadership on personnel matters and ensures compliance with University policies and employment regulations.
• Research Administration and Sponsored Programs: Works with a grants management and finance team to direct the administration of the Center's sponsored research portfolio, including pre-award and post-award activities for federal, state, foundation, and contract funding. Ensures compliance with sponsor regulations, University policies, and reporting requirements. Collaborates with the finance team and with Center investigators to develop funding strategies, proposal budgets, resource plans, and cost-sharing approaches. Oversee the team’s financial management of awards and monitors project performance, expenditures, and reporting obligations. Identifies opportunities to expand research funding and strengthen administrative support for sponsored programs.
• Operational Excellence, Compliance, and Special Initiatives: Leads large-scale operational initiatives and cross-functional projects that improve service delivery, efficiency, and organizational effectiveness. Specific initiatives include Article 31 and the Center taking on Reimbursable Services as well the newly launched Mt. Hope Family Center Training Institute—a national and international resource for training trauma-informed professional and workforce development including training in complex trauma, secondary traumatic stress, workforce wellness, and evidence-based trauma treatments. Directs facility planning, space utilization, technology implementations, and administrative process redesign efforts. Will oversee purchase agreement for new building. Ensures compliance with accreditation standards, University policies, contractual obligations, and federal, state, and local regulations. Develops operational metrics, analyzes performance data, and recommends improvements. Addresses complex operational challenges and develops innovative solutions that support the Center's mission and long-term objectives.
• Other duties as assigned

MINIMUM EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE

• Bachelor's degree and 7 years of progressively responsible experience in business administration, finance, research administration, healthcare administration, higher education administration, or related field required
• Master's degree preferred.
• Or equivalent combination of education and experience

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES

• Proven experience in managing complex budgets and financial strategies required
• Strong strategic thinking and leadership skills, with the ability to influence and drive change across the organization required
• Excellent communication and relationship-building abilities required
• Advanced knowledge of Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint) required
• Significant supervisory experience, including management of professional staff and administrative functions preferred.
• Understanding of the unique challenges of administration in a university and/or healthcare setting preferred

LICENSES AND CERTIFICATIONS

• University of Rochester CLASP Certification preferred
• Or ability to obtain certification within 1 year strongly preferred

The University of Rochester is committed to fostering, cultivating, and preserving an inclusive and welcoming culture to advance the University’s Mission to Learn, Discover, Heal, Create – and Make the World Ever Better. In support of our values and those of our society, the University is committed to not discriminating on the basis of age, color, disability, ethnicity, gender identity or expression, genetic information, marital status, military/veteran status, national origin, race, religion, creed, sex, sexual orientation, citizenship status, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local law (Protected Characteristics). This commitment extends to non-discrimination in the administration of our policies, admissions, employment, access, and recruitment of candidates, for all persons consistent with our values and based on applicable law.