Job Description Summary
The Director of Administrative Services is responsible for the day-to-day management of the Institute of Physical Science and Technology (IPST), an interdisciplinary research institute in the College of Computer, Mathematical, and Natural Sciences (CMNS). The Director provides leadership in administrative operations, human resources, budget planning, and compliance, supporting the Institute’s research and educational mission. This position oversees annual funding of approximately $3.7M in state funds, $166K in DRIF, and $3.4M in self-support operations, and serves as liaison to the College and campus administrative offices including Human Resources, Procurement, Sponsored Programs Accounting and Compliance (SPAC), and Payroll services to ensure compliance with University, State, and Federal policies.
Working closely with the Institute Director, faculty, and University administrators, the Director supports initiatives that advance IPST’s mission, including the development of new PhD programs, faculty-sponsored domestic and international research activities, facility and IT infrastructure upgrades, and planning for new buildings and equipment acquisitions. This role leads short- term and long-term financial initiatives, ensuring that fiscal plans and projections are viable within available funding and advising on cost-saving measures when appropriate. The Director also provides policy interpretation and guidance to ensure alignment with University standards and best practices, represents IPST in campus policy and administrative discussions, delivers financial and policy updates to the IPST Faculty Assembly on a semiannual basis, and serves on behalf of the Institute Director when needed.
This position is also responsible for preparing and submitting required reports and documentation to the College and University, including annual reports of Institute activities, sponsored activity proposals, external review materials, and compliance reports.
Minimum Qualifications
Education: Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university.
Experience: Ten (10) years of professional experience managing business operations. Five (5) years of experience supervising or managing professional staff. Knowledge of human resources policies and procedures, and federal, state, and other applicable human resources related laws, rules, regulations, and ordinances.
Knowledge of business acumen to understand key business drivers, organizational communications, and data.
Knowledge of organizational and unit performances measures.
Knowledge of the impact and implications of decisions on leadership objectives.
Skill in oral and written communication.
Skill in data analytics and negotiation.
Skill in the use of Microsoft Office products.
Ability to research information and analyze/synthesize complex data and information to create reports and presentations with valid conclusions derived from various sources.
Ability to exercise independent judgment and discretion.
Ability to develop and administer new policies and procedures.
Ability to interpret and apply policies, procedures, regulations, and laws.
Additional Job Details
Required Application Materials: resume/CV, List of three professional references
Best Consideration Date: 09/30/2025
Posting Close Date: open until filled
Open Until Filled: Yes
Job Risks
Not Applicable to This Position
Financial Disclosure Required
Yes
For more information on Financial Disclosure, please visit Maryland's State Ethics Commission website.
Department
CMNS-Inst for Physical Science & Technology
Worker Sub-Type
Staff Regular
Salary Range
$134,800 – $161,760
For more information on Regular Exempt benefits, select this link.
Background Checks
Offers of employment are contingent on completion of a background check. Information reported by the background check will not automatically disqualify anyone from employment. Before any adverse decision, the finalist will have an opportunity to provide information to the University regardingdisclosablebackground check information. The University reserves the right to rescind the offer of employment or otherwise decline or terminate employment if the information reported by the background check is deemed incompatible with the position, regardless of when the background check is completed.
Employment Eligibility
The successful candidate must complete employment eligibility verification (on Form I-9) by presenting documents that establish identity and work authorization within the timeframe required by federal immigration law, and where applicable, to demonstrate renewed employment authorization. Failure to complete employment eligibility verification or reverification within the timeframe set forth by law may result in suspension or termination of employment.
EEO Statement
The University of Maryland, College Park is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive equal consideration for employment. Please read the University’s Equal Employment Opportunity Statement of Policy.
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