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Provost Office of Research

About the Department

The UChicago Office of Research serves as a central hub for research development, infrastructure support and compliance across the entire University. This includes services for research administration, safety, and computing, as well as comprehensive support for research development for bold new initiatives from pilot projects to large-scale inter-institutional proposals.

The Office of Research broadens the UChicago research enterprise by establishing research partnerships through joint appointments of researchers from affiliated labs through the Consortium for Advanced Science and Engineering (UChicago CASE) and coordinating with the UChicagoOffice of Science and Innovation.

The Vice Provost for Research (VPR) oversees the Office of Research and works closely with University leadership to shape and undergird strategic objectives to enable UChicago faculty to scale their scholarship and discoveries beyond the University.

Job Summary

The Director of Administration and Operations will play a pivotal role in advancing the strategic objectives for the entire Office of Research and the University by managing all facets of financial operations and providing expert guidance on financial strategy to Unit leaders and the VPR. This position is responsible for creating and implementing disciplined financial processes, including internal controls and risk management practices, to ensure operational efficiency and compliance with governmental regulations and US GAAP standards.

Key responsibilities include leading budget development and management, financial due diligence, overseeing accounting procedures, and ensuring the timely and accurate preparation of financial statements and reports. The Director will analyze financial data to optimize expenses and enhance revenue generation, while also acting as a consultant to senior unit leadership on key strategic initiatives.

Collaboration with various internal stakeholders, including Office of Research Unit Leaders, the Budget Office and Financial Services, is essential for effective budget creation and allocation. The role also encompasses oversight of facilities management and procurement activities, ensuring compliance with relevant policies. The ideal candidate will possess strong communication skills, exceptional attention to detail, and the ability to thrive in a fast-paced environment, while maintaining a positive, service-oriented attitude. This position may require flexibility in working hours to meet critical deadlines.

Responsibilities

Manages all financial activities, including financial analysis and reporting, financial planning, projections, budget development and management, accounting, accounts receivable/payable, and procurement.

Leads the development and analysis of monthly, quarterly, and annual financial planning cycles including budget, forecast, and year-end reports and submissions in compliance with governmental, regulatory agencies, and US GAAPs pronouncements.

Create a disciplined, process-oriented finance operation (including internal controls and risk management practices).

Lead the financial based due diligence. Oversee all accounting procedures and systems used. Promote a culture of high performance and continuous improvement.

Analyze budget estimates and proposals for completeness, accuracy, and conformance with established procedures, regulations, and department objectives.

Provide financial and operational consulting services to the senior leadership on key strategic initiatives by utilizing data collection, metrics, reports and other analytical applications.

Implements, improves, and oversees unit-wide operational efficiency, strengthens internal ontrols, and enhances the utilization of systems.

Conducts quantitative and qualitative analyses to monitor and manage expense optimization by identifying market drivers, enhance strategies, or improve revenue generation.

Serve as an experienced liaison by meeting with unit leaders to develop budget proposals, provide guidance for proposal development, and assist with complex calculations, as needed. Consolidate unit proposals for central University submission.

Contribute to the achievement of Research and University objectives by providing advice and guidance on financial strategy.

Develop and lead the implementation of change management initiatives (such as shared services outsourcing, FST, COA, etc.) and University-wide projects.

Oversees unit-wide compliance and adherence to procurement policies, fund and grant management, program execution and overall revenue generation stewardship.

Oversees facilities management, including renovations, moves, maintenance and ongoing facilities operations. Manages development of all contracts, including those with vendors and other institutions.

Manages space, facilities, and equipment, including renovations, moves, maintenance and ongoing facilities operations.

Devel