This position is based on Stanford’s main campus with consideration given to the option for a hybrid work schedule (partially onsite and offsite), subject to operational need. Interested candidates must include a resume and cover letter to be considered for this position.
Applicants must be authorized to work for any employer in the U.S. We are unable to sponsor or take over sponsorship of an employment visa.
About Us
The Stanford Doerr School of Sustainability strives to create a future when humans and nature thrive in concert and in perpetuity. The school is made up of a three-part structure to drive global impact: Our academic departments and programs educate students and create new knowledge across areas of research that are crucial for advancing the long-term prosperity of the planet and people; Institutes bridge scholarship at Stanford and beyond, bringing multiple viewpoints to bear on urgent challenges; The Sustainability Accelerator drives new policy and technology solutions through a worldwide network of partners who work with our teams to develop solutions at a global scale. The school is dedicated to creating and supporting a diverse, equitable, and inclusive environment, and to creating solutions that benefit all people, particularly those most affected by environmental damage and climate change.
For more information on the school, click here.
The Stanford Center for Ocean Solutions (COS) is an interdisciplinary program of the Stanford Woods Institute for the Environment. COS capitalizes on Stanford’s deep expertise in ocean science and in the many other disciplines crucial to solving ocean problems including engineering, computer science, political science, design, and business.
For more information about COS, click here.
Are you interested in the intersection of ocean science and policy and want to be part of building solutions for current and future ocean issues? If so, we invite you to apply as a Finance, Grants, and Operations Manager to enhance our visibility and reach within our portfolio of collaborative projects.
The Finance, Grants, and Operations Manager will manage the Center’s diverse research portfolio (sponsored, expendables, and operating) and day-to-day financial operations to ensure effective financial and budget reporting, administration, coordination, and planning across all programs to further the goals set by the Center and ensure effective reporting, coordination, and planning with the Stanford Woods Institute for the Environment. The Finance, Grants, and Operations Manager will participate in strategic evaluation of operational challenges and opportunities, including long-term funding planning across our five key initiatives including: Oceans & Food Security, Sustainable Ocean Economies, Small-scale Fisheries & Technology, Managing Ocean Risk, and Curbing Illegal Fishing and Forced Labor in the Seafood Sector. This position reports to the Deputy Director of COS with a dotted line to the Director of Finance in Woods.
Your Responsibilities will include:
- Prepare complex proposals within parameters of sponsored and non-sponsored research guidelines. Oversee and communicate submission process; resolve issues relating to proposal preparation, proposal requirements, and submission process.
- Manage overall labor schedules including time allocation of all COS staff and faculty across sponsored research grants and gift funds.
- Develop, prepare, revise, and finalize project budgets and provide budget justification; obtain cost-sharing commitment and support. Serve as liaison and active partner between principal investigators, Office of Sponsored Research, research groups, and other departments; respond to sponsor inquiries; advise on new regulations.
- Manage COS overall budgets, including developing portfolio budgets that integrate budgets across multiple grants to develop an overall funding picture for work in each initiative.
- Manage contract closeout process and audit inquiries; submit final reports and certificates.
- Interpret complex University and government policies (FAR, Cost Accounting Standards, Office of Management and Budget circular, sponsored guidelines, etc.) for project and university personnel and help guide other staff in interpreting complex policies.
- Develop and communicate reports supporting project status; create forecasting models, scenarios, and decision aides for portfolios of grants that fund overall projects; monitor and confirm allocations monthly with unit managers; ensure payroll compliance with sponsored projects.
- Preparation of annual budget under the direction of the directors at COS and the Woods Institute for the Environment; Monitoring and reporting budget variances at least quarterly, and as needed for board and committee meetings; developing and monitoring financial status for various funding streams including an operating PTA; and proposing budget improvements to directors.
- Financial oversight, reviewing and approving expenditure transactions and reimbursement requests, advising on post-award spending and commitment activity, overseeing compliance related to fund and revenue, and managing account payables and receivables.
- Serve as liaison with the research / administrative staff located at Hopkins Marine Station.
- Coordinate with the Woods Institute on HR operational matters as it relates to COS recruitment efforts, academic appointments, fellowships, etc.
- Identify and implement process improvements. Participate in and lead across campus projects. Train and advise on issues requiring specific technical expertise.
- Serve as a resource on subject area to principal investigator staff.
- Oversee and review the work of other staff. May supervise, train, and mentor other staff.
To be successful in this position, you will need:
Education & Experience:
Bachelor's degree and five years of job-related experience, or combination of education and relevant experience.
Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:
- Expert knowledge and fluency of governmental regulations (e.g. FAR, A-21, A-110, A-133, CAS).
- Knowledge and ability to understand, interpret, and communicate university policies and procedures.
- Excellent oral, written, and communication skills.
- Excellent analytical skills; demonstrated proficiency in Excel and web-based tools.
- Strong accounting skills; knowledge of accounting principles.
- Knowledge of procurement needs, including sole-sourcing, cost analyses, vendor requirements, and small business reporting.
- Strong knowledge of property management requirements related to Stanford or non-Stanford title of equipment and fabrications.
- Expert in project management, including managing international collaborations and complex multi-sub award contracts.
- Knowledge of personnel management, including proposing effort for and training and hiring of students, post-doctorals, academic appointments, regular staff, bargaining unit staff, and consultants, along with the circumstances appropriate for each type of position.
- Extreme attention to detail.
- Ability to review a proposal or manage a project with understanding of the overall scope and goal of each sponsored project.
- Excellent time management and organizational skills.
Certifications and Licenses:
- Cardinal Curriculum I and II must be completed to remain in this position.
- Certified Accountant or Auditor, MBA, project management certification, or similar credential desired.
In addition, our preferred qualifications include:
- Experience with management of distributing labor effort across multiple budgets.
- Budget development and management including organizational and project budgets.
- Development of different budget scenarios.
*Consistent with its obligations under the law, the University will provide reasonable accommodations to applicants and employees with disabilities. Applicants requiring a reasonable accommodation for any part of the application or hiring process should contact Stanford University Human Resources by submitting a contact form.
How to Apply
We invite you to apply for this position by clicking on the “Apply for Job” button.
Stanford is an equal employment opportunity and affirmative action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.
