Senior Manager of Finance and Administration - Princeton University

The Department of Politics at Princeton University is seeking a Senior Manager of Finance and Administration.  Politics one of the top political science departments in the U.S. and one of the largest and most intellectually-diverse political science programs in the world. Our scholars' research interests span the discipline, including American politics, comparative politics, formal theory and quantitative methods, international relations, political theory and public law. The Department of Politics includes three sub-units: the James Madison Program for American Ideals and Institutions (JMP), the Mamdouha S. Bobst Center for Peace and Justice, and the Arab Barometer.

The Senior Manager of Finance and Administration is charged with supporting the chair and faculty by executing policy and strategic direction for the department, developing and carrying out short- and long-term academic and operations planning in collaboration with the chair, and supporting critical priorities including faculty recruiting, promotions and retentions. The manager is responsible for ensuring that the faculty, students, and staff have the necessary resources to carry out their academic, research, and administrative duties. The chair establishes the academic and intellectual direction of the department, and the manager provides support for the chair’s vision. The senior manager oversees the functional areas of budget management; academic programs and student services; facilities and operations; staff supervision and performance management; and policy and compliance. The manager reports directly to the department chair, with a secondary reporting relationship to the Director of Academic Administration.

Staff supervision and oversight of sub-units

The senior manager supervises the hiring, performance reviews, merit increase process and terminations of the administrative staff, including regular staff, casual hourly employees and student employees. The manager should be knowledgeable in University policies and familiar with visa regulations, federal work study requirements, tax laws and fair labor standards. 

Academic administration

The senior manager supervises the administration of the teaching component of departmental activities, ensuring that the academic department meets all deadlines for the offices of the Dean of the Faculty, Registrar, Dean of the College, and the Graduate School. The manager may be responsible for any or all of the following duties: administration of the teaching budget; preparation of paperwork for appointments for faculty; administration of the budget for faculty leaves; submissions for faculty summer salary and annual faculty salary review; appointments of postdoctoral and professional researchers, visiting fellows and visiting students; course and enrollment information; graduate student support and graduate student teaching assignments (AIs); summer study/research programs; graduate admissions for department; course planning; and student records.

Budget and financial management

The senior manager develops the administrative budget for the academic department in collaboration with the chair. The manager is responsible for careful and appropriate use/allocation of the administrative allowance, endowed or restricted funds, and any grants or sponsored research. The manager monitors spending and provides regular and timely analysis and projections of the available funds to the chair. The manager establishes and communicates internal controls for relevant staff members in order to safeguard University assets, maintain accurate and reliable accounting information, promote operational efficiency, and ensure adherence to prescribed policies and procedures.

Communications

The manager is responsible for generating content and editing the annual department newsletter. The manager oversees the maintenance and updating of the department website, and serves as project manager for website redesign projects.

Facilities/Events Management

Oversees office moves, renovations and repairs; manages space assignments for faculty and staff and purchase of department furniture and equipment. Supervises the scheduling and logistical details for advisory council meetings, conferences, department events, seminars, workshops, lectures.

Essential Qualifications

- Bachelor's degree or equivalent, plus a minimum of 7 years relevant work experience.

- Demonstrated leadership, problem-solving, decision-making, and communications skills.
- Ability to effectively manage the resources of the department: experience in budget management, oversight of financial operations.
- Supervisory experience and ability to coach and mentor staff; values importance of diversity and inclusion
- Superior organizational skills and ability to manage multiple priorities.
- Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to communicate in a manner that is professional, objective and easily understood.
- Sensitivity to the needs and concerns of faculty, staff, and students and other members of the University community.
- Knowledge of University policies, visa regulations, federal work study requirements, tax laws and fair labor standards.

Preferred Qualifications

- Experience in university administration strongly preferred
- Knowledge and experience in conflict management and resolution
- Project management experience
- Experience in facilities management

Princeton University is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law. KNOW YOUR RIGHTS