Assistant Director of Finance and Operations

Brandeis University • Waltham, MA

26d • Hybrid

About The Position

Brandeis University is pleased to invite applications for the role of Assistant Director of Finance and Operations for the President’s Initiative on Antisemitism—a high-impact, mission-driven opportunity at a pivotal moment for higher education. Founded in 2023 in response to the rise of antisemitism on American campuses, the President’s Initiative on Antisemitism reflects Brandeis’ historic responsibility to the Jewish community and to the core values of education, inclusion, and academic leadership. The Initiative advances research, education, and leadership development to confront antisemitism across campus, K–12, and Jewish communal environments. This role offers the opportunity to serve as the operational and financial backbone of a growing Initiative with national reach—supporting complex programs, stewarding resources, and enabling the work that makes meaningful change possible. The Role Reporting to the Initiative Director, the Assistant Director of Finance and Operations manages all financial, operational, and administrative functions for the Initiative. This position plays a critical leadership role in translating vision into execution—ensuring programs are well-resourced, compliant, and delivered with excellence. A hybrid work schedule is available.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree required
• Minimum of 3–5 years of relevant experience required
• Demonstrated experience in financial management, budgeting, and administrative operations, including complex, multi-source budgets
• Strong organizational and project management skills, with the ability to manage multiple priorities and stakeholders simultaneously
• Self-directed and collaborative, with the ability to work independently in a fast-paced, evolving environment
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills
• Advanced proficiency with Microsoft Office (particularly Excel), Google Workspace, Zoom, CRM or database systems, and a demonstrated ability to learn new technologies quickly
• Proven integrity, discretion, and sound judgment in handling sensitive financial, donor, and personnel information

Nice To Haves

• Master’s degree preferred
• 5–7 years strongly preferred
• Knowledge of or strong interest in antisemitism, Jewish communal work, higher education, and/or Israel preferred; familiarity with university systems is a plus

Responsibilities

• Manage all financial operations, including preparation and oversight of complex budgets with multiple funding streams
• Develop annual budget projections for the University budget office, program-specific budgets, and detailed financial reports for internal and external stakeholders
• Oversee day-to-day fiscal activity, including accounts payable and receivable, fund transfers, credit card reconciliation, and expense tracking
• Manage contracts and financial agreements with vendors such as hotels, consultants, and travel providers
• Plan and execute logistics for Initiative programs and events, including summer institutes at Brandeis, regional institutes, days of learning, and other convenings
• Support planning and coordination of the Summer Israel Study Tour
• Partner closely with Brandeis departments and external service providers to deliver high-quality programs
• Ensure compliance with all grant and gift requirements, including spending restrictions and reporting deadlines
• Assist with preparation of grant and gift proposals in alignment with University and donor guidelines
• Coordinate with Institutional Advancement and pre- and post-award services
• Support donor stewardship activities as needed
• Hire, train, and supervise professional and student staff as the Initiative grows, with an immediate focus on recruiting a marketing and communications specialist
• Design and manage operational systems to support Initiative programs and events, including application processes, participant tracking, CRM usage, project management, and communications workflows

Benefits

• Brandeis University offers a competitive compensation and benefits package, including medical, dental, life insurance, generous retirement contributions through a 403(b) plan, and robust tuition assistance for employees, spouses, and dependents.
• Brandeis offers the opportunity to do meaningful work in service of education, community, and social responsibility.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Director