Director, Administration & Finance

MIT • Cambridge, MA

1d

About The Position

The Director of Administration and Finance (DAF) for the Center for International Studies (CIS) provides strategic and operational leadership for a portfolio of complex programs. The DAF balances program operational needs and oversees financial management, human resources, and operational planning. The Director partners with faculty leadership to support academic initiatives, public programs, and long-range planning while ensuring effective operations and compliance with institutional policies and sponsor requirements. Occasional evening work for events and academic programming may be required.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree.
• A minimum of seven years of progressively responsible experience in academic administration, operations, finance, or research administration in higher education or a similarly complex environment.
• Experience managing budgets, HR processes, and academic administration.
• Strong analytical, organizational, and leadership skills.
• Demonstrated experience supervising, developing, and managing staff.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities and complex organizational relationships.
• Proficiency with financial and HR systems.
• Ability to handle confidential information and issues with discretion and judgment.

Nice To Haves

• Advanced degree and experience supporting academic or research units in higher education.
• Experience with MIT’s financial, human resources, and operational systems, such as SAP, Brio Query/Cognos, COEUS, KC, and Atlas.
• Experience managing interdisciplinary initiatives and event programming.

Responsibilities

• Provide strategic and operational leadership for a portfolio of complex programs.
• Balance program operational needs and oversee financial management, human resources, and operational planning.
• Partner with faculty leadership to support academic initiatives, public programs, and long-range planning.
• Ensure effective operations and compliance with institutional policies and sponsor requirements.
• Supervise, develop, and manage staff.
• Manage budgets, HR processes, and academic administration.

What This Job Offers

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