Director, ARL Business Operations

Penn State University • University Park, IL

16h • $109,300 - $164,000 • Onsite

About The Position

The Pennsylvania State University is one of the leading research universities in the nation with an overall annual revenue of over $10 billion and over $1.3 billion in annual research expenditures. Penn State's Applied Research Laboratory (ARL) generates approximately $500M in annual revenue, and employs 1,700 staff. As a UARC (University Affiliated Research Center), ARL conducts defense-related research, development, and systems engineering on behalf of the U.S. Navy and other federal government customers. ARL conducts essential research, development, and systems engineering in support of our nation’s priorities, free from conflict of interest or competition with industry. ARL supports national security, economic competitiveness, and quality of life through education, scientific discovery, technology demonstration, and transition to application. The Director, ARL Business Operations is a key member of the Laboratory’s leadership team. Reporting to the ARL Chief Financial Officer, the Director of Business Operations will provide vision and leadership for developing and implementing business services solutions that align with the mission of ARL and the University. You will have overall responsibility for a staff of over 90 employees providing proposal development, contract negotiation and administration, subcontracts, procurement, property inventory, program finance, financial planning, accounting systems, accounts payable/receivable, contract closeouts, and travel/labor accounting. You will also oversee the continuous development of business functions, including: Financial management, reporting, and budgeting; business intelligence and internal control systems to ensure compliance with university policies and federal regulations; financial cost recording for audit compliance; business related policies, procedures, and processes; and system requirements to support future reporting enhancements.

Requirements

• Minimum of approximately ten years of proven success in a senior-level business management position of a large organization
• Considerable knowledge of and experience with business theory, processes, management, budgeting, and office operations
• Extensive experience in strategic planning and execution
• Knowledge of information technology business systems and federal contracting laws/regulations
• Detailed knowledge of contract management and compliance
• Project management proficiency
• Financial acumen in U.S. Generally Accepted Accounting Principles and budget development
• Experience implementing human resource management principles, practices, and procedures
• Proven leadership in guiding teams through complex business challenges and process improvements
• Success in various office environments, where flexible forms of communication, leadership, negotiation, and organizational skills are crucial to be an effective leader
• Proven experience with implementation and improvement of processes related to the development and submission of annual financial budgets
• Executive presence, with experience presenting to large groups and high-level stakeholders
• Personal characteristics of high energy and integrity, sound decision making, problem-solving and judgment, and a commitment to the success of the ARL mission
• Previous experience in a defense-related business environment with familiarity of federal contract management and accounting
• Detailed knowledge of Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) Cost Accounting Principles and 2 CFR Part 200 Uniform Guidance cost principles for educational institutions
• Willingness and ability to obtain and maintain a Top Secret and Sensitive Compartmented Information (SCI) government security clearance, including a government administered polygraph examination
• Bachelor's Degree
• 10+ years of relevant experience, includes 5+ years of supervisory experience; or an equivalent combination of education and experience accepted
• You must be a U.S. citizen to apply.

Nice To Haves

• Master’s degree in business, accounting, finance or related field
• Current eligibility for access to classified information at the Secret level or higher; you will be subject to a government background investigation to upgrade clearance eligibility to Top Secret and Sensitive Compartmented Information (SCI), including a government administered polygraph examination

Responsibilities

• Strategy, Planning, and Financial Management: Collaborate with ARL senior leadership to provide financial and contractual management solutions in support of the ARL research mission. Engage in strategic and operational governance, business planning, and innovation initiatives. Participate in strategic and operational business planning, researching current business trends, fostering innovation, and prioritizing and driving initiatives. Build relationships with government representatives responsible for UARC oversight and internal cost controls. Foster strategic relationships between internal and external entities. Assist in business planning to achieve ARL goals, prioritize initiatives, and evaluate business systems. Maintain an efficient organizational structure to support research sponsor needs. Stay current on emerging and changing federal regulations impacting ARL contracts and financial management.
• Operational Management: Lead and manage the ARL Business Services Organization to support the ARL research mission in alignment with ARL and University policies and procedures. Support the ARL CFO in financial management, including budgeting, performance, compliance, and internal controls. Establish departmental goals, objectives, and operating procedures for business services, including assessments and improvements. Oversee staff recruitment and retention, training and development, and performance management of all business services staff in accordance with ARL budgetary objectives and personnel policies. Grow, train, mentor, and maintain a business services workforce consistent with the organization’s goals and objectives. Ensure quality delivery of business services, monitor performance, and adjust as needed. Define and communicate strategies, plans, policies, and standards for business services. Demonstrate awareness of broad management trends, evaluate policy impacts, and adjust operations accordingly. Apply management principles to ensure optimal performance across the organization. Review, prioritize, monitor, and control business projects. Develop, implement, and monitor a comprehensive and compliant business services program aligned with federal and University standards and industry best-practices. Research current business trends and issues. Coordinate stakeholder consultations for new technology implementations.

Benefits

• Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage
• Robust retirement plans
• Substantial paid time off which includes holidays, vacation and sick time
• Generous 75% tuition discount, available to employees as well as eligible spouses and children

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Director
• Number of Employees: 5,001-10,000 employees