Lead Business Administrator, STELLAR

University of Rochester•Rochester, NY

2d•$86,900 - $130,300•Onsite

About The Position

As a community, the University of Rochester is defined by a deep commitment to Meliora - Ever Better. Embedded in that ideal are the values we share: equity, leadership, integrity, openness, respect, and accountability. Together, we will set the highest standards for how we treat each other to ensure our community is welcoming to all and is a place where all can thrive. Manages the daily administrative and business operations of the NSF STELLAR Engine, a multi-sector regional innovation initiative focused on advancing laser technologies and growing the Rochester/Finger Lakes innovation ecosystem. Serves as the lead administrator for financial, operational, compliance, and human resource activities across a complex network of university, industry, government, and community partners. Develops and implements administrative and financial systems, policies, and processes to support Engine objectives, reporting requirements, workforce development activities, and strategic growth. Oversees a large portfolio of federal funding, subawards, and collaborative investments while ensuring compliance with NSF, University, and partner requirements.

Requirements

Bachelor's degree and 7 years of related experience required
Proven experience in managing complex budgets and financial strategies required
Strong strategic thinking and leadership skills, with the ability to influence and drive change across the organization required
Excellent communication and relationship-building abilities required
Advanced knowledge of Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint) required

Nice To Haves

Equivalent combination of education and experience
Understanding of the unique challenges of administration in a university and/or healthcare setting preferred

Responsibilities

Leads financial administration of the NSF STELLAR Engine, including management of the federal NSF award, partner subawards, contracts, cost-share commitments, and other funding sources.
Directs and manages financial reporting, cost accounting, budget development, forecasting, and expenditure analysis across Engine programs and activities.
Prepares quarterly and annual financial reports, consolidated spending plans, and executive-level analyses for Engine leadership, governance committees, and funding agencies.
Monitors budget performance, identifies risks and variances, develops corrective action plans, and ensures compliance with NSF, University, and partner financial requirements.
Sets and implements administrative policies, procedures, and operational frameworks for the NSF STELLAR Engine, ensuring all administrative functions support the project's strategic objectives as well as the University of Rochester's mission and goals.
Prepares and analyzes reports, identifying areas for improvement and recommending solutions.
Oversees compliance with NSF award terms, University policies, reporting requirements, partnership agreements, and other applicable requirements.
Manages and coordinates administrative support for industry partnerships, external consultants, collaborative initiatives, and other key stakeholders across the Engine ecosystem.
Provides leadership, supervision, and coaching to administrative and project staff supporting the Engine.
Manages HR needs of the team, including but not limited to recruitment, onboarding, training, performance management, and personnel actions.
Promotes a collaborative, high-performing environment across multidisciplinary teams and supports workforce development initiatives that contribute to the Engine's regional innovation mission.
Provides strategic leadership in the development, implementation, and continuous improvement of comprehensive administrative, operational, and financial policies, procedures, and systems across the organization.
Serves as a key advisor to the STELLAR Engine CEO, leadership team, principal investigators, governing board, and other stakeholders on administrative, operational, and organizational matters.
Offers analysis, recommendations, and implementation support for strategic initiatives, growth opportunities, sustainability planning, and process improvement efforts, ensuring administrative operations align with the Engine's long-term vision, performance objectives, and organizational priorities.
Leads complex cross-functional initiatives involving university units, industry partners, government agencies, workforce development organizations, and community stakeholders.
Coordinates administrative activities supporting research translation, technology commercialization, workforce development, ecosystem-building, and stakeholder engagement efforts.
Manages special projects and facilitates collaboration across the STELLAR Engine network.
Represents the STELLAR Engine on internal and external committees, working groups, advisory meetings, and special initiatives.
Supports governance activities, strategic planning efforts, NSF site visits, partner meetings, and other activities that advance the Engine's mission and objectives.
Performs other duties and special assignments in support of the STELLAR Engine and University objectives.