Senior Director of Finance - Stanford University

Another Source • Palo Alto, CA

1d • Hybrid

About The Position

Stanford University is seeking a Senior Director of Finance to support the Office of the Vice Provost and Dean of Research (VPDoR). This high-visibility leadership role oversees financial strategy, planning, and operations across a ~$325M portfolio of 20+ labs, institutes, and research centers. The Senior Director will partner with senior leadership, lead a finance team of 3, and help shape the future of research at Stanford. This is a hybrid role, with an expectation of working onsite three days per week. The Senior Director will lead the financial planning and management for the independent labs, institutes and centers and research administrative and compliance offices within the VPDoR. Under the direction of the Senior Associate Dean and working alongside three senior financial analysts on the team and finance leads across 20 units, the senior director develops and manages long-range budget plans that inform strategic decision-making, oversees the annual financial cycle that underpins the fiscal health of a growing and evolving organization, and facilitates compliance of financial processes and systems in accordance with university and federal policies. The ideal candidate builds strong teams and mentor talents; collaborates across function to align financial goals; translates complex data into actional insights; tell the “stories behind the numbers”; leverages automation to improve processes and reporting accuracy; identifies and mitigates financial risks; and moves beyond backward-looking reporting to influencing long-term strategy.

Requirements

• Master’s degree and at least eight (8) years of relevant experience, or a combination of education and experience
• Demonstrated leadership experience, including building and developing high-performing teams
• Strong background in financial planning, modeling, and analysis within complex organizations
• Advanced knowledge of financial systems (e.g., Oracle or similar platforms) and Microsoft Office Suite
• Deep understanding of financial principles, internal controls, and compliance requirements
• Exceptional communication skills, with the ability to present complex information to diverse audiences
• Proven ability to influence senior leadership and contribute to strategic decision-making
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with attention to detail and accuracy
• Experience managing multiple priorities in a fast-paced, evolving environment
• Ability to interpret complex policies and serve as a trusted advisor to stakeholders

Nice To Haves

• Supervisory experience in large, matrixed organizations
• CFA or CPA certification

Responsibilities

• Design, establish, and maintain an organizational structure and staffing to effectively accomplish the organization's goals and objectives; oversee recruitment, training, supervision, and evaluation of staff.
• Lead, execute and communicate operational and long range budgets, forecasting and strategy; direct business operation and administration functions; may manage oversight of post award sponsored research administration and services.
• Identify and resolve strategic problems that affect the overall functioning beyond the immediate school/unit that have potential university wide impact.
• Make strategic decisions using complex, comprehensive analyses, high level financial modeling; provide information and context to leadership to support senior leadership decisions.
• Provide strategy, vision and direction that have wide scope and impact, make recommendations, influence issues related to university finance and accounting policy.
• Partner to design and establish appropriate programs to provide a strong system of internal controls to protect and steward university resources.
• Partner across the university to determine new and ongoing business and technology initiatives.
• Direct high-visibility process redesign and innovation projects; champion major initiatives and develop and drive implementation of project initiatives.
• Represent the school/unit at the university level and to external constituencies.

Benefits

• Robust retirement plans and generous time-off policies
• Access to world-class health and wellness resources, including fitness facilities and programs
• Tuition reimbursement and lifelong learning opportunities
• Cultural, educational, and community engagement experiences across campus
• Commuter programs, discounts, and additional perks

What This Job Offers

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