Sr. Business Administrator, Center of Excellence in Data Science and Artificial Intelligence

University of Rochester • Rochester, NY

1d • $70,600 - $105,800 • 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.

Under the general direction of the Director, and with considerable latitude for independent judgment, this position is responsible for managing the fiscal, administrative and personnel aspects of the Center of Excellence in Data Science and Artificial Intelligence (CoE-DSAI). Specific responsibilities include developing management information/financial analyses for the Director for strategic planning, professional budget, space allocations, staffing and equipment utilization. Additional responsibilities include preparing project budgets for extramural grant activities with the Director or other faculty PIs and/or department administrators as well as monitoring and reporting the associated budget activities. This includes managing the operational aspects of a university-wide center housed in the Goergen Institute for Data Science and Artificial Intelligence and the Hajim School of Engineering and Applied Sciences, as well as supporting the NYS contract agreement that primarily funds the CoE. This position acts as liaison for financial information with the CoE and the Center’s sponsor(s), the Schools Departments with funded projects, the Hajim School Dean’s Office and administrative and research personnel at outside institutions with CoE-funded projects.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree and 5 years of relevant experience required
• Or equivalent combination of education and experience
• Excellent problem-solving and decision-making skills required
• Advanced financial management skills, including experience with budget development and analysis required
• Strong analytical skills and proficiency in financial management software required
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills required

Nice To Haves

• Experience in a university or healthcare setting preferred

Responsibilities

• Develop and control salary and operating budgets pertaining to CoE including the training of staff in developing budgets. Evaluate and approve staff personnel forms including changes in distribution and annual raises.
• Develop analyses of budget data requested by Director, Dean's Financial Office or funding agency including budget exceptions, trends and variance reporting.
• Oversee all accounting and purchasing functions for NYSTAR (Division of Science, Technology and Innovation within Empire State Development (ESD)) management account and additional Federal program accounts to ensure compliance with contract including reconciliation, problem resolution, analysis of expenditure trends relative to budgets and review/approve invoices. Review monthly ledgers and direct resolution of discrepancies attributed to incorrect entries, etc.
• Respond to intermittent requests for department ledger budget information and orchestrate annual zero/low balance account close out in order for accounts to meet GL/SL account purge eligibility.
• Plan and direct administrative and programmatic support for CoE activities in order to effectively manage available resources (personnel, space, supplies, computers/network and office equipment).
• Direct annual CoE events and production of an annual report and associated publicity materials.
• Produce semiannual Progress & Reimbursement Request reports for active NYS contracts as required and annual progress reports for expired contracts through specified end date. Manage annual economic impact reporting to ESD.
• Facilitate RFP process for CoE funding programs. Track project submissions, perform due diligence on project and budget documents in advance of committee review, organize review committee meetings and ranking results and issue award/no award letters to faculty and department administrators.
• Support all the paperwork and processes for the CoE internship program.
• Respond to annual requests for University annual reports, ASEE/USN&WR survey from the Dean’s Office and information for annual lobbying filing prepared by University Government and Community Relations.
• Maintain good working relationship with CoE’s designated ESD/NYSTAR and other sponsored research contacts as well as internal and external faculty/departments associated with CoE partners. Participate in sponsor hosted meetings, webinars as required.
• Develop project budgets for extramural activities with the CoE Director or other faculty as PI.
• Control and report the associated budget activities from beginning of contract/award through renewal(s) and close out.
• Review monthly ledgers and direct resolution of discrepancies attributed to incorrect entries, etc.
• Plan and direct the administrative and programmatic support for research activities in order to effectively manage existing resources (personnel, space, supplies, computers, and office equipment).
• Maintain CLASP (Continuous Learning for Administrators of Sponsored Programs) certification by complying with annual program requirements.
• Advise CoE staff and student employees on all aspects of University policies, procedures and personnel administration including supervision, evaluation, progressive discipline, termination, employee rights and privileges, sick leave, vacation and benefits.
• Manage recruitment of staff and student employees with HR and Student Employment Office and maintain complete and accurate personnel records for staff.
• Resolve personnel administration problems.
• Develop requests for new positions and reclassification as appropriate, determine staffing needs. Prepare salary recommendations and monitor staff compensation levels to ensure equity.
• Perform performance evaluations for CoE support staff and students.
• Determine appropriate training needs/opportunities with staff members and pursue cost-effective ways to provide training opportunities.
• Attend meetings and report pertinent information, updates, policy changes, etc. to CoE management and staff. Meetings include: River Campus Administrators Group, (RCAG), College Administrators Meeting, Hajim School Administrators Meeting, CLASP meetings, and IORA meetings.
• Direct specific projects as requested by the Director.
• Participate in daily problem solving of CoE operational issues.
• Ensure Center staff and student employees comply with URochester policies and procedures.
• Represent the Center as required.
• Other duties as assigned.

Benefits

• The University of Rochester is committed to fostering, cultivating, and preserving an inclusive and welcoming culture to advance the University’s Mission to Learn, Discover, Heal, Create – and Make the World Ever Better. In support of our values and those of our society, the University is committed to not discriminating on the basis of age, color, disability, ethnicity, gender identity or expression, genetic information, marital status, military/veteran status, national origin, race, religion, creed, sex, sexual orientation, citizenship status, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local law (Protected Characteristics). This commitment extends to non-discrimination in the administration of our policies, admissions, employment, access, and recruitment of candidates, for all persons consistent with our values and based on applicable law.

What This Job Offers

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