Job Description

Overview

The UC Santa Cruz is centralizing the institution's financial research administration function (previously a divisional model). We are recruiting for a leader to shape and develop the new centralized team. The Executive Director should have strong subject matter expertise in executing postaward activities and financial policy, and experience and interest in change management, organizational design, process optimization, and team building. Preference for this position will be given to applicants who can work a hybrid schedule.

This position may be considered for hybrid or remote work, subject to the terms of a telecommuting agreement and dependent on the needs of OR leadership and the research community. The employee is responsible for ensuring a worksite environment suitable for accomplishing regular duties during scheduled hours and, if applicable, arranging for dependent care just as they would if working in person at a UCSC worksite. The position requires periodic presence on campus for meetings, events, and other in-person responsibilities. Candidates should be able to commute to campus as required. The position is subject to the terms of a telecommuting agreement.

How to Apply

For full consideration, applicants should attach their resume and cover letter when applying for a job opening. For guidance related to the application process or if you are experiencing difficulties when applying, please review the Applicant Resources on our website.

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INITIAL REVIEW DATE (IRD)

UC Santa Cruz jobs are posted until filled. All application materials submitted by 11:59 pm on the IRD will be routed to the hiring team for consideration. NOTE: Applicants who miss the IRD are still encouraged to apply; their materials will still be forwarded for consideration if requested by the hiring team. Application materials cannot be accepted outside of the jobs portal. Applications cannot be edited on an applicant's behalf. For more information about the IRD and the applicant review process, view this link.

IRD for this job: 10/27/2025

About UC Santa Cruz

UC Santa Cruz is a public university like no other in California, combining the experience of a small, liberal arts college with the depth and rigor of a major research university. It is known for its playful, bold spirit and a campus renowned as among the most beautiful in the world.

Department Overview

The Office of Research has primary responsibility for research policy, planning and administration of the UC Santa Cruz Research enterprise. The Office supports the research community through six units: the Office of Sponsored Projects, Research Development, Office of Research Compliance Administration, Research Financial Services, Innovation and Business Engagement, and the Office of Research Business & Operations.

Job Summary

The Executive Director of Research Financial Services oversees the team responsible for managing the comprehensive financial portfolios of UC Santa Cruz researchers for the Academic Divisions, including extramural funded contracts, grants, and sub-awards, as well as start-up and gift funds. The Executive Director ensures compliance with federal and state regulations, sponsor requirements, and university policies. This role ensures comprehensive fiduciary compliance and achievement of campus goals related to research and financial management. Responsibilities include establishing objectives and work plans, delegating to supervisors and staff, mentoring a team of financial research administration professionals, and developing policies governing postaward administration in collaboration with campus leaders. This position serves as the campus expert for complex policy and award terms and trains staff and Principal Investigators to interpret award terms, manage project changes, and ensure compliance. Works with academic divisional leaders to develop and maintain processes (HR, start-up, gift administration) that support efficient postaward management and compliance. Addresses and resolves complex sponsored award management issues.

Appointment Information

Budgeted Salary: $170,000 - $185,000/year. Salary commensurate with skills, qualifications and experience.

Under California law, the University of California, Santa Cruz is required to post a reasonable estimate of the compensation for this role. The salary shown above is the budgeted amount the University reasonably expects to pay and the salary extended should not exceed this posted amount.

Benefits Level Eligibility: Full benefits

Schedule Information:

• Full-time, Fixed
• Percentage of Time: 100%, 40 Hours per Week
• Days of the Week: Mon-Fri
• Shift Includes: Day

Employee Classification: Career appointment

Job End Date: None

Work Location: UC Santa Cruz Main Campus

Union Representation: Non-Represented

Job Code Classification: 000382 (CONTRACTS AND GRANTS MGR 2) - Grade 26

Travel: Never or Rarely

Job Duties

• 60% - Management and Leadership: Responsible for organizational planning and coordination of team work plans; manage and mentor direct reports; hire staff and recommend salary actions; provide ongoing feedback and performance evaluations; identify and resolve financial policy issues; manage escalations related to award management; communicate with OR leadership; participate in the OR leadership team; provide fiscal counsel to Principal Investigators; contribute to metrics and process improvements.
• 30% - Policy and Process Development: Make policy recommendations; develop SOPs for campus research financial management; coordinate with academic divisional leadership; implement ideas for more effective processes.
• 10% - Training: Deliver trainings and develop content for education workshops on financial research administration; provide guidance and training to unit staff; serve as campus-wide subject matter expert.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree and/or equivalent experience and/or training.
• Extensive experience interpreting and applying GAAP, federal regulations, sponsor policies, and university policies governing sponsored research (including Uniform Guidance 2 C.F.R. Part 200, FAR, CFR).
• Proven experience supervising, mentoring, training and evaluating professional staff.
• Experience managing a complex, high-volume portfolio with funds management, budgeting, and alignment with award terms and policies.
• Strong knowledge of best practices in a university environment and grant management.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills.
• Sound judgment, critical thinking, and problem solving.
• Experience in organizational development, strategic planning, change management, and team priority-setting.
• Ability to develop unit-wide plans and policies to improve postaward operations and resolve complex compliance or fiscal issues.
• Ability to perform highly complex financial analysis and customized reporting.

Preferred Qualifications

• Advanced degree in related area.
• Experience developing and/or implementing strategic/project-centric approaches for management of complex awards (e.g., program projects, center grants, clinical trials, multi-site awards).

Special Conditions of Employment

• Selected candidate must pass a pre-employment criminal history background check.
• Selected candidate must pass the employment misconduct disclosure process.
• Ability to work long periods at a computer; hybrid work schedule and telecommuting requirements.
• Complete required training including UC compliance training.
• COVID-19 Vaccination Policy compliance or approved exception/deferral within eight weeks of hire.
• Maintain discretion with sensitive information and follow data protection and privacy policies.

Misconduct Disclosure Requirement

As a condition of employment, the final candidate will be required to disclose certain misconduct-related administrative or judicial decisions within the last seven years.

• Misconduct includes violations of policies or laws prohibiting harassment, discrimination, or unethical conduct. See UC policies for Sexual Violence and Harassment, Anti-Discrimination, and Abusive Conduct in the Workplace.

Safety Statement

All UCSC employees must follow job safety procedures, attend required safety training, promote safety, and report accidents or injuries.

Notice of Availability

In compliance with the Clery Act, the Annual Security and Fire Safety Report is available at:

The report is published by October 1 each year and includes campus safety policies and crime/fire statistics. A paper copy is available on request.

EEO/AA

The University of California is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, age, protected veteran status or other protected categories. It is the policy to undertake affirmative action and anti-discrimination efforts, consistent with obligations as a Federal and State contractor.

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