This position is based on Stanford’s main campus with consideration given to the option for a hybrid work schedule (partially onsite and offsite), subject to operational need. Interested candidates must include a resume and cover letter to be considered for this position.

Applicants must be authorized to work for any employer in the U.S. We are unable to sponsor or take over sponsorship of an employment VISA.

About Us

The Stanford Doerr School of Sustainability has a unifying goal of creating a future in which humans and nature thrive together in concert and in perpetuity. The school's unique three-part structure consisting of departments to drive scholarship and educate students, institutes to innovate across disciplines, and an accelerator to drive policy and technology solutions reimagines how universities can contribute to the planet's sustainability. We focus on creating knowledge and scaling solutions that benefit our local community and people globally, while also creating a school community that is inclusive of all people.

For more information on the school please click here. 

We are seeking to hire a Director of Finance and Operations (DFO) for the Geophysics department. Geophysicists study Earth and planetary processes through laboratory experiments, computational and theoretical modeling, remote imaging, and direct observation. At Stanford, our teaching and research focus on understanding systems critical to the future of civilization. Students apply expertise to fundamental research sustaining life on Earth, combining underlying science with studies of Earth’s environment and resource needs. Such breadth of exposure is highly sought after and leads to careers in academia, industry, and government.

The Geophysics department has 31 faculty and staff, and approximately 60 studentsand postdoctoral scholars. The director is the primary liaison with other offices within the School and the university and also serves to represent the department and its administrative concerns as appropriate.  This position reports jointly to the Department Chair and the Senior Associate Dean for Finance and Administration.

If you are highly motivated, up for a challenge and know how to get things done, this position may be the right career opportunity for you!

Your Responsibilities will include*:  

General Administration

Responsible for the accuracy and integrity of the department’s business processes and practices, and their consistency with University and School policies and guidelines.

Financial Management

Direct all fiscal operations for the department, including:

• Development of budget plans and resource allocation in response to departmental needs and goals.
• Oversee day-to-day financial management of individual accounts and transactions, ensuring that all relevant regulations and policies are adhered to, appropriate cost controls are in place and necessary records are maintained.

Personnel Administration

• Responsible for all departmental personnel activities, including:
• Manage departmental administrative staff and/or acts as administrative supervisor in cases where administrative staff report directly to faculty.
• Work closely with School Human Resources and central offices in administering various personnel functions.
• Oversee personnel transactions for faculty, staff, students, post docs and others.
• Provide administrative support for faculty recruitment, appointment and promotion procedures.

Research Administration

• Manage proposal development and submittal process; supervise the staff who work closely with the PI and OSR to ensure that agency requirements and university policies are adhered to.
• Oversee post-award processing and awards management, working closely with OSR, the PI and other relevant entities. Establish mechanisms whereby projects are managed effectively from award through project close-out, including all necessary financial reporting.

Student Services

Supervise the Student Services Officer, and provide day-to-day oversight, ensuring that effective support is provided to the department’s students and academic program. This includes oversight of: admissions, allocation of financial aid, and coordination of teaching program (courses and degrees, time schedule, etc.), and services to graduate students.

Facilities and Property

• Responsible for space planning and allocation for all faculty, staff and students.
• Ensure appropriate maintenance of all department facilities and equipment

• Serve as the department representative on all facilities and renovation projects
• Oversee and coordinate faculty and staff moves within departmental facilities
• Maintain/manage current department space and equipment inventories.

* - Other duties may also be assigned

To be successful in this position, you will need:

Education & Experience:

Bachelor’s degree and five years of relevant experience in administrative and financial management, or combination of education and relevant experience.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

• Demonstrated leadership and supervisory skills including conflict resolution. Excellent planning and organizational skills. Excellent communication skills.
• Strong financial expertise in accounting, budget planning and financial forecasting.
• Ability to work well with all Stanford colleagues
• Demonstrated ability to establish credibility and trust with diverse groups, including faculty, staff and students
• Strong expertise in grants and contract administration.
• Strong interpersonal skills.
• Attention to detail and accuracy.
• Strong analytical and problem solving skills.
• Strong skills with Microsoft Office suite
• Strong knowledge of industry standards and/or regulatory requirements.
• Subject matter expertise for area(s) of responsibility.
• Ability to multi-task and manage deadlines.

*- Consistent with its obligations under the law, the University will provide reasonable accommodation to any employee with a disability who requires accommodation to perform the essential functions of the job.

The expected pay range for this position is $140,000 to $175,000 per annum.

Stanford University provides pay ranges representing its good faith estimate of what the university reasonably expects to pay for a position. The pay offered to a selected candidate will be determined based on factors such as (but not limited to) the scope and responsibilities of the position, the qualifications of the selected candidate, departmental budget availability, internal equity, geographic location and external market pay for comparable jobs.

Why Stanford is for you:

Imagine a world without search engines or social platforms. Consider lives saved through first-ever organ transplants and research to cure illnesses. Stanford University has revolutionized the way we live and enrich the world. Supporting this mission is our diverse and dedicated 17,000 staff. We seek talent driven to impact the future of our legacy. Our culture and unique perks empower you with:

• Freedom to grow. We offer career development programs, tuition reimbursement, or audit a course. Join a TedTalk, film screening, or listen to a renowned author or global leader speak.
• A caring culture. We provide superb retirement plans, generous time-off, and family care resources.
• A healthier you. Climb our rock wall, or choose from hundreds of health or fitness classes at our world-class exercise facilities. We also provide excellent health care benefits.
• Discovery and fun. Stroll through historic sculptures, trails, and museums.
• Enviable resources. Enjoy free commuter programs, ridesharing incentives, discounts and more!

How to Apply

We invite you to apply for this position by clicking on the “Apply for Job” button.

Stanford is an equal employment opportunity and affirmative action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law. Stanford welcomes applications from all who would bring additional dimensions to the University’s research, teaching and clinical missions.

The job duties listed are typical examples of work performed by positions in this job classification and are not designed to contain or be interpreted as a comprehensive inventory of all duties, tasks, and responsibilities. Specific duties and responsibilities may vary depending on department or program needs without changing the general nature and scope of the job or level of responsibility. Employees may also perform other duties as assigned.

Consistent with its obligations under the law, the University will provide reasonable accommodation to any employee with a disability who requires accommodation to perform the essential functions of his or her job.

Stanford is an equal employment opportunity and affirmative action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.