Chief Financial Officer, Office of Research

Position Number: 40035187

Payroll Title: EXEC ADVISOR MGR 1 (005955)

Job Code: 005955

Job Open Date: 9/2/26

Application Review Begins: 9/18/26

Department Code (Name): RESD (VICE CHANCELLOR OF RESEARCH)

Percentage of Time: 100

Union Code (Name): 99-Non-Represented

Employee Class (Appointment Type): Staff: Career

FLSA Status: Exempt

Classified Indicator Description (Personnel Program): MSP

Salary Grade: Grade 27

Pay Rate/Range: The salary range that the University expects to pay for this position is $160,000 to $200,000 year. Salary offers are determined based on final candidate qualifications and experience; the budget for the position; and the application of fair, equitable, and consistent pay practices at the University. The full salary range for this position is $136,600 to $267,600/year.

Work Location: Cheadle Hall - 3227

Working Days and Hours: M-F 8-5

Benefits Eligibility: Full Benefits

Type of Remote or Hybrid Work Arrangement, if applicable: Hybrid (Both UC & Non-UC locations)

Special Instructions:

For full consideration, please include a resume and a cover letter as part of your application.

Department Marketing Statement:

The Office of Research is comprised of dedicated professionals who are passionate about supporting UCSB's research mission, and ensuring the effective, efficient and compliant administration of the campus extramural funding portfolio.

Benefits of Belonging

Working at UC means being part of this vibrant institution that shines a light on what is possible. People make UC great, and UC recognizes your contributions by making this a great place to work. Excellent retirement and health are just one of the rewards. Learn more about the benefits of working at UC

Brief Summary of Job Duties:

Serves as the Chief Financial & Operations officer for the Vice Chancellor for Research (VCR). Partners with the Assistant Vice Chancellor for Research (AVCR) in management and administrative leadership under the VCR's jurisdiction, which consists of Organized Research Units (ORUs), centers within the ORUs, the Animal Resource Center (ARC), and central research administration teams. Works directly with the AVCR on new initiatives affecting divisions campuswide. The CFO is a senior member of the Research Division leadership team and serves as an executive advisor to the VCR and AVCRs, providing analyses, strategic insights, and actively participates in campus and Divisional strategic planning discussions and organizational development activities.

Required Qualifications:

• Bachelor's Degree in related area and / or equivalent training
• 7-9 years Budget, finance, research administration and/or management experience in higher education
• 1-3 years Advising executives in a CFO or similar role
• Demonstrated ability to address a wide variety of complex issues which affect the campus and which frequently have no precedent.
• Demonstrated flexibility, resourcefulness, and creative approaches to unique situations, while understanding the broad institutional context in which they must be addressed.
• Thorough knowledge of financial/budgetary/accounting policies, practices, and systems.
• Demonstrated consulting, relationship building and strategic thinking skills.
• Proven ability to use tools and software to perform complex financial analysis, management, and reporting.
• Excellent critical and innovative thinking to address complex issues.
• Strong interpersonal skills and demonstrated ability to build and work successfully in teams.
• Exceptional communication skills. Management, leadership, and coaching skills to create and foster effective working relationships, both internal and external to the VCR immediate office.
• Possess political acumen.
• Demonstrated understanding of federal and state regulations and financial policies for extramural funding.
• Extraordinary sensitivity to constituents and ability to respond to situations with tact, compassion, and diplomacy.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Master's Degree/advanced degree in business, accounting or finance related area

Special Conditions of Employment:

• Satisfactory criminal history background check
• UCSB is a Tobacco-Free environment

Misconduct Disclosure Requirement:

As a condition of employment, the final candidate who accepts an offer of employment will be required to disclose if they have been subject to any final administrative or judicial decisions within the last seven years determining that they committed any misconduct; or have filed an appeal of a finding of substantiated misconduct with a previous employer.

"Misconduct" means any violation of the policies governing employee conduct at the applicant's previous place of employment, including, but not limited to, violations of policies prohibiting sexual harassment, sexual assault, or other forms of harassment, or discrimination, as defined by the employer. For reference, below are UC's policies addressing some forms of misconduct:

UC Sexual Violence and Sexual Harassment Policy
UC Anti-Discrimination Policy
Abusive Conduct in the Workplace

Job Functions and Percentages of Time:

• 45% Finance, Administration, Resource Planning - As part of the divisional senior management team, serves as CFO and manages the fiscal resources of the Research Division in close collaboration with the AVCR and VCR. Advises and participates in resource planning, short and long-range policy development, communications and high level analyses of new program development. Ensures proper accounting structures are in place throughout the Division and in support of research campuswide and assesses the impact of changing circumstances to support short- and long-term strategies. Serves as a campus-wide expert in financial matters, providing expertise and direction to the division and campus business officers on an extensive array of accounts and funds, each governed by unique restrictions and controls. Exercises management authority within delegation for appropriate and sensitive issues related to research administration and operations. Investigates and recommends solutions to a wide range of issues in all areas of campus research operations in coordination with Office of Research leadership and staff. Provides direction to Office of Research administrative staff responsible for budget planning and oversight, financial management, post-award financial services, personnel matters, space and office management, institutional cost share on contracts and grants, income and recharge, all financial accounts held by the division, and fiscal processes, in addition to supporting the AVCR and campus on various special programs and projects. Independently and through subordinates initiates and designs complex analysis and reports for senior administrators in support of the campus mission. Serves as subject matter expert, providing leadership, consultation and guidance to the ORUs and the ARC on budget operations, financial management, and staffing considerations (classifications, equity, etc.). Provides ad hoc assistance on interpretation of policies and makes recommendations regarding best practices. Oversees the Research Division chart of accounts and ensures the integrity of the permanent budget and approved staffing with authorized salary actions and expenditures. Manages the fiscal year-end closeout for the department and division.
• 20% Personnel Administration (HR & AP) - In collaboration with the AVCR, coordinates with Human Resources and Academic Personnel to provide direction on implementing the Research Division staff personnel program and academic appointments, including classification, compensation, labor relations, employee relations, training and development, and benefits. Through subordinates, facilitates the appointment process for academic and staff roles in the Research Division, ensuring that procedures are followed and that compensation levels and other incentives are appropriate prior to division approval
• 25% Special Projects & Strategic Planning - Represents the division in leading complex and critical projects requiring cross-organizational collaboration. Serves as a key advisor in the Office of Research and has delegated authority to make commitments and represent the VCR and AVCR interests across the organization. Responds to issues with little or no precedence, resolves issues following consultation and using diplomacy, engaging the AVCR or VCR when appropriate. Decisions made by the CFO directly affect the Research Division and can have organization-wide impact. Participates in leadership transition planning for the Research Division and supports onboarding new leaders and appointees. Interacts with senior management on routine matters of research engagement. Works closely with the leadership in Budget & Planning, Business & Financial services, and other campus financial leaders to plan, develop, strategize, and implement initiatives, policies, and solutions for both campus and the Division. Participates in policy development and interpretation encompassing a wide variety of topics. Recommends policy changes and drafts policy revisions. Participates in the design and implementation of information systems across the campus to improve efficiency and effectiveness in handling administrative processes
• 10% Supervision - Directly supervises professional staff and supervisors, and establishes goals and objectives, assigns duties, evaluates performance, and provides career guidance and professional development opportunities. Provides indirect divisional direction and interim coverage for Research Division MSOs and business officers, and provides one-on-one mentoring to ORU business officers as necessary.

UC Vaccination Programs Policy:

As a condition of employment, you will be required to comply with the University of California Policy on Vaccinations Programs.

As a condition of Physical Presence at a Location or in a University Program, all Covered Individuals* must participate in any applicable Vaccination Program by providing proof that they are Up-to-Date with any required Vaccines or submitting a request for Exception in a Mandate Program or properly declining vaccination in an Opt-Out Program no later than the Compliance Date (Capitalized terms in this paragraph are defined in the policy.). Federal, state, or local public health directives may impose additional requirements.

For more information, please visit University of California Policy on Vaccinations - https://policy.ucop.edu/doc/5000695/VaccinationProgramsPolicy

*Covered Individuals: A Covered Individual includes anyone designated as Personnel or Students under this Policy who physically access a University Facility or Program in connection with their employment, appointment, or education/training. A person accessing a Healthcare Location as a patient, or an art, athletics, entertainment, or other publicly accessible venue at a Location as a member of the public, is not a Covered Individual.

Equal Employment Opportunity:

The University of California is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, age, protected veteran status, or other protected status under state or federal law.

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