College of Science & Mathematics, School of Earth & Environment
Position Summary
Under the direction of the Dean, the Assistant Director of Budget & Finance manages the financial operations of the College and School, including budget development, financial analysis, faculty load and compensation processing, research purchasing oversight, and compliance with University policies. The position serves as a strategic partner to the Dean and academic leadership, providing data-driven analysis and guidance to support fiscal planning, academic priorities, and institutional growth.
The Assistant Director supervises assigned staff and collaborates extensively with department leadership, faculty, and central administrative offices to ensure responsible stewardship of resources and alignment with University financial policies and procedures.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities:
Budget Development & Financial Planning
Lead the development, monitoring, and management of the College's annual operating budget and technology fee requests.
Manage and analyze complex multi-fund budgets supporting academic, research, and operational initiatives.
Provide comprehensive financial analysis, projections, and reporting to support strategic planning, decision-making, and resource allocation.
Monitor departmental spending and provide guidance to ensure fiscal responsibility and alignment with College and School priorities.
Coordinate and monitor faculty start-up packages and College-funded initiatives.
Operate with significant independence in managing financial operations, escalating only high-level strategic issues to the Dean.
Research & Sponsored Program Financial Support
Oversee research purchasing and grant budget coordination, serving as the escalation point for complex purchases and funding structures (including startup packages),
Partner with the Office of Sponsored Programs, Office of Contracting & Procurement, IRT, and Accounting Services to ensure compliance and timely processing.
Provide guidance to research-intensive faculty regarding financial compliance and spending.
Faculty Load & Compensation Administration
Administer high volume faculty load and compensation processes, including adjunct, overload, reassign time, and secondary assignment contracts.
Review and approve faculty-related compensation submissions for accuracy and policy compliance.
Prepare reports and analysis related to faculty workload and compensation models.
Fellowship & Student Funding Administration
Coordinate graduate teaching and research fellowships, including review and approval for compliance and completeness.
Oversee student contract processing and funding allocations for College supported programs (e.g., SURP) and maintain required documentation.
Ensure compliance with institutional and funding agency guidelines.
Financial Operations & Procurement
Manage Dean's Office procurement processes (requisitions, contracts, bundled quotes, purchasing card administration), ensuring compliance, efficiency, and end-to-end tracking.
Coordinate financial transactions requiring Dean-level oversight (e.g., IDC distributions, summer salary processes) with accurate documentation and policy alignment.
Travel Administration
Track and analyze faculty, graduate, and undergraduate student travel requests and expenses.
Review Concur submissions and ensure adherence to College and University policies, travel policies, and guidelines.
Policy, Process, and Compliance
Interpret and apply University financial policies, state requirements, and collective bargaining agreements as they relate to hiring, compensation, travel, and purchasing.
Develop and refine internal processes to improve efficiency and compliance.
Provide training and guidance to departmental administrative staff on financial systems and procedures.
Lead communications on process and policy updates.
Assess operations and recommend improvements that enhance effectiveness and service quality.
Operational Oversight & Supervision
Supervise assigned staff -including the Lab Procurement & Operations Coordinator, Research Purchasing Specialist, and Part Time Office Support- and oversee operational workflow within the Dean's Office related to budget and finance.
Establish performance standards and provide professional development support to staff.
Requirements:
Masters Degree required.
Two (2) years of professional, position-related experience, preferably in higher education or other field that is directly related to the functions of the position to be filled or equivalency as determined by the appointing authority.
Proven experience managing complex, multi-fund budgets (operating, grants, gift funds, and fees) with understanding of internal controls and audit readiness.
Experience with faculty compensation models and adjunct contracting.
Expert-level proficiency in Excel (pivot tables, financial modeling) combined with preferred experience with enterprise-level financial systems (e.g., Banner ) and travel/expense software like Concur.
Ability to translate budgetary information into insights for the Dean and academic leadership, as well as providing clear faculty guidance and support.
Experience leading and developing staff, particularly in specialized roles like procurement or research support.
A working knowledge of post-award grant administration and procurement processes to support research-intensive faculty and effective collaboration with our Office of Sponsored Projects.
General knowledge of science/STEM disciplines
Strong communication and writing skills and ability to effectively communicate and coordinate with various constituencies (deans, department heads/chairs, faculty, students, university departments, alums, etc.)
Comfort navigating the intersection of academic priorities and state-mandated financial regulations.
Salary & Benefits:
In compliance with The State of New Jersey's Pay Transparency Act, the annual base salary range for this position is AFT: Range 24 ($73,899 to 84,980) with placement within the range determined by candidate's qualifications, professional experience, internal equity, and other factors.
For internal applicants, salary is determined per the Pay Adjustment formula (NJAC 4A:3-4.9 & 4.10).
For eligible employees, benefits include: comprehensive NJ State health, dental and retirement benefits, extensive accrued time off/paid holidays, and tuition reimbursement for employee, spouse, and dependents to attend Rowan University, Glassboro. (Tuition reimbursement will apply to undergraduate degrees only for spouse and dependents).
For more detailed information, please visit: https://sites.rowan.edu/hr/benefits/ Notes:
Note:
Candidates must be legally authorized to work in the US, and the university will not sponsor an applicant for a work visa for this position.
