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Title: Administrative Director, Research Strategy & Finance

Org Unit: Administration

Work Days:

Weekly Hours: 35.00

Exemption Status: Exempt

Salary Range: $152,000.00 - $182,400.00

*As required under NYC Human Rights Law Int 1208-2018 - Salary range for this role when Hired for NYC Offices

Position Summary

Jointly reports to the Department CAO and Vice Chair of Research, this role serves as a strategic partner in advancing the department’s research mission, aligning financial planning with long-term growth, and fostering a culture of innovation, compliance, and operational excellence for the Department of Medicine.

Job Responsibilities

+ Cultivates strong partnerships with Research Business Management to streamline funding workflows, ensure compliance, and optimize resource allocation across research programs.

+ Designs and delivers high-impact research analytics and executive dashboards that inform strategic decision-making and highlight departmental achievements.

+ Leads the development, implementation, and continuous refinement of research policies and procedures that promote compliance, operational efficiency, and equity across diverse research programs.

+ Collaborates with institutional stakeholders to ensure alignment with federal regulations, sponsor requirements, and internal governance standards.

+ Designs and manages a dynamic, multi-year research planning and tracking dashboard that integrates financial forecasts, space utilization, personnel metrics, and grant timelines.

+ Ensures dashboards are accessible, visually intuitive, and adaptable to evolving priorities, serving as a central tool for data-driven decision-making and cross-functional collaboration.

+ Provides executive leadership with actionable insights to inform strategic investments, anticipate funding gaps, and monitor progress toward departmental research goals.

+ Oversees and refines bridge funding protocols to ensure timely support for investigators during funding gaps, maintaining research continuity and morale.

+ Supports Vice Chair of Research on strategic initiatives. Provides high-level analysis, stakeholder coordination, and change management support to ensure successful execution of strategic goals.

+ Oversees the Assistant Director for Research Administration, offering strategic guidance and developmental support across key initiatives, including the Fund for the Future, Annual Research retreat, and other projects.

+ Directs the stewardship of restricted and designated funds, ensuring compliance with donor intent, institutional policies, and federal regulations.

+ Oversees administrative & research space management, including updates to the annual space survey and approval of utilization of space.

+ Manages the annual equipment inventory process to ensure accurate reporting, compliance with institutional and sponsor requirements, and readiness for audits.

+ Oversees corporate card policy compliance and approval workflows, ensuring responsible stewardship of departmental funds.

+ Leads financial oversight of Master Services Agreements (MSAs), ensuring timely invoicing, budget reconciliation, and compliance with contractual obligations.

Education

+ Bachelor's Degree

+ Master's degree in Business Administration, Public Health, or related field; or PhD, strongly preferred.

Experience

Approximately 3-5 years of progressively responsible administrative, financial, and supervisory experience, preferably in an academic medical center.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

+ Demonstrated success in leading complex research operations within an academic medical center.

+ Proficiency in data visualization tools and financial modeling.

Licenses and Certifications

Working Conditions/Physical Demands

Cornell welcomes students, faculty, and staff with diverse backgrounds from across the globe to pursue world-class education and career opportunities, to further the founding principle of “any person, any study.” No person shall be denied employment on the basis of any legally protected status or subjected to prohibited discrimination involving, but not limited to, such factors as race, ethnic or national origin, citizenship and immigration status, color, sex, pregnancy or pregnancy-related conditions, age, creed, religion, actual or perceived disability (including persons associated with such a person), arrest and/or conviction record, military or veteran status, sexual orientation, gender expression and/or identity, an individual’s genetic information, domestic violence victim status, familial status, marital status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local law.

Cornell University embraces diversity in its workforce and seeks job candidates who will contribute to a climate that supports students, faculty, and staff of all identities and backgrounds. We hire based on merit, and encourage people from historically underrepresented and/or marginalized identities to apply. Consistent with federal law, Cornell engages in affirmative action in employment for qualified protected veterans as defined in the Vietnam Era Veterans’ Readjustment Assistance Act (VEVRRA) and qualified individuals with disabilities under Section 503 of the Rehabilitation Act. We also recognize a lawful preference in employment practices for Native Americans living on or near Indian reservations in accordance with applicable law.