Manager, Finance and Administration

Princeton University • Princeton, NJ

1d

About The Position

The Manager of Finance and Administration is a core member of the Keller Center leadership team, working closely with the Executive Director to design and execute an integrated approach to policy, operations, and strategic direction. This role contributes to both short- and long-term planning across all Center activities.
Serving as a key thought partner to the Executive Director, the Manager provides insight, solves operational challenges, and develops efficient processes that strengthen the Center’s overall effectiveness. This position oversees and plans finance, operations, personnel management, and facilities, ensuring faculty, students, and staff have the resources and infrastructure needed to fulfill their teaching, research, and administrative responsibilities. The Manager builds strong, trust-based relationships and collaborates effectively across academic and administrative units. The Manager supervises several direct reports.
The Keller Center is committed to fostering a high trust, high deliverable, and inclusive workplace. Our mission is to empower Princeton students, faculty, and external partners to bridge technology and society through entrepreneurship, human centered design, and innovative engineering education. We translate bold ideas into action and advance theory into meaningful societal impact. The Keller Center has on average 15-20 affiliated faculty, 1-2 visiting faculty, and several administrative staff. The Keller Center offers 25+ courses and 2 academic minors.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree (or equivalent) and 7+ years of experience
• At least 5 years of experience in an administrative position that includes supervisory experience
• Demonstrated experience in budget management and oversight of financial operations
• Excellent oral and written communication skills
• Excellent organizational skills and ability to manage multiple priorities
• Ability to anticipate and initiate appropriate action in support of the Director and Center faculty
• Demonstrated leadership, problem-solving and decision-making skills
• Proficiency in computing tools and software, including email, internet, MS Office, slack, MIRO, etc.

Nice To Haves

• Advanced degree preferred, ideally in entrepreneurship, design, or higher education
• Proficiency in University administrative applications and enterprise systems.
• Experience in higher education administration or non-profit background.
• Experience is space management and laboratory/office renovations.

Responsibilities

• Strategic Planning & Execution: - Serve as a key partner, facilitator, and coordinator for all center initiatives.- Support efforts to ensure appropriate funding for students, teaching, programs, events, and communication activities.- Collaborate with the Executive Director and relevant campus colleagues to ensure a balanced and comprehensive suite of center academic curriculum and programmatic activities.- Liaise with the Office of Advancement on donor relations and stewardship activities related to center finances.
• Financial Management: - Develop the Center’s administrative budget in partnership with the Executive Director.- Manage discretionary, endowed, and gift funds in accordance with University policies.- Monitor expenditures and provide timely financial analyses and projections to the Executive Director.- Develop long-term financial models to identify potential funding gaps and plan for future needs.- Produce pro forma analyses for new programs or initiatives, including estimated costs and donor funding requirements.- Oversee Concur/credit card billing approvals and monthly reconciliations.
• Personnel Management: - Manage several direct reports, including setting expectations, providing ongoing guidance and coaching, and conducting annual performance reviews.- Ensure staff have the tools and resources necessary to achieve their goals.- Lead staff recruitment, onboarding, reviews, reclassifications, and offboarding for administrative personnel.- Oversee onboarding/offboarding processes for ODOF-affiliated appointees, including lecturers and visiting faculty.
• Policy & Compliance: - Serve as the primary resource for understanding, interpreting, and communicating all relevant University policies to faculty, staff, researchers, and students.- Attend required trainings, meetings, and briefings to stay current on institutional policies, compliance expectations, and regulatory changes.- Lead the implementation of University policies within the Center to ensure full adherence to institutional, state, and federal requirements.- Establish and maintain processes that promote consistent compliance across financial, personnel, operational, and academic activities.- Provide guidance and proactive problem-solving on policy-related issues to ensure a culture of accountability and good stewardship.
• Events & Facilities Management:- Oversee the planning and execution of high-profile events, including lectures, speaker series, and visits from industry leaders.- Oversee the management and strategic planning of Center spaces, including renovations, space allocation, and planning for anticipated growth or relocations.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Manager