Director, Administration and Finance
Content + Source + Freshness • 12 Dec 2025 • 95% confidence
Offer value
High value due to a strong institutional reputation, comprehensive benefits package, and significant leadership responsibilities across multiple operational areas.
- Competitive salary with extensive benefits
- Significant influence on departmental administration
- Ideal for senior professionals with a strong leadership background
- High responsibility level with growth potential
Pros
- Competitive salary based on extensive experience required.
- Robust professional development opportunities within MIT.
- Ability to influence academic and operational strategies.
Cons
- High expectations for leadership and teamwork that may not suit all candidates.
- Intensifying responsibility across various departmental functions requires broad expertise.
- Potential for intense work demands and long hours.
Who it's for
Senior • On-site
Good fit
- Senior administrators in higher education
- Professionals looking for strategic leadership roles
- Candidates with a track record of improving team performance
Not recommended for
- Entry-level applicants with no leadership experience
- Individuals seeking a rigid and less dynamic work environment
- Those preferring a hands-off role
Motivation fit
Key skills
About the job
DIRECTOR OF ADMINISTRATION AND FINANCE , Chemistry , to serve as the department's senior operations administrator, with comprehensive responsibility for the administrative and financial operations, including finance, human resources (HR), events planning, communications, building operations, space allocation, academic operations, faculty affairs, and research administration. Responsibilities include working closely with the Department Head as a senior member of the department leadership team.
The full job posting is available here: https://science.mit.edu/contact/employment-opportunities/
REQUIRED : Bachelor's degree and a minimum of seven years of experience in an executive or management position for university administration; demonstrated leadership capabilities and ability to promote team-building and facilitate consensus; ability to effectively promote diversity, equity, inclusion and belonging; prior experience supervising staff including recruiting and selecting staff as well as managing their performance, training and professional development; diplomacy, tact, and discretion with sensitive and confidential matters; ability to work effectively and collaboratively with faculty, staff, and students; strong problem solving, goal setting, and decision-making skills; ability to manage conflicting and changing priorities; strong analytical, organizational, and project management skills; ability to develop, integrate and operationalize new concepts, guidelines, and policies; excellent written and oral communication skills; strong computer skills; experience with the latest financial and HR information systems and database software; advanced-level knowledge of databases, spreadsheets, and accounting principles; ability to meet deadlines and maintain excellent performance while under time pressure; and knowledge of financial and research administration in an academic or research environment with federal, corporate, and foundation sponsors. PREFERRED : Master's degree; MIT experience and knowledge of financial, HR, and operational systems; and experience with SAP, Brio Query/Cognos, COEUS, and Roles Database.
10/27/2025
