Director of UC ANR Business & Financial Services Unit Davis, CA,

Position: Director of UC ANR Business & Financial Services Unit  Davis, CA, Job ID 86763
Director of UC ANR Business & Financial Services Unit Davis, CA, Job

University of California Agriculture and Natural Resources

Job Description

Under the general direction of the UC ANR Associate Vice President of Finance and Capital Planning (AVP), the Director of the Business & Financial Services Unit provides strategic leadership, organizational direction, change management and high-level coordination of administrative and operational services in support of UC ANR Principal Investigators, senior leadership, programs, and units.

The Director leads the integration of previously separate functions into a unified service model, driving organizational transformation, change management, and the design and implementation of the new scalable, customer-focused service delivery structure. The Director recognizes and celebrates talent and develops staff through mentorship and training while modeling and fostering a culture of customer service, accountability, transparency, collaboration, collegiality, and high performance.

The Director functions with a high degree of autonomy and is responsible for establishing an effective, scalable, customer-centric service model that delivers services efficiently and seamlessly.

The Director is a team-oriented leader with a high degree of knowledge regarding higher education administration, with recognized expertise in financial management, research administration, organizational development, and change management. This position will lead the development and execution of strategic initiatives and oversee the design, implementation, and continuous refinement of new administrative efforts, new or improved processes, training programs, and service delivery models.

The Director regularly works on complex and sensitive issues where analysis of situations or data requires in-depth evaluation of variable factors for unique problems without precedent and must exercise sound judgment in decision-making, selecting methods, techniques, and evaluation criteria to achieve effective outcomes. The Director will operate with a high level of political acumen and tact to build and maintain strong partnerships with central offices and unit Directors.

They collaborate with the UC ANR Office of Contracts & Grants, Controller's Office, Resource Planning and Management, Human Resources and other offices to interpret and apply policy, comply with federal, state & private sponsor requirements, and ensure the integrity of financial operations.

Department Summary:

The Business & Financial Services Unit is a newly established shared services center delivering business and fiscal support to UC ANR across county-based programmatic units, Statewide Programs and Institutes, Research and Extension Centers, and administrative units throughout California.

The Business & Financial Services Unit was formed to advance a coordinated, scalable service model that standardizes business operations, strengthens financial stewardship, and enhances customer service delivery across UC ANR's diverse and geographically distributed programs. Core services include financial management (financial planning and reporting, and research administration), and business services (purchasing; travel and entertainment expense processing). The unit promotes consistency, operational efficiency, financial transparency, and strong accountability across all supported functions, enabling programs and units to effectively carry out UC ANR's research and extension mission.

This position is a career appointment that is 100% fixed.

The home department is the Business & Financial Services Unit. While this position normally is based in Davis, CA, this position is eligible for hybrid flexible work arrangements for applicants living in the State of California at this time. Please note that hybrid flexible work arrangements are subject to change by the University.

Pay Scale: $/year to $/year

Job Posting Close Date: This job is open until filled. The first application review date will be 7/1/2026.

Key Responsibilities:

50%

Financial Services Leadership and Management

• Operational Services Oversight
  • Oversee operational services including financial management, budgeting, and fund accounting activities, ensuring integrity of financial operations, reporting, and internal controls.
  • Ensure effective use and optimization of the financial system.
• Research Administration & Grant Management
  • Provide leadership over pre- and post-award financial management, ensuring compliance with federal, state, and private sponsor requirements.
  • Partner with the Office of Contracts & Grants and the Controller's Office to interpret sponsor guidelines and University of California and other institutional policies.
• Policy, Compliance & Financial Controls
  • Collaborate with Central Offices, such as the Controller's Office, Resource Planning & Management and Human Resources, to interpret and apply University of California, local, state and federal policies, regulations and laws. Help facilitate escalation of…