Chief Financial Officer, Office of Research

Job Details

Position Number:

Payroll

Title:

EXEC ADVISOR MGR 1 (005955)

Job Code: 005955

Job Open Date: 9/2/26

Application Review Begins: 9/18/26

Department Code (Name): RESD (VICE CHANCELLOR OF RESEARCH)

Percentage of Time: 100

Union Code (Name): 99-Non-Represented

Employee Class (Appointment Type): Staff:
Career

FLSA Status: Exempt

Classified Indicator Description (Personnel Program): MSP

Salary Grade: Grade 27

Pay Rate/Range: The salary range that the University expects to pay for this position is $160,000 to $200,000 year. Salary offers are determined based on final candidate qualifications and experience; the budget for the position; and the application of fair, equitable, and consistent pay practices at the University. The full salary range for this position is $136,600 to $267,600/year.

Work Location: Cheadle Hall - 3227

Working Days and

Hours:

M-F 8-5

Benefits Eligibility: Full Benefits

Type of Remote or Hybrid Work Arrangement, if applicable: Hybrid (Both UC & Non-UC locations)

The Office of Research is comprised of dedicated professionals who are passionate about supporting UCSB's research mission, and ensuring the effective, efficient and compliant administration of the campus extramural funding portfolio.

Working at UC means being part of this vibrant institution that shines a light on what is possible. People make UC great, and UC recognizes your contributions by making this a great place to work. Excellent retirement and health are just one of the rewards. Learn more about the benefits of working at UC

Serves as the Chief Financial & Operations officer for the Vice Chancellor for Research (VCR). Partners with the Assistant Vice Chancellor for Research (AVCR) in management and administrative leadership under the VCR's jurisdiction, which consists of Organized Research Units (ORUs), centers within the ORUs, the Animal Resource Center (ARC), and central research administration teams. Works directly with the AVCR on new initiatives affecting divisions campus wide.

The CFO is a senior member of the Research Division leadership team and serves as an executive advisor to the VCR and AVCRs, providing analyses, strategic insights, and actively participates in campus and Divisional strategic planning discussions and organizational development activities.

• Bachelor's Degree in related area and / or equivalent training
• 7-9 years Budget, finance, research administration and/or management experience in higher education
• 1-3 years Advising executives in a CFO or similar role
• Demonstrated ability to address a wide variety of complex issues which affect the campus and which frequently have no precedent.
• Demonstrated flexibility, resourcefulness, and creative approaches to unique situations, while understanding the broad institutional context in which they must be addressed.
• Thorough knowledge of financial/budgetary/accounting policies, practices, and systems.
• Demonstrated consulting, relationship building and strategic thinking skills.
• Proven ability to use tools and software to perform complex financial analysis, management, and reporting.
• Excellent critical and innovative thinking to address complex issues.
• Strong interpersonal skills and demonstrated ability to build and work successfully in teams.
• Exceptional communication skills. Management, leadership, and coaching skills to create and foster effective working relationships, both internal and external to the VCR immediate office.
• Possess political acumen.
• Demonstrated understanding of federal and state regulations and financial policies for extramural funding.
• Extraordinary sensitivity to constituents and ability to respond to situations with tact, compassion, and diplomacy.

• Master's Degree/advanced degree in business, accounting or finance related area

• Satisfactory criminal history background check
• UCSB is a Tobacco-Free environment

As a condition of employment, the final candidate who accepts an offer of employment will be required to disclose if they have been subject to any final administrative or judicial decisions within the last seven years determining that they committed any misconduct; or have filed an appeal of a finding of substantiated misconduct with a previous employer.

"Misconduct" means any violation of the policies governing employee conduct at the applicant's previous place of employment,…