Associate Director of Operations

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Overview

Reporting to the Executive Director of the Budget Lab, the Associate Director of Operations independently directs, with limited supervision or oversight, and is responsible for all the Lab’s administrative, financial, and operational functions allowing the Budget Lab’s Executive Director to focus on their primary research activities. This is accomplished by directing financial management and administrative support, assessing and resolving operational challenges, and ensuring effective coordination among leadership, researchers, communications staff, consultants and contractors, Yale Law School, and the broader University. The Associate Director identifies and implements improvements to systems, methods, practices, and procedures in support of the Budget Lab’s research and policy mission.

Strategic Planning: Direct and execute the long-term operational planning for the Budget Lab and develop strategic and research priorities, in partnership with the Executive Director and leadership team.

Financial Management: The Associate Director plays a key leadership and decision-making role by providing timely, accurate, high-quality financial work and is responsible for ensuring the financial well-being of the Budget Lab. This position directs the Budget Lab’s financial planning and budget management across multiple funding streams, including gifts, endowed funds, and sponsored awards; provides long-term financial strategy, translating data into actionable insights; oversees sponsored award administration, ensuring compliance with reporting requirements, contractual agreements, University policy, and federal and state regulations; assesses the viability and timing of proposed sponsored projects; and supervises reports and documents prepared by other Budget Lab operations staff. 

Fundraising Operations: In partnership with the Executive Director and leadership team, the Associate Director develops and implements strategies for fundraising and donor engagement, and directs the development of proposals, reports, and engagement materials. Coordinates with the Office of Development, Office of Sponsored Projects, Faculty Research Management Services, and Business Office to ensure that funds are established and administered in compliance with University policy.

Research Operations: Directs the assessment, provision, and continuous improvement of resources, systems, and tools that support the Budget Lab’s research mission, addressing operational problems ranging from routine to complex. Directs the Budget Lab’s publication and web operations, overseeing the public-facing launch of research products and the ongoing development of the website, including web-based research tools produced by technical staff and vendors.

Events and Communications: Directs the planning and execution of all Budget Lab events. Collaborates with and provides direction to the communications team in the dissemination of Budget Lab research through email, social media, and other channels.

Staff Management: Directs exempt and non-exempt employees, including those responsible for financial and administrative support, website development and software engineering. Directs hiring, onboarding, professional development, and performance goals for operations staff in compliance with University strategies and policies. Oversees supplier and contractor relationships, ensuring compliance with University procurement and contracting policies.

Other duties as assigned.

Nights: Occasionally

Weekends: Occasionally

Required Skills and Abilities

1.Strong managerial and leadership skills, with demonstrated experience directing staff, managing budgets, and leading complex, multi-stakeholder projects.

2.Strong financial management skills, including experience directing budgets, financial reporting, and compliance across multiple funding streams

3.Superior organizational, analytical, and problem-solving abilities, with the capacity to direct multiple functional areas and manage competing priorities in a fast-paced environment.

4.Excellent interpersonal, communication, and presentation skills, with the ability to engage effectively with diverse constituencies including faculty, staff, university administration, and external partners.

5.Well-developed decision-making, planning, and strategic thinking skills, with demonstrated ability to exercise sound judgment and adapt to changing circumstances.

Preferred Skills and Abilities

1.Knowledge of Yale’s financial and administrative systems, including Workday, and familiarity with University policies and procedures.

2.Experience in sponsored awards administration or finance management within an academic or research institution.

3.Experience overseeing the development of data visualizations, interactive web tools, and other digital research products.

4.Experience directing the evaluation and implementation of new systems, tools, and processes to improve organizational efficiency and research output.

5.Prior experience managing both exempt and non-exempt staff and demonstrated success fostering a diverse and inclusive workplace.

Principal Responsibilities

1. Directs, monitors, and assesses needs and directs the application of resources of an administrative University office dealing with one or more major functional areas. 2. Directs and implements solutions to problems that are routine to complex in nature and that affect multiple functional areas of responsibility. 3. Plans and/or participates in planning University activities on a long-term basis to comply with University goals and objectives. 4. Establishes and implements consistent university-wide policies in multiple functional areas of responsibility. 5. Ensures that University office policies and procedures are in compliance with federal, state, and local laws and ordinances. 6. Develops and monitors goals and objectives for managerial and professional staff in compliance with University strategies. 7. Directs a staff of exempt and non-exempt employees. 8. May perform other duties as assigned. Required Education and Experience Bachelor’s Degree in related field and six years of experience or an equivalent combination of education and related experience.

Job Posting Date

07/09/2026

Job Category

Manager

Bargaining Unit

NON

Compensation Grade

Administration & Operations

Compensation Grade Profile

Manager; Program Leader (25)

Salary Range

$82,000.00 - $131,500.00

Time Type

Full time

Duration Type

Staff Fixed Duration (Fixed Term)

Work Model

Hybrid

Background Check Requirements

All candidates for employment will be subject to pre-employment background screening for this position, which may include motor vehicle, DOT certification, drug testing and credit checks based on the position description and job requirements. All offers are contingent upon the successful completion of the background check. For additional information on the background check requirements and process visit "Learn about background checks" under the Applicant Support Resources section of Careers on the It's Your Yale website.

Health Requirements

Certain positions have associated health requirements based on specific job responsibilities. These may include vaccinations, tests, or examinations, as required by law, regulation, or university policy.

Posting Disclaimer

Salary offers are determined by a candidate’s qualifications, experience, skills, and education in relation to the position requirements, along with the role’s grade profile and current internal and external market conditions.

The intent of this job description is to provide a representative summary of the essential functions that will be required of the position and should not be construed as a declaration of specific duties and responsibilities of the position. Employees will be assigned specific job-related duties through  their hiring department.

The University is committed to basing judgments concerning the admission, education, and employment of individuals upon their qualifications and abilities and seeks to attract to its faculty, staff, and student body qualified persons from a broad range of backgrounds and perspectives. In accordance with this policy and as delineated by federal and Connecticut law, Yale does not discriminate in admissions, educational programs, or employment against any individual on account of that individual’s sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, race, color, national or ethnic origin, religion, age, disability, status as a special disabled veteran, veteran of the Vietnam era or other covered veteran.

Inquiries concerning Yale's Policy Against Discrimination and Harassment may be referred to the Office of Institutional Equity and Accessibility (OIEA).

Note

Yale University is a tobacco-free campus.