Assistant Director for AHMCT (FINANCIAL ANL 3 CX)

Job Summary Provides comprehensive analytical and administrative management support to the Advanced Highway Maintenance and Construction Technology (AHMCT) Research Center and leadership for the budgetary, financial and contract management of all operations including multiple and complex subcontracting arrangements, facilities improvements, specialized laboratory and field-testing, equipment purchases, fund-raising, human resources management. Serve as the lead financial and research business analyst for the Center, providing strategic fiscal planning, financial oversight, and comprehensive portfolio management for multiple funding sources, focused primarily on state contracts (the primary sponsor is the California Department of Transportation [Caltrans]), as well as other grants, recharge accounts, and restricted and unrestricted funds. Support center operations by developing operational budgets, staff support, operations funding management and forecasting and maintaining & identifying strategic partnerships. Represent the Center to funding agencies and in outreach to the Center's partners in industry organizations and government agencies. Manage Center Assets at the Academic Surge Building (ASB) and Advanced Transportation Infrastructure Research Center (ATIRC); determine optimal resource allocations including staffing to meet the Center's goals, schedules, and objectives. Participate in and support strategic planning with Center co‑directors. Overall daily direction of Research Center operations under guidance of the directors; analyze needs and make recommendations. Direct external relationships and communication functions for the Center. Lead the design and drafting of the AHMCT web site, including site design, development, maintenance, and content solicitation and curation. Identify areas of interest to Caltrans with potential for funding to guide proposal writing efforts and plan the number of projects and total funding required to support the center in coordination with the co‑directors. Consult and coordinate with CAO, College Deans Office, and campus sponsor and grants and contracts personnel on various functional responsibilities, business operation, internal controls and best practices for consistency, accountability, and compliance with applicable regulations, policies, and procedures. Apply By Date: August 24, 2026 Minimum Qualifications - For full consideration, applicants are encouraged to upload license and/or certification if required of the position Bachelors degree in related area and/or equivalent experience/training. Demonstrated experience in financial analysis, forecasting, and planning, including analyzing and compiling financial data and reports, evaluating complex accounting and policy/procedure issues, and developing sound, well-reasoned recommendations to establish priorities and determine appropriate courses of action. Proven experience maintaining accountability within complex accounting structures, including establishing and sustaining clear audit trails and ensuring accuracy and compliance. Extensive experience managing and controlling complex budgets and financial operations, including detailed budget preparation, contract and grant proposal budgeting, purchasing, payroll and ledger reconciliation, invoicing and fiscal close, adherence to state contracting procedures, with the ability to interpret detailed instructions and analyze complex financial data accurately. Strong interpersonal and communication skills with demonstrated ability to communicate professionally and effectively, present complex financial information clearly and concisely, and explain financial processes and procedures diplomatically to individuals with varied backgrounds and levels of expertise. Organizational skills to plan, coordinate, set priorities, and adapt to changing priorities while meeting required deadlines. Preferred Qualifications Experience in leadership, supervision, direction for the Center's business and administrative daily operation. Working knowledge of UCD payroll, purchasing and accounts payable transactions, including ledger reconciliation. Knowledge of University Policies and Procedures relevant to financial administration, personnel, and facility management and laboratory safety issues; University EH&S compliance policies, rules and regulations and ability to manage regulations to personnel (faculty, academic, technical staff and students) working in research laboratory. Key Responsibilities 60% - AHMCT Budget Management/ Financial Analysis/Administration 35% - Strategic Development, Compliance, and Business Implementation 5% - AHMCT Website Management, and General Outreach Department Overview AHMCT is primarily funded by Caltrans. The Center has more than 10 laboratory personnel, including engineers, analysts, programmers, postdoctoral scholars, as well as graduate and undergraduate students. The Center operates research, laboratory, and testing facilities located in the Academic Surge Building (ASB) and the Advanced Transportation Infrastructure Research Center (ATIRC), supporting a broad portfolio of transportation research, technology development, and field deployment activities. The Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering is a large, complex academic department in the College of Engineering and provides instruction and research in multiple specialty areas of engineering. The Department has 32 faculty and Professors of Teaching, 2 adjunct professors, and 26 staff. The department has one of the largest undergraduate and graduate programs in the college with approximately 929 undergraduates and 149 graduate students enrolled. The incumbent of this position works in an independent manner. The total #J-18808-Ljbffr University of California - Davis