Associate Director of Financial & Business Operations

Position Summary

RAND Corporation seeks an experienced Associate Director of Financial & Business Operationsto lead financial and business management activities that support RAND Health. This position oversees project and overhead budgeting, long range business planning, and performance monitoring. The Associate Director will serve as a strategic partner, helping ensure financial discipline and sound operational practices that enable RAND's research mission.

Working closely with the Director of Research Financial Operations and corporate partners, the Associate Director will provide guidance on budgets, contracts, procurement, and compliance issues, and act as the primary liaison for internal and external stakeholders on financial and business matters.

Key Responsibilities

• Serve as the principal contact with RAND's Proposal Development Services, Financial Planning and Analysis, Accounting, Contracts & Grants, Procurement, and other corporate support offices.

• Manage and allocate discretionary resources, overhead funds, and division budgets.

• Oversee project financials, including reports, budgets, and approvals; review and resolve exceptions related to contracts or grants.

• Provide leadership and mentoring for business and administrative staff within the division.

• Ensure compliance with institutional policies, sponsor requirements, and federal contracting regulations.

• Communicate financial performance and risks, supporting continuous improvement and business continuity.

• Review and approve proposals and awards, ensuring alignment with institutional priorities and sponsor guidelines.

Experience:

• Minimum of 10-12years of progressively responsible experience in financial or business operations, including at least fiveyears in a leadership role.

• Demonstrated experience with contracts and grants; familiarity with federal contracting regulations is highly desirable.

• Proven financial management, analytical, and leadership capabilities.

• Strong interpersonal, communication, and presentation skills.

• Proficiency in Microsoft Office and enterprise systems such as Workday, Adaptive Planning, and Salesforce.

• Ability to manage confidential information and ensure compliance with organizational standards.

Additional Requirements

• Must successfully complete a background check.

Education:

A bachelor's degree in business administration, finance or similar discipline and 12 years of progressively responsible professional experience in financial and business operations including five (5) years or more in leadership role, OR a master's degree in a related discipline and 10 years of progressively responsible professional experience in financial and business operations including five (5) years or more in leadership role is required.

Location:

Santa Monica, CA; Pittsburgh, PA; Washington, DC; Boston, MA. Position requires 50% in-office presence. Occasional travel to other offices may be required.