Administrative Director

Administrative Director

The Global Poverty Research Lab (GPRL) is a research center based at the Kellogg School of Management at Northwestern University that generates rigorous, field-based research that informs solutions to global poverty. Reporting to the Senior Director, GPRL, the Administrative Director manages and coordinates GPRL's financial, operational, and administrative functions supporting a dynamic team of 22 staff, 5 postdoctoral fellows, 10-15 student researchers, and 8-10 consultants.

This position plays a central role in ensuring the efficient execution of GPRL's growing portfolio of global research projects. The Administrative Director oversees budgeting and financial management, supports grant and contract administration, manages complex logistical and operational processes, and ensures alignment with Northwestern University's business and compliance standards. This role offers the opportunity to strengthen administrative systems supporting GPRL's expanding global research portfolio and to collaborate across Kellogg and University units to advance its mission.

The ideal candidate will be a detail-oriented professional who thrives in a fast-paced, collaborative environment.

Supervisor provides overall objectives and collaborates with the employee to establish deadlines. Work is reviewed for fulfillment of objectives and overall compliance with policy and procedures. The employee completes the majority of activities independently, consulting on new or unusual circumstances.

Specific Responsibilities :

Strategic Planning :

Manages and implements strategic operation plans.

• Develop and implement operational systems, policies, and procedures to strengthen GPRL's administrative infrastructure.
• Identify and implement process improvements that enhance operational efficiency and compliance.
• Reviews plans, meets with leadership & key faculty & staff, & recommends changes & improvements to administrative operations to better meet organizational needs & objectives.
• Coordinate cross-functional planning processes to support the Lab's research expansion, facilities planning, and resource allocation.
• Contribute to short- and long-term operational planning in collaboration with the Senior Director, PI Directors and the research management team.

Budget & Financial :

Serves a primary role in the development & implementation of annual budget including fiscal resource allocation of appropriated, discretionary, endowment & gift revenues.

Grants & Contracts :

Oversees & / or completes pre- & post-award research administration.

Facilities & Safety :

Monitors area facilities conditions & directs requests to Facilities Management using FAMIS.

IT Services :

Acts as a liaison to IT to ensure technology systems are properly installed & maintained & meet the informational, analytical & computing needs of users.

Regulatory Compliance :

Manages implementation of all safety, security & compliance programs & ensures compliance with all applicable federal, state, local & NU laws, regulations, policies & procedures.

Supervisory :

Supervises 2 or more staff & / or provide work direction to others.

Miscellaneous :

Performs other duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications :

Minimum Competencies : (Skills, knowledge, and abilities.)

Preferred Qualifications :

Preferred Competencies : (Skills, knowledge, and abilities)