Who we are

Founded in 1824, Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute (RPI) is the first technological research university in the United States. We bring creativity, science, and technology together to address society's greatest challenges. We cultivate exceptional problem-solvers by immersing them in a culture of rigorous inquiry, disciplined practice, and hands-on application. Our strategic plan, RPI Forward, charts a pioneering course for the next era of RPI. Explore the RPI Forward plan. ↗︎

Nestled on a beautiful 275-acre campus in upstate NY, RPI is home to five schools, 32 research centers, three makerspaces, an observatory, one of the world’s fastest supercomputers, and the IBM Quantum System One - the first university-based quantum computer in the world. 

With top notch employee health and retirement benefits, Rensselaer offers its full-time employees a generous paid time off program, tuition remission, and opportunities for career growth. 

Job Summary

The Business Manager is responsible for managing the business operations of the Graduate Education portfolio, including finance, budgeting, grant administration, academic support, and policy interpretation. The Business Manager will represent the School on business affairs to the Rensselaer Community and will serve as a resource to faculty and staff to ensure consistent administrative and operational practices that comply with Institute policies. The Business Manager actively participates in the short and long range financial and strategic planning of the portfolio.

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration, Finance, Accounting, Economics, or a related field
• Five (5) or more years of progressively responsible experience in budget administration, monitoring, and management; including, research and/or other restricted funds
  • Experience to include at least two (2) years of management and supervisory experience

Relevant combinations of education, training, and experience may be considered.

Preferred Qualifications

• Master’s degree in Business Administration, Finance, Accounting, Economics, or a related field
• Experience in a higher education or research setting
• Familiarity with federal and state government regulations as they relate to research administration

Minimum Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Ability to analyze and interpret reports, documents, and statistical data
• Ability to prepare budget reports and forecasts and perform account reconciliations
• Knowledge of financial software, including spreadsheet, database, and data warehouse applications; proficiency in the Microsoft Office Suite
• Ability to learn and use SCT Banner finance, position control, and labor modules, or other comparable systems
• Knowledge of fund-based budgeting in a nonprofit environment
• Demonstrated supervisory skills
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills
• Ability to manage multiple priorities and meet deadlines
• Ability to work independently as well as collaboratively in a team environment
• Strong attention to detail and organizational skills

Job Duties

• Monitor all financial activity within the portfolio to ensure financial soundness and compliance with Institute financial and administrative policies. Serve as the central point of contact for all financial and administrative activities within the portfolio.

• Maintain in-depth knowledge of the portfolio’s strategic plans and the alignment between budgets, activities, and the RPI Forward Plan. Supervise the maintenance and reporting of metrics and ensure departmental budgets support approved portfolio and Institute strategic objectives.

• Oversee the preparation and maintenance of operating budgets to forecast financial needs and support planning efforts. Assist the Dean in planning and managing all funds, including endowment, gift, designated, and capital project funds. Provide oversight to ensure gifts, endowments, and grants are expended in accordance with applicable requirements.

• Provide Institute and portfolio leadership with timely financial information regarding fund balances prior to commitments. Evaluate the appropriateness of expenditures based on fund restrictions and ensure all funding limitations are clearly communicated and adhered to.

• Utilize enterprise-wide systems to develop, manage, analyze, and control budgets and other complex financial data to enhance forecasting and strategic business and operational planning. Use systems to support surveys and reports related to graduate students and ensure regular audits are conducted across all portfolio business units.

• Consult with Institute and portfolio leadership to establish and implement administrative and financial policies and procedures consistent with Institute standards. Conduct audits of portfolio financial activities, implement corrective actions as needed, and identify and coordinate training for business staff on financial processes and systems. Serve as a resource and leader for staff on budgetary and financial matters.

• Facilitate fiscal planning activities for the portfolio and integrate planning into the budget process. Prepare and maintain operating budgets, analyze and present financial and administrative data in support of portfolio goals, and ensure staff effectively utilize available systems and tools to support analytics and planning.

• Oversee portfolio-level human resources functions, including appointment management and performance management activities. Support recruitment and selection efforts aligned with portfolio goals and perform supervisory responsibilities for direct reports, including hiring, evaluation, training, development, coaching, and, when necessary, disciplinary actions.

• Oversee the administration of Graduate Financial Aid (GFA), including management of Institute-funded GFA budgets and collaboration with academic schools and departments to ensure timely, compliant, and student-centered delivery of awards. Serve as the central point of contact with the Payroll Office, approve all GFA transactions, develop and communicate GFA guidelines, provide campus training, and resolve GFA-related issues.

• Perform other duties as assigned.

Starting Salary/Rate

Expected hiring range: $90,000 - $95,000

Pay transparency disclosure: The selected candidate’s salary will be determined based on factors that include the available budget, internal equity, and the final candidate’s qualifications, experience, education and other job-related credentials. This hiring range is provided as Rensselaer’s good faith estimate of the expected hiring range at the time of posting.

Application instructions

Follow the on-screen prompts to create a brief online profile. Please be ready to upload your resume and cover letter.

If you need assistance with the online application process, please contact careers@rpi.edu.

Applications will be accepted until the position is filled.

Total Compensation and Benefits Information

Rensselaer’s Total Compensation Program is designed to provide stable pay growth, a comprehensive and affordable benefits package, and a comprehensive and affordable retiree medical and prescription plan. Our goal is to provide you and your family with a comprehensive health and welfare program as an umbrella of financial security and protection during your employment. For more information, please visit Benefits | Human Resources (rpi.edu).