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Senior Department Manager

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Job Title:

Senior Department Manager

Department:

Arts and Sciences | Physics Administration

The Senior Department Manager oversees the fiscal and business operations activities of the Department of Physics, under the direction of the chair and college administration. This role provides accurate, up-to-date information to support the chair in focusing on strategic planning instead of day-to-day operations. The Senior Department Manager provides department oversight that includes project management, team building with a focus on enabling the faculty to maximize their impact in research and teaching. Oversees administrative support of the department. Ensures that the department functions efficiently and provides outstanding support for the research and teaching missions of the department. Provides leadership and team building to enable the staff to carry out a wide range of department operations.

The Senior Department Manager develops, implements, and oversees communications within the administrative staff and with other parts of the department, and ensures information flow is accurate, efficient, and timely. Oversees the maintenance of well-organized and easily accessible data structures that provide property security and enables sharing between staff. Regularly evaluates department operations to identify opportunities of improvement for the support of the department including the use of new software and project management tools. Oversees department fiscal operations and strategic planning in collaboration with the department Financial Operations Associate Manager and Financial Operations Senior Analyst.

This role provides oversight and decision-making for the unit’s financial and accounting operations including financial systems, reporting and internal controls, policies, and regulations. Works in conjunction with the financial operations staff to approve financial activity according to the designated signature authority. Develops and maintains unit budget systems and budgetary policies. Oversees unit budget preparation, forecasting, identifying, and implementing strategic initiatives. Supervises the financial operations staff who assist with overseeing the general ledger, preparing financial reports, and performing financial analysis. Manages the preparation of financial and administrative reports that are user friendly for the chair, vice chair, and faculty. Works with the financial operations staff to provide accurate and regular information about department resources. Collaborates with the chair and vice chairs to analyze financial and administrative reports against performance to inform strategic planning and further initiatives.

This position also oversees and forecasts fiscal aspects of the department including department funds, indirect cost funds and development funds; develops, establishes, and maintains fiduciary controls. Regularly monitors operations and practices to ensure compliance with university policies and procedures.  Provides information for internal audits. Facilitates communication between the department and the college about their operations and policies. Represents and advocates for the department to other administrators and provides efficient feedback to the chair and vice chairs. Works with the College to ensure the department operations and procedures integrate well with college procedures while efficiently supporting the department faculty and department activities.

The Senior Department Manager works closely with the chief administrative officer on college initiatives and strategic planning. Participates in monthly senior department manager meetings with the College Chief Administrative Officer, College Finance Director, and Senior Human Resources Partners providing consultation, performing project work, serving as mentor to other college managers, provides across-college management training as assigned. On behalf of the college, provides the following through a dotted line reporting relationship to the Chief Administrative Officer: Provides interim coverage for any vacancies in department manager positions. Participates in the selection process for replacing department manager positions. Provides training and onboarding for new managers in collaborations with the Chair. Provides on going mentoring and support for an assigned group of managers. Works to build community through shared experiences, training, and professional development opportunities.  Special projects as assigned by the CAO.

Qualifications:

Required: Bachelor's Level Degree or equivalent experience with a Major in business administration or accounting. Seven years of relevant experience in an administrative managerial capacity is required.

Proficiency with accounting principles and applications is required.

Desired: Master's degree or equivalent combination of education and experience with a Major in business administration or accounting. Proficiency with the University financial, procurement and human resources systems and the associated policies and procedures is desired. Considerable knowledge of university budget model, policies, and regulations is required. 

Additional Information:

Salary Range: $118,800-$156,200

*The offer for this position will fall within this range based on internal equity, the unit’s available budget, and the candidate’s qualifications.

The College

With more than 80 majors and 100 minors, the College of Arts and Sciences is the academic heart of the university. The Arts and Sciences provides extraordinary opportunities to collaborate across disciplines, blending creativity and analysis to truly be at the forefront of thought. The breadth and depth of knowledge in the college gives students and researchers the critical thinking and adaptability essential for a lifetime of success. 

Department Information

The Department of Physics at The Ohio State University is one of the university's largest departments.  As a department in the division of Natural and Mathematical Sciences in the College of the Arts and Sciences, the Department of Physics occupies the Physics Research Building as well as instructional and advising space in Smith Laboratory, the former home of the department. The department is the home to multiple internationally renowned centers and research facilities. The department currently has 50 faculty and approximately 60 postdoctoral researchers and research scientists, 210 graduate students, and 430 undergraduate majors.  For more information, see: https://physics.osu.edu/about-us.

Location:

Physics Research Building (0070)

Position Type:

Regular

Scheduled Hours:

40

Shift:

First Shift

Final candidates are subject to successful completion of a background check.  A drug screen or physical may be required during the post offer process.

Thank you for your interest in positions at The Ohio State University and Wexner Medical Center. Once you have applied, the most updated information on the status of your application can be found by visiting the Candidate Home section of this site. Please view your submitted applications by logging in and reviewing your status. For answers to additional questions please review the frequently asked questions.

The university is an equal opportunity employer, including veterans and disability. 

Average salary estimate

$137500 / YEARLY (est.)
min
max
$118800K
$156200K

If an employer mentions a salary or salary range on their job, we display it as an "Employer Estimate". If a job has no salary data, Rise displays an estimate if available.

What You Should Know About Senior Department Manager, osu

At The Ohio State University, we're excited to welcome a dynamic Senior Department Manager to our Columbus Campus, specifically within the Department of Physics. This role is pivotal in steering the department’s fiscal and business operations, allowing the chair and college administration to focus on what truly matters: strategic planning. As a Senior Department Manager, you will harmonize project management and team building to empower faculty in their research and teaching endeavors. Your oversight will ensure smooth administrative support, operational efficiency, and a vibrant environment for staff and faculty alike. Your mission will involve creating a culture of effective communication within the department and fostering a secure data structure that promotes collaboration. In this role, you’ll collaborate with financial operations to maintain the integrity of our budget systems and policies, prepare engaging financial and administrative reports, and provide insightful analysis that helps guide strategic initiatives. With a keen eye for improvement, you’ll identify areas for enhancement, driving our administrative operations to better support our exceptional faculty and students. You'll also represent the department effectively and advocate for its needs with higher administration, making this a fulfilling role for someone eager to make a significant impact at The Ohio State University and the vibrant community of Physics. If you're a skilled manager with a passion for academic administration, we want to hear from you!

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) for Senior Department Manager Role at osu
What are the responsibilities of a Senior Department Manager at The Ohio State University's Department of Physics?

The Senior Department Manager at The Ohio State University's Department of Physics is responsible for overseeing all fiscal and business operations. This includes managing project initiatives, ensuring efficient administrative support for faculty and staff, handling budget preparation, and collaborating on strategic planning with financial operations. A key aspect of this role is ensuring that department operations align with college policies while advocating for faculty needs.

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What qualifications are required for the Senior Department Manager position at The Ohio State University?

To qualify for the Senior Department Manager position at The Ohio State University, candidates must possess at least a Bachelor's Level Degree in business administration or accounting, along with seven years of relevant administrative managerial experience. Proficiency in accounting principles is essential. Preferred qualifications include a Master’s degree and experience with university financial systems.

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How does the Senior Department Manager support faculty at The Ohio State University?

The Senior Department Manager plays a vital role in supporting faculty at The Ohio State University by managing administrative operations, enabling faculty to maximize their research and teaching impact. This includes providing timely and accurate financial information, facilitating communication, and ensuring that the department runs smoothly so that faculty can focus on their academic priorities.

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What is the salary range for the Senior Department Manager at The Ohio State University?

The salary range for the Senior Department Manager position at The Ohio State University is between $118,800 and $156,200. The specific offer will be determined based on internal equity, available departmental budget, and the candidate's qualifications.

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What additional responsibilities does the Senior Department Manager have within The Ohio State University?

In addition to overseeing fiscal operations, the Senior Department Manager at The Ohio State University is involved in mentoring new managers, participating in selection processes for department manager vacancies, and collaborating on college initiatives and strategic planning. This role also includes conducting regular evaluations of department operations to identify improvement opportunities.

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Common Interview Questions for Senior Department Manager
Can you describe your experience in managing fiscal operations in an academic setting?

When answering this question, focus on specific examples where you successfully oversaw budgeting, forecasting, or financial reporting. Highlight your familiarity with academic budgets and emphasize your skills in compliance with university policies.

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How do you foster communication within a diverse team?

Discuss strategies you've implemented in previous roles to enhance team collaboration. Mention tools or practices you've used to ensure that information flows smoothly and that team members feel encouraged to share their thoughts and feedback.

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What project management tools are you familiar with, and which do you prefer?

Be honest about the project management tools you’ve used, such as Asana, Trello, or Microsoft Project. Explain why you prefer certain tools and how they have contributed to your past success in managing projects effectively.

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Describe a time you identified an opportunity for improvement in department operations.

Provide a specific example where you recognized a gap or inefficiency and took action. Describe the steps you took, the outcome, and how this experience shaped your approach to ongoing operations management.

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How do you ensure compliance with financial policies?

You should emphasize your understanding of university policies and your experience with audits. Illustrate this by discussing how you've previously enforced compliance and conducted training sessions for staff on financial regulations.

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What leadership style do you adopt when managing administrative staff?

Discuss your leadership philosophy, whether it’s collaborative, transformational, or participative. Elaborate on how you've successfully motivated and developed team members in the past.

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How do you manage priorities when faced with tight deadlines?

Share your techniques for prioritizing tasks, such as using a prioritization framework or time management software. Provide an example where you successfully met deadlines without compromising quality.

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What strategies do you use to analyze financial reports effectively?

Talk about the methods or approaches you've utilized to analyze financial data, such as trend analysis or variance analysis. Explain how your insights contributed to past strategic decisions.

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How do you build a cohesive team within your department?

Discuss team-building activities you've organized or initiatives you've led to enhance camaraderie. Illustrate how fostering a supportive environment resulted in improved team performance.

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What role do you see for a Senior Department Manager in fostering academic success?

Speak about how you believe an effective Senior Department Manager can impact academic success by enabling faculty through administrative support, effective budgeting, and a strong focus on strategic initiatives.

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EMPLOYMENT TYPE
Full-time, on-site
DATE POSTED
April 17, 2025

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