Associate Director, Compliance & Continuous Improvement, SPFA

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Overview
The Associate Director of Compliance & Continuous Improvement in Sponsored Projects Financial Administration (SPFA) partners with the Associate Controller to streamline and modernize research financial operations. The primary focus of this role is improving how work gets done—simplifying workflows, reducing manual effort and rework, improving cycle times and consistency, and strengthening service delivery across the sponsored projects financial lifecycle. This position leads practical process improvement and project execution across SPFA, translating operational pain points into clear improvement plans and driving implementation through completion. The Director strengthens financial compliance by embedding fit-for-purpose quality assurance and monitoring practices into day-to-day workflows, emphasizing prevention and sustainability rather than after-the-fact correction. The role also identifies and advances opportunities to leverage technology, automation, and appropriate AI-enabled solutions to improve efficiency, data quality, and operational visibility, in partnership with technical and business stakeholders. A working understanding of grants and contracts is important to ensure process changes align with sponsor terms and sponsored award financial requirements. Success in this role depends on the ability to collaborate across teams, communicate clearly, and lead change in a complex environment. The Director oversees the compliance and continuous improvement unit, supporting staff development, cross-training, and an inclusive culture of continuous learning and improvement, while delivering measurable operational and compliance outcomes for SPFA and the broader research community.

This position requires physical presence in the office in New Haven 2 days per week.

Required Skills and Abilities

1.Superior interpersonal skills. Strong attention to detail and follow through with an ability to manage multiple tasks.

2. Strong customer service skills and ability to work in a fast-paced team environment.

3. Strong computer skills using Microsoft applications including Word and PowerPoint; advanced Excel skills.

4.Ability to accurately interpret policies, procedures, regulations and guidelines.

Preferred Experience and Skills

1.Sponsored projects related experience in a university or non-profit environment and familiarity with database query, automation, data analytics, AI and reporting tools.

2.Prior experience with grant and contract accounting.

3.Prior experience with Workday.

4.Prior experience with project management.

5.Prior experience conducting stakeholder training, presentations and managing a team.

Principal Responsibilities

1. Finance Projects related to Grants: Assist in overseeing financial systems and processes, implementing financial controls, and ensuring alignment with institutional policies and best practices. 2. Process Improvement: Continuously evaluate and enhance financial processes and systems to streamline operations, improve efficiency, and strengthen internal controls. Identify and implement best practices in sponsored projects financial administration.  3. Financial Analysts: Lead and manage a team of financial analysts responsible for monitoring and reconciling project expenditures, performing financial reconciliations, QA reviews and ensuring compliance with sponsor requirements. 4. Accounts Receivable: Manage accounts receivable for sponsored awards, including aging report review, tracking payments, communication with DBO and faculty, and resolving any outstanding issues or discrepancies.   5. Stakeholder Engagement: Build and maintain strong relationships with principal investigators, Department Business Offices, central offices and other key stakeholders. Support discussions with key leaders to understand research administration goals and perspectives.  Serve as a trusted advisor, providing financial expertise, guidance, and support. 6. Data Integrity: Develop data monitoring tools to help increase and ensure accuracy of research administration data.   7. Financial Management: Develop and implement financial strategies and policies to ensure effective management of sponsored projects. Monitor funding, expenditures, and revenue to ensure compliance with sponsor requirements and optimize financial performance. Required Education and Experience Bachelors Degree in related field and ten years of related experience, including 3+ years of managerial experience, or an equivalent combination of education and experience. 

Job Posting Date

08/20/2026

Job Category

Manager

Bargaining Unit

NON

Compensation Grade

Administration & Operations

Compensation Grade Profile

Leader (27)

Salary Range

$105,000.00 - $174,000.00

Time Type

Full time

Duration Type

Staff

Work Model

Hybrid

Background Check Requirements

All candidates for employment will be subject to pre-employment background screening for this position, which may include motor vehicle, DOT certification, drug testing and credit checks based on the position description and job requirements. All offers are contingent upon the successful completion of the background check. For additional information on the background check requirements and process visit "Learn about background checks" under the Applicant Support Resources section of Careers on the It's Your Yale website.

Health Requirements

Certain positions have associated health requirements based on specific job responsibilities. These may include vaccinations, tests, or examinations, as required by law, regulation, or university policy.

Posting Disclaimer

Salary offers are determined by a candidate’s qualifications, experience, skills, and education in relation to the position requirements, along with the role’s grade profile and current internal and external market conditions.

The intent of this job description is to provide a representative summary of the essential functions that will be required of the position and should not be construed as a declaration of specific duties and responsibilities of the position. Employees will be assigned specific job-related duties through  their hiring department.

The University is committed to basing judgments concerning the admission, education, and employment of individuals upon their qualifications and abilities and seeks to attract to its faculty, staff, and student body qualified persons from a broad range of backgrounds and perspectives. In accordance with this policy and as delineated by federal and Connecticut law, Yale does not discriminate in admissions, educational programs, or employment against any individual on account of that individual’s sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, race, color, national or ethnic origin, religion, age, disability, status as a special disabled veteran, veteran of the Vietnam era or other covered veteran.

Inquiries concerning Yale's Policy Against Discrimination and Harassment may be referred to the Office of Institutional Equity and Accessibility (OIEA).

Note

Yale University is a tobacco-free campus.