Employment Opportunities

Are you looking for an exciting career opportunity where you can make a direct impact on cutting-edge research and innovation? The University of Dayton Research Institute is seeking a dynamic and experienced Group Leader and Principal Project Management Analyst to join our Digital Sector. UDRI is a national leader in scientific and engineering research, serving government, industry, and nonprofit customers. UDRI contributes to the fulfillment of the University's commitments to education, research, and public service through the involvement of students, faculty and external partners. Apply today!

Established as the research arm of the University of Dayton in 1956, sponsored research for FY 2025 alone exceeded $280 million. UDRI is ranked first in the nation among all colleges and universities for sponsored materials research, according to the National Science Foundation. In Ohio, UDRI is number one among colleges and universities receiving contracts and grants from the Department of Defense.
The Institute has a tradition of research excellence with an uncompromising commitment to providing customers with quality products while maintaining the highest ethical standards. It is keenly aware that compliance with applicable laws and regulations is an essential condition for performing its business. Its commitment to compliance is based on providing a supportive environment, the integrity of its employees, and their support of the University's policies and applicable laws and regulations of the United States.

The Group Leader (GL) of the Business Operations Administrative and Financial (A&F) Group is a fully proficient professional responsible for leading financial and administrative operations for the Digital and Systems Engineering Sector. Reporting to the Executive Director, and in coordination with the Sector’s Directors, this position applies advanced knowledge of business operations, financial management, and organizational processes to ensure sector operations are efficient, cost-effective, and strategically aligned with institutional goals.

Operating with significant autonomy, the GL anticipates and solves complex operational challenges, develops innovative solutions, and provides strategic insights that shape sector performance, client relationships, and future direction. The GL leads a team of financial, administrative, and other business professionals, provides technical guidance and mentorship, and serves as a consultant and advisor to leadership on major operational, financial, and organizational matters.

Key Responsibilities
• Develop, implement, and continuously refine financial and administrative policies and processes to improve profitability, compliance, and service quality.
• Anticipate challenges, identify opportunities, and design solutions to complex operational issues, balancing short-term needs with long-term strategic goals.
• Partner with Sector, Division, Center, and Office leadership on planning and executing financial and administrative initiatives to advance sector priorities.
• Serve as a trusted advisor and spokesperson on major operational and financial matters, contributing to decisions that shape the sector’s success and institutional objectives.
• Provide strategic recommendations to leadership on operational priorities, business practices, and process improvements.
• Oversee and forecast direct and indirect budgets, track sector financial performance, and deliver detailed analysis and reporting to inform decisions.
• Collaborate with program management teams to ensure revenue and expense tracking accuracy, and prepare financial data for Program Management Reviews and deliverables.
• Interpret contract structures and advise on their implications for profitability and performance, including CLIN and ACRN-level reporting.
• Serve as a key liaison with UDRI support functions to integrate operations and align sector processes with institutional policies and objectives.
• Influence outcomes through consultation, negotiation, and collaboration across diverse internal and external stakeholders.
• Lead, mentor, and develop a team of financial, administrative, and other business professionals, fostering a collaborative, high-performing culture focused on results and continuous improvement.
• Supervise support staff and provide direction on project work.
• Provide technical guidance and mentorship to less experienced staff, enhancing team capability and professional growth.
• Represent the sector in cross-functional initiatives and external engagements, advancing operational priorities and strengthening stakeholder relationships.

• Bachelor’s degree and a minimum of 10 years of relevant experience; OR a Master’s degree and a minimum of 9 years; OR 12 years of experience and performance at this level.
• Success in business operations leadership, financial management, and process improvement.
• Advanced analytical and problem-solving skills with the ability to anticipate, identify, and resolve complex challenges.
• Strong communication, negotiation, and interpersonal skills with experience collaborating across diverse teams.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite (especially Excel) and ability to manage sensitive/confidential data.
• Experience managing and reporting program financials at the CLIN and ACRN levels.
• Due to the requirements of our research contracts with the U.S. federal government, candidates for this position must be a U.S. citizen.
• Eligible to obtain security clearance.

While not everyone may possess all of the preferred qualifications, the ideal candidate will bring many of the following:

• Master’s degree in business or technical area.
• Three or more years of supervisory experience.
• Extensive experience with UDRI and University of Dayton policies, procedures, and systems, including Deltek Costpoint.
• Experience with a variety of DoD and commercial contract types.
• Experience in forecasting revenue projections in a complex organization.
• Proven knowledge of project management fundamentals.
• Familiarity with financial and project management requirements of Air Force Research Lab programs, especially with directorates involved with Digital and Systems Engineering.

To apply please submit a cover letter addressing each minimum qualification and any applicable preferred qualifications that you meet.

Informed by its Catholic and Marianist mission, the University is committed to the dignity of every human being. Informed by this commitment, we seek to increase diversity in all of its forms, achieve fair outcomes, and model inclusion across our campus community. The University is committed to policies of affirmative action designed to increase the employment opportunities of individuals with disabilities and protected veterans in compliance with the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 and Vietnam Era Veterans' Readjustment Assistance Act of 1973.