Executive Director, The Donna and Benjamin M. Rosen Bioengineering Center / Option Manager, Chemical Engineering
CaltechJob Category: Fulltime Regular
Exempt Overtime Eligible: Exempt
Benefits Eligible: Benefit Based
Caltech is a world-renowned science and engineering institute that marshals some of the world's brightest minds and most innovative tools to address fundamental scientific questions. We thrive on finding and cultivating talented people who are passionate about what they do. Join us and be a part of the diverse Caltech community.
Job Summary
The Donna and Benjamin M. Rosen Bioengineering Center (www.rosen.caltech.edu) promotes and supports creative and cutting-edge research across all bioengineering disciplines at Caltech. The Executive Director will have the opportunity to lead and expand the Rosen Bioengineering Center's efforts, working with faculty, staff, and students across the Institute doing innovative research in multiple fields at the intersection between biology and engineering. The Executive Director will collaborate with Caltech development, administration, and communications offices to support bioengineering research and education, and to communicate Caltech advances to the public. The Executive Director reports to the Director of the Rosen Bioengineering Center.
Chemical Engineering (ChE) at Caltech has a long tradition and is a key part of the Division of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering (CCE). The Chemical Engineering faculty is among the most distinguished and innovative in the world, actively leading chemical engineering research into new areas of study and application.
The Option Manager is responsible for overseeing the execution of multiple functions to support the Chemical Engineering graduate and undergraduate options. This position requires a high level of independent judgment; strong analytical and administrative skills; and frequent interaction and collaboration with faculty, students, and other Division administrative and managerial staff.
This hybrid position within Chemical Engineering requires a responsible leadership professional who will use their experience to develop, adapt, execute, and manage programs of the Center and of Chemical Engineering. The Executive Director/Option Manager is responsible for oversight of operations and finances, and is expected to provide strong administrative leadership for the Rosen Bioengineering Center's flagship programs and for the Chemical Engineering undergraduate and graduate options. The Executive Director/Option Manager will oversee and coordinate the Rosen Bioengineering Center's Pilot Grant Program and other requests for Center support, including proposal reviews and selection processes for scientific projects and scholarships. The Executive Director/Option Manager will coordinate and manage the Biotechnology Leadership Predoctoral Training Program in Micro/Nanomedicine (BLP). This is a hands-on role and requires that the successful candidate be able to directly perform most aspects of the hybrid position with limited assistance.
Essential Job Duties

• Develop and manage annual budgets and reporting for the Rosen Bioengineering Center and its programs.
• Manage and direct the development, implementation, administration, and evaluation of Rosen Bioengineering Center programs. Monitor trends and recommend relevant program changes and direction(s).
• Create and maintain calendars of events, workshops, training, and programs for the Rosen Bioengineering Center and for graduate student trainees in the BLP.
• Manage and produce Rosen Center events throughout the year.
• Coordinate the graduate admissions process including the administration of graduate applications; organizes and prioritizes applications and tracks deadlines; manage the student visiting weekend; and marketing the Caltech Chemical Engineering program to relevant prospective students.
• Manage all administrative and academic activities in connection with the ChE Options, including processing and reconciling financial transactions and records administration; coordinating option events; monitoring student degree progress; course and catalog planning with the faculty; coordinate development of ChE option policies; work with the Graduate Office, Registrar's Office, and other divisions as needed.
• Other duties may also be assigned.

We are seeking a professional who:

• Has outstanding writing and editing skills in highly technical contexts.
• Is able to gain trust and inspire others toward reaching strategic goals.
• Has great people skills and is able to work well with strong personalities.
• Is proactive, can prioritize/organize time well and has attention to detail.
• Is comfortable interpreting and taking direction via email.
• Has substantial experience in scientific research administration, including preparing research and training proposals, overseeing awarded projects and programs, communicating with funding agencies, and preparing periodic technical reports.

Basic Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree with at least 7 years of related work experience.
• At least 3 years of experience managing scientific research and/or training programs in academic or non-profit institutions, centers, or institutes.
• At least 3 years' experience as an Option Manager.
• Familiarity with Institute operations and administrative practices.
• Demonstrated outstanding communication and interpersonal relationship skills with administration, faculty, staff, students, and the broader university community.
• Ability to work in a diverse, collaborative environment while also independently managing and administering programs and events.
• Ability to make substantial contributions and work effectively in areas that are new/ambiguous.
• Strong organizational skills and an ability to handle multiple and complex tasks and projects concurrently, with attention to detail and deadlines.

Preferred Qualifications

• MS or PhD in a science or engineering field with at least 3 years of related work experience.
• Demonstrated excellent strategic planning, organizational, and analytical skills.
• Demonstrated ability to successfully implement innovative academic programs.
• Demonstrated ability to take initiative in program development and evaluation.
• Experience in student activities, student leadership, mentoring, or experiential learning at the university or college level.
• Experience with university outreach or collaboration with nonprofit, extension services, or underrepresented student groups.
• Outstanding record of independent publications and a track record of successful fundraising from government and private sources.

Required Documents

• Resume

To be considered for this position please visit our web site and apply on line at the following link: https://hr.caltech.edu/work/job_openings
We are an equal opportunity employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.
jeid-8e5233689aa8df4da613f53f41f679d1