Associate Director (Administrative Manager) - Photonics Initiative

Associate Director (Administrative Manager) - Photonics Initiative

POSITION DETAILS

The Advanced Science Research Center (ASRC), is the Graduate Center's University-wide venture that elevates CUNY's legacy of scientific research and education through initiatives in five distinctive, interconnected disciplines: environmental science, nanoscience, neuroscience, photonics, and structural biology. The ASRC is designed to promote a unique, collaborative culture. To learn more about the Graduate Center's ASRC visit asrc.cuny.edu .

The ASRC Photonics Initiative seeks an Associate Director who will work with the Initiative Director and manage the day-to-day endeavors of the Initiative. The incumbent will be responsible for the design and execution of administrative operations and manage various personnel matters within the unit. The Associate Director will collaborate on grant proposals, develop and maintain budgets, manage staff, ensure compliance with institutional rules, and act as a liaison to internal and external partners. The incumbent will also oversee communication and publicity efforts for the initiative. This position reports to the Director of the Photonics Initiative.

Duties include but are not limited to:

• Executes complex and high-priority projects; performs ad hoc projects as needed;

• Evaluates initiative performance and activities; advises Director;

• Initiates activities and projects to strengthen the Photonics initiative;

• Plans and maintains initiative finances and budgets;

• Organizes initiative correspondence, accounts, contracts and billing;

• Plans and conducts events, especially research-related meetings, workshops, and conferences;

• Organizes meetings of internal and external advisory boards and visitors, acts as rapporteur, and distributes notes;

• Organizes and writes initiative reviews and research project reports in concert with the director and faculty;

• Strategizes and collaborates to write research proposals; coordinates with the grants office for proposal submission;

• Serves as a key team member for department's recruiting activities; coordinates recruitment, selects candidates or manages the selection process.

• Performs other duties as assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS

Bachelor's Degree and six years' relevant experience required.

A preferred candidate should have:

• Master's degree

• Experience leading research administrative operations, including strategic planning and execution

• Experience managing office finances and operations

• Proficiency using office software and general ledger financial systems

• Experience working in research-active academic institutions

• Interest in science and education

• Strong analytical skills and experience in strategic planning and solving complex problems

• Flexibility to meet deadlines in a fast-paced environment

• Strong written and verbal communication skills, interpersonal, negotiation, and presentation skills

• Ability to work independently and exercise sound judgement

• Ability to work collaboratively with diverse stakeholders and clients at various levels

CUNY TITLE OVERVIEW

Manages administrative and program activities of an academic or administrative unit.

• Manages administrative aspects of department operations such as admissions, recruitment, scheduling, facilities management, and events.

• Serves as Office Manager, supervising and training staff, managing financial operations and budgets, and coordinating technology, equipment, security, and building maintenance requirements.

• Represents management in meetings and activities related to department administration.

• Maintains archives, inventories, or collections of materials or records needed by the department.

• Works with fund-raising, marketing, technology, and other personnel to provide information and participate in Campus or University-wide initiatives.

• Collect information for, produce, and distribute department reports covering program, fiscal, and human resources issues

• Independently carries out unit activities such as approvals, student interactions, and participation in campus- or university-wide committees and projects.

Job Title Name: Administrative Manager

CUNY TITLE

Higher Education Associate

FLSA

Exempt

COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS

$94,909 -$105,816/year (salary range will increase to $98,231-$109,519 as of 9/1/26 per the PSC contract).Salary commensurate with education and experience.

CUNY's benefits contribute significantly to total compensation, supporting health and wellness, financial well-being, and professional development. We offer a range of health plans, competitive retirement/pension benefits and savings plans, tuition waivers for CUNY graduate study and generous paid time off. Our staff also benefits from the extensive academic, arts, and athletic programs on our campuses and the opportunity to participate in a lively, diverse academic community in one of the greatest cities in the world.

HOW TO APPLY

Please click on "Apply Now" which will bring you to the registration screen. If you are a new user, you must register to apply. If you already have a user ID, please use your existing ID to apply. Please submit a cover letter and resume in Word or PDF format.

CLOSING DATE

August 18, 2026

JOB SEARCH CATEGORY

CUNY Job Posting: Managerial/Professional

EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY

CUNY encourages people with disabilities, minorities, veterans and women to apply. At CUNY, Italian Americans are also included among our protected groups. Applicants and employees will not be discriminated against on the basis of any legally protected category, including sexual orientation or gender identity. EEO/AA/Vet/Disability Employer.

Job ID: 32489

Location: Graduate Center

Job Type: Full-Time