Director of Business Administration

DESCRIPTION

The Director of Business Administration provides critical support for the executive team and oversight for Birch Aquarium’s financial, human resources, business systems, and administrative operations. Reporting to the Executive Director and working closely with the Chief Guest Experience and Business Development Officer and the Chief Animal Care, Science and Conservation Officer, the Director supports the executive team, ensuring that operational excellence, fiscal integrity, and strategic alignment drive the Aquarium’s mission and goals.

Birch Aquarium operates as a self-supporting unit of the University, receiving no core funds and managing its financial affairs as a sustainable business where earned and contributed revenues must exceed expenses to produce a positive annual net result. The Director supports this model through comprehensive financial leadership, developing and implementing strategies that sustain and grow an annual $15M budget. The incumbent applies advanced analytical and business management skills to conduct forecasting, scenario modeling, and resource planning, ensuring effective financial oversight and discipline across diverse functional areas including Administration, Education, Guest Services, Events, Exhibits, Facilities, Marketing, Café, Store, and Animal Care.

In addition to fiscal leadership, the Director oversees the Aquarium’s human resources and workforce development programs, managing recruitment, classification, compensation, performance evaluation, and employee relations in coordination with VCMS HR and Campus HR. The position supervises professional and analytical staff and fosters a workplace culture emphasizing equity, accountability, and professional growth.

The Director also provides strategic direction for administrative systems and IT governance, overseeing system integration across finance, HR, and guest operations, ensuring compliance with UC San Diego policy, PCI DSS, CANRA, and privacy standards. Acting as the principal liaison with Scripps Institution of Oceanography, the Vice Chancellor Marine Sciences Office, and campus administrative offices, the Director represents Birch Aquarium on institutional business and policy matters, helping shape operational practices that advance efficiency, compliance, and sustainability across all departments.

Through strategic leadership and comprehensive oversight, this position ensures the continued fiscal health, operational excellence, and organizational strength that allow Birch Aquarium to fulfill its mission and contribute to the public, educational, and scientific goals of Scripps Institution of Oceanography and UC San Diego.

QUALIFICATIONS

• Advanced knowledge of a variety of administrative operational activities such as event planning, basic fundraising processes, risk management planning, website design, accounting and payroll, and contracts and grants regulations and guidelines.
• Advanced skills in short- and long-term strategic planning, analysis, problem-solving and customer service.
• Advanced analytical, strategic planning, and problem-solving skills; ability to evaluate complex issues and develop innovative solutions.
• Advanced knowledge of financial analysis and reporting techniques, and / or human resources policies and procedures for staff and academic employees.
• Proven ability to develop, mentor, and lead professional staff in a collaborative, service-oriented environment.
• Advanced knowledge of University rules and regulations, processes, protocols and procedures for budget, accounting and fund management, and / or personnel management.
• Ability to use discretion and maintain confidentiality.
• Ability to work effectively across academic, research, and operational environments and communicate with diverse stakeholders.
• Experience designing and implementing internal controls, audit readiness, and policy documentation systems.
• Advanced knowledge of common University-specific computer application programs.
• Advanced interpersonal skills including verbal and written communication, active listening, critical thinking, persuasiveness, advising and counseling skills.