New

CLAWS Senior Director of Finance

North Carolina State University

Commensurate with Experience

life insurance, flexible benefit account, paid time off

United States, North Carolina, Raleigh

Aug 05, 2025

Posting Information

Posting Number	PG194201EP
Internal Recruitment	No
Working Title	CLAWS Senior Director of Finance
Anticipated Hiring Range	Commensurate with Experience
Work Schedule	M-F Monday through Friday, 8AM - 5PM, additional hours as needed
Job Location	Raleigh, NC
Department
About the Department	North Carolina State University is leading the charge as the recipient of a $39.4 million award from the Department of Defense to establish the regional Microelectronics Commons regional innovation hub, Commercial Leap Ahead for Wide Bandgap Semiconductors ( CLAWS ). This initiative, part of the larger $238 million investment through the Creating Helpful Incentives to Produce Semiconductors ( CHIPS) and Science Act, aims to revolutionize the field of wide bandgap semiconductors. Hub leadership, Distinguished Professors John Muth and Fred Kish, are dedicated to the "lab to fab" journey-translating laboratory advancements into fabrication capabilities for wide bandgap semiconductors. The hub brings together a dynamic partnership with N.C. A&T State University and industry leaders, including Wolfspeed, Coherent Corp., General Electric, Bluglass, Adroit Materials, and Kyma Technologies, Inc. This collaborative effort will propel the development of semiconductors crucial for national defense, electric vehicles, power grid technologies, 5G/6G, quantum technologies, and artificial intelligence applications.
Wolfpack Perks and Benefits	As a Pack member, you belong here, and can enjoy exclusive perks designed to enhance your personal and professional well-being. What we offer: Medical, Dental, and Vision Flexible Spending Account Retirement Programs Disability Plans Life Insurance Accident Plan Paid Time Off and Other Leave Programs 12 Holidays Each Year Tuition and Academic Assistance And so much more! Attain Work-life balance with our Childcare benefits, Wellness & Recreation Membership, and Wellness Programs that aim to build a thriving wolfpack community. Disclaimer: Perks and Benefit eligibility is based on Part-Time or Full-Time Employment status. Eligibility and Employer Sponsored Plans can be found within each of the links offered.
Essential Job Duties	The Senior Director of Finance for the CLAWS Hub will serve as a strategic and operational leader responsible for overseeing all aspects of financial planning, reporting, and compliance. This individual will maintain a real-time, in-depth understanding of the Hub's financial health and be accountable for communicating financial performance and risks to senior leadership. The Director will align funding strategies with programmatic goals and proactively develop financial frameworks that enable the Hub to achieve its short- and long-term objectives. The CLAWS Hub is a dynamic, interdisciplinary environment committed to innovation, collaboration, and advancing impactful research. The Senior Director of Finance will be a key member of the leadership team and is expected to model a proactive, solutions-oriented approach to financial stewardship. Key Responsibilities: Operational Leadership: Lead the Hub's annual budgeting, forecasting, and day-to-day financial operations in alignment with programmatic and operational goals. Maintain accurate, real-time financial models and deliver timely forecasts and reports to support leadership decision-making. Oversee monthly reconciliation and reporting cycles, ensuring data accuracy, consistency, and transparency. Manage all pre- and post-award functions, including proposal budgeting, cost share coordination, fund setup, and account closeouts. Implement and maintain internal financial controls to ensure compliance, mitigate risk, and safeguard resources. Coordinate with project leads, departments, and external partners to ensure cohesive financial planning across Hub activities. Strategic Financial Management: Develop and implement forecasting tools, dashboards, and performance indicators that enhance financial planning and scenario analysis. Design cost recovery strategies for service centers, including rate development, policy documentation, and audit readiness. Align funding strategy with long-term Hub goals, identifying opportunities for investment, sustainability, and resource optimization. Provide leadership with financial insights that inform planning for new initiatives, infrastructure needs, or changes in funding models. Ensure all financial activities meet university policies, federal regulations, and grant-specific compliance requirements. Institutional Influence & Leadership: Serve as a senior advisor on financial matters, contributing to strategic planning, governance, and organizational decision-making. Represent the CLAWS Hub in financial discussions with university leadership, research sponsors, and external stakeholders. Lead financial readiness for interdisciplinary initiatives, collaborative programs, and public-private partnerships. Foster a culture of accountability, financial literacy, and continuous improvement within the Hub and across associated teams. Mentor and support finance staff and collaborators, strengthening capabilities across financial operations and strategy.
Other Responsibilities	Other duties as assigned

Qualifications

Minimum Education and Experience	Bachelor's Degree in Business Administration, Finance, Accounting or related business area and three years of professional accounting experience, of which at least one is supervisory; or equivalent combination of training and experience. All degrees must be received from appropriately accredited institutions.
Other Required Qualifications	8+ years of progressively responsible financial management experience, preferably in a university or research-intensive setting. Deep knowledge of federal grant regulations, contract administration, and compliance frameworks. Proven ability to lead strategic budgeting, financial modeling, and risk management initiatives. Excellent communication and leadership skills, with the ability to collaborate across administrative, academic, and external constituencies. Proficiency in financial systems, tools, and data platforms used for modeling, reporting, and analysis.
Preferred Qualifications	Master's or CPA preferred Familiarity with semiconductor manufacturing and operations
Required License(s) or Certification(s)	N/A
Valid NC Driver's License required	No
Commercial Driver's License required	No

Recruitment Dates and Special Instructions

Job Open Date	08/05/2025
Anticipated Close Date	Open Until Filled
Special Instructions to Applicants	Applicants should upload a cover letter, CV/resume, and contact information for three professional references

Position Details

Position Number	00110558
Position Type	EPS/SAAO
Full Time Equivalent (FTE) (1.0 = 40 hours/week)	1.0
Appointment	12 Month Recurring
Mandatory Designation - Adverse Weather	Non Mandatory - Adverse Weather
Mandatory Designation - Emergency Events	Non Mandatory - Emergency Event
Department ID	140110 - CLAWS
EEO	NC State University is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive equal opportunities for employment without regard to age, color, disability, gender identity, genetic information, national origin, race, religion, sex (including pregnancy), sexual orientation, and veteran status. The University encourages all qualified applicants, including protected veterans and individuals with disabilities, to apply. Individuals with disabilities requiring disability-related accommodations in the application and interview process are welcome to contact 919-513-0574 to speak with a representative of the Office of Equal Opportunity. If you have general questions about the application process, you may contact Human Resources at (919) 515-2135 or workatncstate@ncsu.edu. Final candidates are subject to criminal & sex offender background checks. Some vacancies also require credit or motor vehicle checks. Degree(s) must be obtained prior to start date in order to meet qualifications and receive credit. NC State University participates in E-Verify. Federal law requires all employers to verify the identity and employment eligibility of all persons hired to work in the United States.