SAVE

Director - Finance, KRI LLC

Northeastern University

Details

Posted:

November 25, 2025

Location:

Burlington, Massachusetts

Show Map

Director - Finance, KRI LLC

About the Opportunity

Job Summary:

The Kostas Research Institute (Kostas), the applied research arm of Northeastern University focused on DoD-related S&T R&D, seeks a dynamic and experienced Director of Finance to support its mission across multiple sites including Burlington MA, Arlington VA, and Brunswick ME. Kostas is affiliated with the independent 501(c)3 KRI at Northeastern University, LLC (KRI), a wholly owned special-purpose subsidiary of the University, with ambitious plans to grow top-line revenue to and beyond $500 million annually.

This role requires an extremely experienced finance professional who combines a record of professional success in financial management, grant administration, budget oversight, and Department of Defense (DoD) and other federal contract compliance. The Director of Finance will provide strategic financial leadership and operational oversight for all financial matters across the Institute and its affiliated entity, ensuring efficient management of research and operational budgets in compliance with federal sponsor requirements, University policies, and industry best practices.

The Director of Finance will report to the Director of the Kostas Research Institute and CEO of the KRI, LLC. Working closely with the Institute's Executive Leadership and the Program Management Office, the Director of Finance will support Kostas' mission to discover and translate new knowledge through S&T R&D programs for US government mission-driven agencies, allied governments, and corporate customers. The position requires implementing an orderly and trackable business environment with best-in-class practices; providing oversight for effective financial and sponsored award management; executing all aspects of budgeting, financial transactions, analysis, and control; and collaborating with colleagues across Northeastern University Research Enterprise Services (NU-RES), the Office of the Provost, and external partner organizations.

Minimum Qualifications:

Education:

Bachelor's degree required
Master's degree or relevant professional certification (e.g., CPA, CPM, CMA) strongly preferred in finance, accounting, business administration, or related field

Experience:

Minimum of 8-10 years of professional experience in financial planning and administration, project management, or grant management in complex organizations
Experience working in a research university or research institution strongly preferred
Experience managing federal (particularly DoD) and/or institutional research budgets
Demonstrated experience with DoD organizations, funding mechanisms, and contract compliance preferred
Proven experience supervising financial analysts or similar positions

Knowledge & Skills:

Advanced working knowledge of Microsoft Excel required
Knowledge of university financial systems (Banner, Cognos, Workday, Concur, SharePoint, Argos, Archibus, Tableau, IntelliBUY, etc.) a plus
Strong understanding of federal research compliance requirements, particularly DoD regulations
Demonstrated ability to develop and execute financial planning and budgeting processes
Proven ability to lead finance and administrative staff, collaborate across departments, and make effective decisions
Experience with generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP) and general ledger management
Effective communication and analytical skills with ability to focus on strategic objectives while executing day-to-day operational activities
Strong analytical and project management skills with ability to sort out complex financial information
Excellent strategic leadership and team building skills
Demonstrated strong commitment to exceeding client/customer expectations
Ability to multi-task and work independently as well as in teams, with a strong 'bias for action'
Ability to adapt quickly to address new priorities in a fast-paced and unstructured environment with an entrepreneurial, solutions-oriented mindset

Security:

Willingness and ability to obtain a DoD security clearance preferred
Active DoD secret clearance or above strongly preferred

Key Responsibilities & Accountabilities:

Develop multi-year operational and research budgets supporting the Institute's growth trajectory
Create and maintain budgetary policies and procedures ensuring compliance with University policies, federal funding requirements, and DoD and other federal regulations
Conduct regular 'budget vs. actual' analyses to inform Institute leadership and support strategic decision-making
Recommend, develop, and implement processes, procedures, and budget structures to support effective and efficient financial operations
Provide pre- and post-award administration of grants and external funding related to budgetary issues
Conduct regular 'budget vs. actual' analyses and other reporting to inform Institute leadership and support strategic decision-making
Identify short and long-range budgetary issues (operational or research) and recommend solutions
Oversee Financial Analyst who will be responsible for day-to-day operational, financial, and administrative tasks
Support contract development and oversight with external partner organizations, academic institutions, and corporate customers
Support development of forecasting models for all research initiatives and programs including operational management/support
Ensure proper usage of funds (including internal funds and externally sponsored research), monitor open salary lines, revenue sources, and movement between budget categories
Ensure efficient deployment of financial resources through data-driven analysis and modeling
Track research efforts reporting and compliance issues to ensure all are addressed in partnership with NU-RES

Position Type

Temporary

Additional Information

Northeastern University considers factors such as candidate work experience, education and skills when extending an offer.

Northeastern has a comprehensive benefits package for benefit eligible employees. This includes medical, vision, dental, paid time off, tuition assistance, wellness & life, retirement- as well as commuting & transportation. Visit https://hr.northeastern.edu/benefits/ for more information.

All qualified applicants are encouraged to apply and will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, religion, color, national origin, age, sex, sexual orientation, disability status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law.

Pay Rate:
70.00

To apply, visit https://northeastern.wd1.myworkdayjobs.com/en-US/careers/job/Burlington-MA/Director---Finance--KRI-LLC_R137085

Internal Number: 6750907

About Northeastern University

Founded in 1898, Northeastern University is a private research university located in the heart of Boston. Northeastern is a leader in worldwide experiential learning, urban engagement, and interdisciplinary research that meets global and societal needs. Our broad mix of experience-based education programs?our signature cooperative education program, as well as student research, service learning, and global learning?build the connections that enable students to transform their lives. The University offers a comprehensive range of undergraduate and graduate programs leading to degrees through the doctorate in nine colleges and schools.

More Jobs from This Employer

More Jobs Like This

Reg. Resp. Therapist, AHSIC- Per Diem Days AtHome Medical Howell, NJ	Howell, New Jersey
Atlantic Health System	Yesterday
Division Chief of Dermatology	Dallas, Texas
Baylor Scott & White Health	Yesterday
Head Coach, Cross Country	Benton Harbor, Michigan
Lake Michigan College	3 Days Ago

You do not have JavaScript Enabled on this browser. Please enable it in order to use the full functionality of our website.

Director - Finance, KRI LLC

Northeastern University

Error