🚀 CLAWS Senior Director of Strategy and Financial Operations

CLAWS Senior Director of Strategy and Financial Operations

Posting Number: PG EP
Work Schedule: Monday – Friday, 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM (additional hours as needed)
Location: Raleigh, NC

Position Overview

The Senior Director of Strategy and Financial Operations will serve as a strategic and operational leader for the CLAWS Hub, overseeing all aspects of financial planning, reporting, and compliance. The role requires real‑time insight into the Hub’s financial health, alignment of funding strategies with programmatic goals, and proactive development of financial frameworks to meet short‑ and long‑term objectives.

About the Department

North Carolina State University hosts the CLAWS (Commercial Leap Ahead for Wide Bandgap Semiconductors) Hub, a $39.4 million Defense-funded regional innovation center focused on wide bandgap semiconductor technology. The hub partners with industry leaders, including Wolfspeed, Coherent Corp., General Electric, and others to advance national defense, EV, power grid, 5G/6G, quantum, and AI applications.

Benefits

• 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
• Childcare benefits, Wellness & Recreation Membership, and Wellness Programs

Key Responsibilities

Operational Leadership (35%)

• Lead annual budgeting, forecasting, and day‑to‑day financial operations in alignment with programmatic goals.
• Maintain accurate, real‑time financial models and deliver timely forecasts and reports.
• Oversee monthly reconciliation and reporting cycles, ensuring data accuracy and transparency.
• Manage pre‑ and post‑award functions, including proposal budgeting, cost‑share coordination, fund setup, and account closeouts.
• Implement internal financial controls to ensure compliance, mitigate risk, and safeguard resources.
• Coordinate with project leads, departments, and external partners for cohesive financial planning.

Strategic Partnership and External Affairs Management (35%)

• Act as a senior financial advisor in strategic planning, governance, and decision‑making.
• Represent the Hub in financial discussions with university leadership, research sponsors, and external stakeholders.
• Lead financial readiness for interdisciplinary initiatives and public‑private partnerships.
• Foster a culture of accountability, financial literacy, and continuous improvement.
• Mentor finance staff and collaborators, strengthening financial capabilities across the Hub.

Strategic Financial Management (30%)

• Develop and implement forecasting tools, dashboards, and performance indicators.
• Design cost‑recovery strategies for service centers, including rate development and audit readiness.
• Align funding strategy with long‑term Hub goals, identifying opportunities for investment and resource optimization.
• Provide financial insights to inform planning for new initiatives, infrastructure needs, or changes in funding models.
• Ensure compliance with university policies, federal regulations, and grant‑specific requirements.

Additional Responsibilities

• Create cost models and strategic plans for foundry utilization, linking wafer starts, yield assumptions, throughput, and tool uptime to revenue forecasts.
• Conduct sensitivity analyses for demand shifts, utilization mix, and cycle times.
• Manage allocation of fixed and variable fab costs, track cost improvements, and create margin, capital expansion, and workforce plans.
• Develop inventory/supply‑chain models and vendor alignment strategies.
• Recover R&D costs through government funding and customer payment mechanisms.

Qualifications

Minimum Education and Experience

• Bachelor’s Degree in Business Administration, Finance, Accounting, or a related business field and three years of professional accounting experience, with at least one year of supervisory responsibility.

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 across academic, administrative, and external constituencies.
• Proficiency in financial systems, tools, and data platforms used for modeling, reporting, and analysis.

Preferred Qualifications

• Master’s degree or CPA
• Familiarity with semiconductor manufacturing and operations

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement

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, or veteran status. Individuals with disabilities requiring accommodations in the application or interview process are encouraged to contact 919‑513‑0574 for assistance.

Application Materials

• Resume
• Cover Letter
• Contact information for at least three professional references

Contact Information

Human Resources: (919) 515‑2135 or

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