Department Administrator II – Biology

University of Wisconsin-Madison

. Provide leadership for strategic and short-term planning processes and obtain and validate data for strategic decision-making .

Posted 10/23/2026full-timeMadison • Wisconsin • United StatesMid-LevelSenior💰 $95,000 - $128,000 per yearWebsite

Core Competencies

Role fit

Core Competencies

Use this summary to align your resume positioning with the role.

Demonstrates strong leadership in strategic planning and departmental management, with expertise in budget development, compliance, and fostering collaborative relationships. Proven ability to oversee research programs and enhance administrative processes in a higher education setting.

Highest-signal resume keywords

Strategic PlanningBudget DevelopmentSupervision ExperienceHigher Education AdministrationCompliance Management

ATS Keywords

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Applicant Tracking System Keywords

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Hard Skills

Budget GenerationFinancial Data ManagementGrant OversightResearch Program ManagementPolicy Interpretation

Soft Skills

Verbal CommunicationWritten CommunicationOrganizational SkillsCollaborationConflict Management

Tools & Technologies

Digital ToolsDepartment Information Systems

Industry Keywords

Higher EducationNon-Profit AdministrationPhilanthropy StrategyPersonnel ManagementStrategic Initiatives

About the role

Key responsibilities & impact

Provide leadership for strategic and short-term planning processes and obtain and validate data for strategic decision-making
Lead, guide, and manage the department's research, teaching, and service programs and staff
Oversee basic and translational research programs, including staffing, compliance, fiscal, IT, and facility needs
Develop and administer budgets; oversee grants, contracts, and other funds for accounting and regulatory compliance
Lead faculty recruitment, evaluation, development, and promotion processes
Manage communication and marketing of department activities, accomplishments, and philanthropic activities, including engaging potential donors
Oversee office and research space on and off campus, department information systems, and regional network development
Facilitate training and professional development for the administrative team and contribute to onboarding processes
Exercise supervisory authority over at least 2.0 FTE employees
Report to the department chair and serve on the department leadership team

Requirements

What you’ll need

At least 5 years of professional administrative experience with progressive responsibility in areas such as overseeing office operations, guiding process improvements, and supporting strategic initiatives in a complex organizational environment
Experience working with financial data and budget generation
At least 2 years of experience with supervision
Strong verbal and written communication and administrative and organizational skills supported by effective use of digital tools and systems
Experience fostering and maintaining collaborative relationships with people from a variety of backgrounds and education levels
Ability to apply sound judgement and discretion in applying and interpreting laws, rules, policies, and procedures as applicable to the position
Bachelor's degree required; focus in business, non-profit administration, or related field preferred
Eligibility to work in the United States on or before the effective date of appointment
Employment may require a criminal background check
Preferred: 3 or more years of supervision experience
Preferred: At least 2 years of experience managing financial data and budget development in a higher education or similarly complex organizational setting
Preferred: Experience in higher education administration
Preferred: Experience leading and supporting strategic initiatives
Preferred: Experience with personnel issues, including conflict management
Preferred: Experience providing support and guidance on policy, budget forecasting, and decision-making
Preferred: Experience with philanthropy strategy and oversight of gift funds
Master’s degree preferred

Benefits

Comp & perks

Generous vacation, holidays, and sick leave
Competitive insurances and savings accounts
Retirement benefits