Business and Operations Manager

The University of Southern Mississippi is currently accepting applications for the position of Business and Operations Manager.

Position Details

Location Hattiesburg

118 College Drive

Hattiesburg, Mississippi, 39406-0001

United States

Division Trent Lott Center - Operations

Position Type Staff

Employment Status Full Time

Grant Funded No

Pay Grade

E09

Posting Close Date May 17, 2024

Job Summary

This position serves as business manager for research and business operations at the Center. This position is responsible for the financial management of research projects and financial, operational, and marketing management of center-led executive education programs. Responsible to the Center Director for all aspects of budgetary and strategic planning, fiscal management, human resources, and business matters. Responsible for and oversee department financial accounting. This position works with Center Director to help formulate the vision for the overall program and will help develop strategic objectives and implementation plans to accomplish the work. Coordination with other USM academic and research divisions, federal, state, academic, industry, not-for-profit, regulatory, and control agents is required. This position supervises graduate assistants, student workers, and the Administrative and Communications Assistant.

Primary Duties and Responsibilities

• Manages the daily financial activities of the TLNC. Responsible for maintaining the center’s accounts reconciliation and operating budget; monitors all account balances and activity and initiates transactions to resolve discrepancies. Serve as central purchasing agent for the purchase of equipment, materials, and supplies within budget. Assist Center Director with management coordination of all University policies and procedures as it relates to TLNC staff. Responsible for managing day-to-day administrative operations with the authority to make decisions within established practices and policies.

• Responsible for program management of non-academic executive education courses and financial management of multiple externally funded grants, service agreements, and programs, which includes the planning, coordinating development, and reconciliation of center activities and budgets.

• Oversees resource allocation. Makes efficient use of center resources (human, infrastructure, equipment, and other related resources. Coordinates with principal investigators/ project managers using Center resources to develop and maintain process workflow, employee, space, and equipment requirements for all projects.

• Responsible for working with private companies and appropriate University units for sub-awards, contracts, or other agreements related to TLNC projects and programs. Coordinates with private companies for the use of center resources and subsequent payments. Manages relationships with partners.

• Develop and manage budgets for continuous cost-effective operations. Evaluates area of expenditures and revenues and prepares financial analysis and reports. Provides consultation to the Center Director on development strategies to advance TLNC and the university’s research mission and support cost-effective operations management. Contributes to business development decision processes and participates in short- and long-term planning.

• Performs other duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications

Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university in economic development, business, or a closely related field with 2 years of experience in leadership/professional development programs, financial reporting, and business operations management. An MBA/MSED from an accredited college or university will also be considered, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

• Proficiency in Microsoft Office tools such as Word, Excel, and PowerPoint, willingness to learn new software and hardware solutions, and inquisitiveness to investigate the full capabilities of the software.

• Business Strategy & Acumen: Understands higher education and can use industry/professional terminology fluently. Understands and can execute university and grant financial management and budgeting. Thinks strategically and seeks to align department services and goals with institutional strategic goals. Asks critical questions to delve into root causes to identify solutions. Understands the interconnection of decisions, actions, outcomes, and measures. Ability to process and handle confidential information with care and discretion.

• Professional Knowledge and Application: Takes initiative to develop and apply professional knowledge and skills to enhance individual effectiveness and improve organizational performance. Creates opportunities to apply new learnings and best practices into innovative solutions that positively impact results. Seeks opportunities for development for both self and the team.

• Business Execution: Leverages professional expertise and University knowledge to assess areas of opportunity, identify solutions and effectively execute the plan. Demonstrates a high level of planning and organizational skills and the ability to move projects forward to completion. Capable of self-direction in analyzing, organizing, and prioritizing work while meeting multiple deadlines. Define problems, collect data, establish facts, draw valid conclusions, and choose the right mathematical methods or formulas to solve problems. Seeks advice and input from others and recognizes when to escalate issues or seek help.

• Communication: Demonstrates the ability to deliver accurate, concise, and quality communication (verbal and written) in a timely manner. Ability to effectively present information and respond to questions from groups of managers, clients, customers, and the public. Encourages an open exchange of ideas and differing perspectives. Adapts communication style to meet the needs of diverse audiences and situations. Listens to understand others. Provides quality feedback.

• Relationship Management: Works to build and manage productive relationships with peers, leaders, and customer groups. Effectively engages and interacts with others to collaborate and provide value-added support that enhances department results and team effectiveness. Affects outcomes and direction of customer’s decisions through effective relationships, trust, and credibility.

• Leadership: Demonstrates openness and flexibility towards new ideas and concepts and effectively influences or facilitates during times of change. Helps others become more effective through development and coaching. Utilizes candid feedback, knowledge, resources, and opportunities to improve the performance of others and to increase their contributions. Sets clear expectations for performance, provides meaningful feedback, holds employees accountable, and recognizes successes. Displays a high degree of personal integrity and discretion.

  Preferred Qualifications:

Master’s degree from an accredited college or university in economic development, business, or a closely related field and/or Specialized Certification such as the Certified Economic Developer and/or Certified Community Developer designation.

About The University of Southern Mississippi

Since our founding in 1910, The University of Southern Mississippi has remained dedicated to preparing students for success. We deliver programs to more than 13,000 students in Hattiesburg and Long Beach, at teaching and research sites across the Mississippi Gulf Coast, as well as online. We are a community-engaged Carnegie R1 university, earning distinction as one of the nation's leading research institutions.

Southern Miss is known for pioneering work in polymer science, ocean science, spectator sports safety and security, and bringing language to children with communication disorders. We are also a national leader in a broad range of disciplines, including cybersecurity, hydrography, nutrition, aquaculture, kinesiology, and economic development, among others.

We produce graduates ready to enter fields that are leading the way in emerging technologies through programs such as computer engineering, information technology, and ocean engineering. We’re developing the next generation of business leaders, while also responding to critical workforce shortages by producing skilled professionals in education and nursing. With a tradition of excellence in the arts, we are one of only 36 public institutions in the nation accredited in four major areas of the arts. Home to the Golden Eagles, our student-athletes compete in 17 NCAA Division I sports. With a culture marked by passion and persistence, Southern Miss is delivering graduates who are ready for life. For more information, visit www.usm.edu.

As an Affirmative Action/Equal Employment Opportunity employer/Americans with Disabilities Act institution, The University of Southern Mississippi encourages minorities, women, veterans and persons with disabilities to apply.