Business Officer
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Location: Mills River, NC
Essential Job Duties:
Reporting to the NC Agricultural Research Service, The Business Officer supports the administrative, financial, and operational success of the Mountain Horticultural Crops Research and Extension Center (MHCREC) and Mountain Horticultural Crops Research Station (MHCRS). In this highly collaborative role, you will help ensure research, extension, and outreach programs have the resources, facilities, and operational support needed to succeed.
Working across finance, operations, communications, facilities, and stakeholder engagement, you will partner with faculty, staff, students, university departments, and external stakeholders to keep the center running efficiently while advancing the mission of agricultural research and education.
Key Responsibilities fall within the following functional areas:
Financial & Business Operations:
- Oversee financial resources from multiple funding sources while ensuring responsible stewardship and compliance with University and College policies.
- Analyze expenditures, develop budgets, and provide financial recommendations that support operational and research priorities.
- Direct procurement activities by cultivating vendor relationships, securing competitive pricing, and managing purchasing processes.
- Administer research station use fees and monitor available resources to support ongoing operations.
- Coordinate facility operations, repairs, and renovation projects to maintain a safe, functional, and productive research environment.
- Supervise the Building Environmental Technician, providing direction, prioritizing work, and supporting daily facility operations.
- Oversee scheduling and utilization of meeting spaces, events, and research center resources.
- Support planning and execution of field days, outreach programs, and other center events.
- Coordinate on-site graduate student housing and operational logistics.
- Build collaborative relationships with faculty, staff, students, industry partners, commodity groups, and community stakeholders.
- Represent the research center in interactions with internal and external partners while promoting its programs and accomplishments.
- Develop and maintain departmental communications and online resources that support operational effectiveness and stakeholder engagement.
- Evaluate information requests and provide guidance on departmental procedures, policies, and operations.
- Identify opportunities to strengthen external partnerships through gifts, grants, and other support.
- Support employee onboarding, timekeeping, leave administration, and required safety training.
- Coordinate administrative processes that contribute to an efficient and well-supported workplace.
Other Work/Responsibilities:
In addition to the core responsibilities of this role, there may be occasional opportunities to take on additional duties. This offers an opportunity to build on your skills, explore new areas, and gain a deeper understanding of the department's operations.
Minimum Experience/Education:
Requires post-baccalaureate credentials; a bachelor's degree plus 0-2 years experience may be substituted for the advanced degree on an exceptional basis.
All degrees must be received from appropriately accredited institutions.
Required Qualifications:
- Communicate effectively through clear written, verbal, and interpersonal interactions with faculty, staff, students, vendors, and external stakeholders.
- Manage multiple priorities while maintaining accuracy, meeting deadlines, and exercising sound judgment when handling confidential or sensitive information.
- Exercise independent judgment to analyze complex or non-routine situations, develop practical solutions, and implement appropriate actions with minimal supervision.
- Apply financial and analytical skills to manage budgets, monitor expenditures, and prepare spreadsheets and reports that support operational decision-making.
- Utilize Microsoft Office applications (including Excel and Word), Adobe Acrobat, Google Workspace, and other business systems to support daily operations while adapting to evolving technology.
Preferred Qualifications:
- Master's degree in Business Administration, Public Administration, or a related discipline and 3 years of professional experience in financial management, marketing, or resource development.
- Experience with PeopleSoft HR and Financials and a working knowledge of Business Operations and Human Resources at NC State or in the UNC System.
Required License or Certification:
- A valid NC Driver's License and the ability to obtain an NC Driver's License within 60 days of hire.
- A valid Driver's License must be maintained throughout employment.
AA/EEO 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 (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.
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