Manager, Operations

Arizona State University

Manager, Operations

University Innovation Alliance

Campus: Tempe

106327BR

Job Description

The University Innovation Alliance (UIA) is the leading consortium of large public research universities working together to improve outcomes for all students across the socioeconomic spectrum, particularly low-income students, first-generation students, and students of color. Our work is based on the simple proposition that when universities share ideas, challenges, and work together, they can accelerate innovations that help students graduate with a college degree. 

Under the leadership of the UIA’s Chief Network Officer, the Manager, Operations is responsible for overseeing the administrative, financial, and operational functions of the University Innovation Alliance, ensuring the efficient execution of day-to-day business activities within a fast-paced university setting. The role requires strong leadership and organizational skills, as well as a thorough understanding of higher education administration, financial management, and compliance with university policies and external regulations.

This position acts as a key liaison between academic and administrative departments, providing strategic support in budgeting, resource allocation, financial planning and human resources. The Business Operations Manager will develop and implement operational strategies to improve efficiency, streamline processes, and support the UIA’s mission and strategic goals.

Salary Range

$49,140 - $75,600 per year; DOE

Close Date

02-December-2024

Essential Duties

This position provides fiscal oversight and management for the University Innovation Alliance and is responsible for the day-to-day financial operations and long-range financial planning.

Financial Management and Operations

• Oversee and manage the financial functions, including budgeting, accounting, forecasting, and financial reporting.
• Manages, reconciles and audits monthly account and purchasing card transactions.
• Establishes controls for approval of various actions within functional responsibility, such as personnel actions and expenditures.
• Administers personal services budget, expenditures and revenues; reviews and authorizes purchase of supplies, services, and equipment.
• Analyzes and makes recommendations for staffing, capital equipment/improvement, supplies and service requirements.
• Develops recommendations for implementation of procedures for daily operations of assigned functions according to established policies; prepares and updates internal manuals.
• Identifies and implements operational efficiency improvements using financial metrics.
• Supports senior leadership with financial planning, workload management, and decision-making.

Procurement & Purchasing

• Receives, approves and processes all P-card purchases on behalf of the central team and manages P-Card exception requests as necessary.
• Receives, approves and submits request for Purchase Orders and Supplier Invoices and coordinates vendor registration, secures required documentation, processes ICC forms, prepares waiver requests and monitors payment requests. 
• Responsible for vendor management including training on ASU processes, policies and best practices.
• Analyzes and makes recommendations for equipment/improvement, supplies and service requirements.

Grants Management & Contracts

• Monitors and ensures compliance with grant documentation, reporting, and purchasing activities.
• Assists with grant proposal preparation including eligibility determination, administrative requirement preparation, budget development, portal registration and application submission.
• Manages necessary award modifications for existing projects including requests for change in scope, re budgets and no-cost extensions.
• Prepares or assist in the preparation of financial and administrative reports for grant funded projects.
• Assists with audits, ensuring compliance with auditing standards, sponsor guidelines and university policies
• Coordinates the issuance of outgoing agreements to member campuses including new membership agreements, MOAs, Data Sharing Agreements and modifications.

Minimum Qualifications

Bachelor's degree in a field appropriate to the area of assignment AND five (5) years of related administrative experience, which includes three (3) years of supervisory experience; OR, Nine (9) years of related administrative experience, which includes three (3) years of supervisory experience; OR, Any equivalent combination of education and/or experience from which comparable knowledge, skills and abilities have been achieved.

Desired Qualifications

• Demonstrated knowledge of fiscal policies, grant accounting, and HR policies
• Experience with budget and financial software (e.g., Workday, PeopleSoft, ERA)
• Experience in financial transactions, payroll reconciliation, and PCard guidelines
• Experience with budget management, including preparation, forecasting, and monitoring
• Experience in Excel skills, including advanced formulas and pivot tables
• Experience processing purchases and adhering to institutional policies
• Demonstrated knowledge with recruitment processes
• Experience in analyzing reports, solving complex problems, and streamlining processes
• Evidence of effective communication and organizational skills
• Experience in supervising staff, managing multiple accounts, and strategic planning
• Demonstrated knowledge of accounting principles, including government accounting and financial control systems

Working Environment

ASU is a diverse enterprise with a wide variety of work and learning modes, locations, and a commitment to sustainability, innovation and employee work-life balance. We are determined to maintain our position as an employer of choice in a competitive labor market. While this position is based at the ASU Tempe campus, the following options may be offered dependent on department needs:

• Hybrid work is an arrangement where employees spend a minimum of 60% of their regular workweek at their primary ASU work location. Dean or vice president-level approval is required. 
• Remote work is an arrangement where the employee spends less than 60% of their regular workweek at a regularly assigned ASU work location. Executive vice president-level approval is required. 

This position will work in partnership with a virtual UIA central team and network of member campuses across the country. Activities are primarily performed in a regular, climate controlled office setting subject to extended periods of sitting, standing, walking.

• Use visual acuity and manual dexterity associated with daily use of desktop computer, bending, stooping, reaching and lifting up to 20 pounds.
• Clearly communicate to perform essential duties.
• Review of completed tasks; provides and reviews assigned work activities to team members for quality and achievement of set goals.

Department Statement

For the tenth year in a row, ASU has been named the most innovative school in the nation, recognizing the university's culture of groundbreaking research and partnerships, as well as its commitment to helping students thrive in college and beyond. U.S. News and World Report has named ASU as the most innovative university all nine years the category has existed. 

ASU Knowledge Enterprise advances research, innovation, strategic partnerships, entrepreneurship, and international development. Our success arises from solutions-focused, interdisciplinary research; an entrepreneurial approach that is embedded in every school and department; and a commitment to transform society in a positive way. To learn more about how Knowledge Enterprise is a place for your career to grow, visit https://research.asu.edu/about-us/careers. 

At University Innovation Alliance, we are dedicated to building an inclusive, and authentic workplace, so if you’re excited about this role but your past experience doesn’t align perfectly, we encourage you to apply anyway. We value your unique background and perspective, and you may be just the right candidate for this position or other roles on our team. 

Working at ASU has additional perks and OUTSTANDING benefits, which include health, dental, and vision insurance plans; life insurance and disability programs; sick leave and holidays; ASU/UA/NAU tuition reduction for the employee and qualified family members; state and optional retirement plans; access to ASU recreation and cultural activities; and more. To estimate the value of your total compensation, please visit https://cfo.asu.edu/compensation-estimator. 

ASU Statement

Arizona State University is a new model for American higher education, an unprecedented combination of academic excellence, entrepreneurial energy and broad access. This New American University is a single, unified institution comprising four differentiated campuses positively impacting the economic, social, cultural and environmental health of the communities it serves. Its research is inspired by real world application blurring the boundaries that traditionally separate academic disciplines. ASU serves more than 100,000 students in metropolitan Phoenix, Arizona, the nation's fifth largest city. ASU champions intellectual and cultural diversity, and welcomes students from all fifty states and more than one hundred nations across the globe.

ASU is a tobacco-free university. For details visit https://wellness.asu.edu/explore-wellness/body/alcohol-and-drugs/tobacco

Arizona State University is a VEVRAA Federal Contractor and an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, protected veteran status, or any other basis protected by law.

Notice of Availability of the ASU Annual Security and Fire Safety Report

In compliance with federal law, ASU prepares an annual report on campus security and fire safety programs and resources. ASU’s Annual Security and Fire Safety Report is available online at https://www.asu.edu/police/PDFs/ASU-Clery-Report.pdf. You may request a hard copy of the report by contacting the ASU PD at 480-965-3456.

Relocation Assistance – For information about schools, housing child resources, neighborhoods, hospitals, community events, and taxes, visit https://cfo.asu.edu/az-resources.

ASU conducts pre-employment screening which may include verification of work history, academic credentials, licenses, and certifications.

Background Check Statement

ASU conducts pre-employment screening for all positions which includes a criminal background check, verification of work history, academic credentials, licenses, and certifications. Employment is contingent upon successful passing of the background check.

Instructions to Apply

Application deadline is 3:00PM Arizona time on the date indicated.

Please include all employment information in month/year format (e.g., 6/88 to 8/94), job title, job duties and name of employer for each position.

Resume and Cover Letter should clearly illustrate how prior knowledge and experience meets the Minimum and Desired qualifications of this position.

ASU does not pay for travel expenses associated with interviews, unless otherwise indicated.

Only electronic applications are accepted for this position.

IMPORTANT NOTE: What is the meaning of “equivalent combination” in the minimum qualifications? It means one year of higher education or 24 credit hours, is equal to one year of experience. For example, a four year Bachelor’s degree is equal to four years of experience.

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