Business Officer

Be part of the future of science and engineering at UNC-Chapel Hill! The Department of Applied Physical Sciences combines cutting-edge research, entrepreneurial thinking, and hands-on innovation to tackle real-world challenges in health, water, and energy. Home to a nationally ranked Materials Science graduate program, new undergraduate degrees, and BeAM-UNC's university-wide makerspace network-APS is shaping the next generation of scientists, engineers, and innovators. We're seeking a Business Officer to lead our operational and financial strategy, support world-class research and teaching, and help our dynamic department grow. If you thrive in a fast-paced, collaborative environment and want to make a lasting impact, join us at the intersection of ideas and innovation.

Applied Physical Sciences lives in the collaborative space between science and engineering, combining knowledge and discovery with an engineering mindset, team-based science, and entrepreneurship to address real-world problems. Organized around 'Ideas to Impacts,' the Department unites with campus themes in health, water and energy to help Carolina continue to be a leader in science innovation and the application of knowledge.

Drawing on the talents of faculty and researchers across the University of North Carolina - Chapel Hill, one of the highest rated educational institutions in the country, as well as those of individuals at other universities and research institutions in the Triangle, the Department of Applied Physical Sciences is on the cutting edge of the research and development, creating materials, methodologies, and solutions that will have worldwide impact for decades to come.

The Department of Applied Physical Sciences educates the next generation of groundbreaking and entrepreneurial scientists in its nationally ranked Material Sciences graduate program and in its newly-launched undergraduate programs, a major (BS in Applied Sciences with 2 tracks, Materials Engineering and Environmental Engineering) and a minor in Applied Sciences and Engineering. The undergraduate programs embrace and leverage the Carolina culture in the liberal arts and innovation.

The Department administers BeAM (Be A Maker), a university-wide initiative that incorporates Making into research, education, and entrepreneurship. BeAM is comprised of several spaces, including makerspaces in Hanes Art Center and Carmichael Resident Hall, and a 3,400 square foot Makerspace in Murray Hall, all of which serve the entire UNC community.

This position serves as the Departmental Manager and plays an active role as consultant, advisor, and troubleshooter for all aspects associated with the human resources, finance, academic, and administrative operations. The Business Officer is responsible for managing processes and delegating administrative functions while also focusing on the planning, management, review, and control of all workflows. This position works closely with Department Heads, Program Directors, staff, and central offices to ensure that business, academic, and operational goals are accomplished.

As the Manager, the Business Officer maintains full responsibility for the management of the unit's financial resources, which are comprised of a range of funds that include state, F&A, trust, contract and grant, endowment, and receipt supported sources. This position works closely with departmental leadership and staff to evaluate financial needs, set budgets, prepare reports and projections, and evaluate the overall financial health of programs, projects, and the departments as a whole. The position also serves as the primary personnel officer for the business unit with responsibilities for overseeing the delivery of all human resources activities for all position types, with direct responsibility for workflows involving EHRA faculty and permanent SHRA staff. The position also oversees employment and appointment activities for all other employee types, including student and temporary non-student workers. This position also works closely with International Student and Scholar Services, ensuring timely processing of work authorization applications.

The Business Officer determines the appropriate staffing level for the department, assigns duties to administrative staff, ensures all departmental employees are paid appropriately and in a timely manner, analyzes operational problems and develops solutions, counsels employees on personnel procedures, and recommends approaches to human resources issues that meet department, business unit, and College of Arts and Sciences goals.

Mid-career with Masters and 1-2 yrs experience; or Bachelors and 2-4 yrs experience

This position requires strong written and verbal communication skills, along with advanced demonstrated knowledge of Microsoft Excel, Word, Outlook, or equivalent. The selected candidate must also have past professional experience demonstrating superior interpersonal skills, attention to detail, coordination, supervisory and organizational skills while being able to work in a fast-paced environment.

Previous experience working in a higher education setting, working with budgets, and developing/maintaining spreadsheets; working knowledge of university systems such as ConnectCarolina and Infoporte. Demonstrable record of collaborating with faculty, administrators, staff, and students; managing multiple tasks simultaneously, meeting deadlines, and adapting quickly to new systems and processes.

The University is an equal opportunity employer and welcomes all to apply without regard to age, color, gender, gender expression, gender identity, genetic information, national origin, race, religion, sex, or sexual orientation. We encourage all qualified applicants to apply, including protected veterans and individuals with disabilities.