Business Administrator I, Delaware Energy Institute

 Pay Grade: 30E

Context of the Job:

The University of Delaware has a strong tradition of distinguished scholarship, research, teaching and service that is grounded in a commitment to increasing and disseminating scientific, humanistic and social knowledge for the benefit of the larger society.  The Delaware Energy Institute was launched in 2008 to create and integrate new solutions to challenges in energy sufficiency and sustainability. The Institute serves as a portal to energy research and education and is part of UD’s efforts to advance energy sciences, technology and policy.

Under the general direction of the Director, the Business Administrator is responsible for a wide range of administrative support, program coordination, and human resources within the Delaware Energy Institute. The Business Administrator provides high level support to proactively anticipate the Director’s and the Institute’s needs to successfully achieve the most effective and efficient administration. The Business Administrator should be able to work independently with little or no supervision. This individual will be a highly resourceful team player, with financial oversight governed by 2CFR200, Uniform Guidance.  The position ensures streamline data gathering, support of multiple billing platforms, collaboration with core directors and university departments for consistency and compliance in overall institute operations and budget management.

Major Responsibilities:

• Acts as primary liaison for human resources, information technology issues, University Procurement, and sponsored funding.
• Prepares Human Resources paperwork for the unit (including position postings, paperwork for new hires, JEDs, Supplemental Pay S-Contracts, non-contract payment forms for visitors, professional contractual agreements, offer letters, and VISA applications).
• Serves as departmental HR representative providing new staff with orientation information and access to university e-mail and webforms.
• Posts positions for interns and miscellaneous wage personnel and manages payroll timesheets.
• Ensure compliance with UD policies, with financial oversight governed by 2CFR200, Uniform Guidance.
• Organizes, evaluates, and implements procedures that foster cost-effective administrative operations.
• Serves as Cost Object Approver (COA) and Department Procurement Specialist (DPS).
• Responsible for the Labor Allocation Module (LAM) position administration for the unit and supported core facilities.
• Provides a wide range of reports for analysis, including budget, usage, and revenue.
• Makes recommendations to resolve complex administrative/procedures problems.
• Partner with the Director to implement strategic operational objectives for the Institute.
• Coordinate and manage the resources and operations of the Delaware Energy Institute, including centers, programs, events, assets, facilities, space management, and technology needs.
• Perform miscellaneous job-related duties and tasks, as assigned by the Director.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree preferably in business administration with three years of experience in an administrative/supervisory capacity , or an equivalent combination of education and/or experience.
• Experience with human resources, budgeting, financial analysis/forecasting, and customer service.
• Familiarity with UD accounting system, PeopleSoft financials, and UD policies and procedures is preferred.
• Working knowledge and understanding of federal and state regulatory policies and procedures is preferred.
• High level of independent and sound judgment, critical thinking, initiative, and accountability.
• Strong written and oral communication skills.
• The ability to build strong and cohesive working relationships among diverse groups within the department, greater university, and external partners.
• Ability to compile, analyze, and interpret complex data.
• Ability to use advanced techniques in spreadsheet, database, and/or presentation software.
• The ability to handle multiple assignments concurrently and re-prioritize, successfully adapting to rapid change.
• Ability to plan, organize, implement, evaluate, and modify administrative support needs.
• Demonstrated understanding and consideration of the differing needs and concerns of individuals with varying identities, cultures, and backgrounds.
• Committed to fostering a workplace culture of belonging, where diversity is celebrated, and equity is a core value.
• Skill in project administration, program coordination, and management is preferred.
• Knowledge and experience with effective practices of office management.
• Effective interpersonal and p