Business Administrator

Department
 

BSD MIC - Department of Microbiology

About the Department
 

The Department of Microbiology faculty researches a vast array of bacteria and viruses. We are a community of faculty, postdoctoral scholars, students, and staff committed to research and education in the field of microbiology. Our faculty conduct interdisciplinary research that advances the study of microbes and microbial diseases. Basic research in Microbiology underwrites out effort for eradication of important pathogens, prevention of human diseases, development of gene therapies and the evolution of new strategies for personalized medicine. We are also committed to training the next generation of scientists.

Job Summary
 

The Business Administrator serves as the department’s Chief Financial Officer and Chief Operating Officer responsible for leading a complex academic research environment. In this role, the Business Administrator is responsible for balancing departmental research, educational, and institutional priorities and will be a visible, engaged, and communicative leader representing the University of Chicago and the Biological Sciences Division. The Business Administrator reports directly to the Department Chair with a matrixed relationship to the Vice Dean of Finance and Administration for the Biological Sciences Division.

As the Business Administrator for the department, you will plan and direct broad and complex financial and management functions in support of departmental and divisional goals. You are responsible for the strategic business and leadership of the department including the research operations, managing finances, personnel, and resources to ensure that goals are met in a timely and effective manner. You will handle day to day administration and operations of the departments educational and research programs, in collaboration with the Chair, Faculty, and Staff. You will maintain an environment conducive to peak performance in all areas of operation by working closely with Department and Divisional leadership, key staff, and other administrators to ensure collaboration and alignment of goals within the Department. You will work with the Chair and the Division to develop, plan, and implement strategic goals to advance innovative research and education efforts in the department in alignment with the organizational missions.

Responsibilities

Strategic Development and Execution:

• Develop, direct, and implement the strategic operating plans for the department ensuring that all relevant information is available to support a collaborative planning process that involves a thorough business analysis, proposals, and plans for new research and educational programs and the design/implementation of changes to existing programs.

Financial Responsibilities and Oversight:

• Responsible for the departmental budget, capital expenditures, grants, and oversight of all aspects of non-research expenditures, and manages discretionary funds, endowments/gifts, and accounts for numerous active/emeritus faculty and graduate students.

Research Administration Oversight:

• Works closely with faculty and divisional leadership to achieve the overarching strategic objective of supporting and sustaining innovative research, increasing the department’s research portfolio, focused on extramurally funded research.

• Oversees the extramural funding process (pre award to post award) to optimize the potential for grant funding and to ensure all funding awarded is used to the specification of the funding agency. 

• Aligns resources and identifies, oversees, and develops funding strategies for successful attainment of external grant proposals and contract applications from a range of sponsors in support of research, education.

Human Resources:

• Leads and manages all departmental staff establishing synergies and continuous improvement in the support of our faculty’s research and educational missions, and in the overall administrative program, delivery, and service.

• Cultivates a collaborative, inclusive environment that promotes and fosters teamwork, innovation, and problem solving supporting a safe and ethical environment.

Space and Facilities Administration:

• Directs and manages research and administrative space planning for the department. 

Risk Management:

• Responsible for recognizing and addressing issues that require immediate legal or risk management input to protect the interests of the university. 

• Manages the daily operations of an organizational unit or assists with managing the daily operations of a larger organizational unit, primarily in the areas of financial, purchasing, grant, facilities, human resources