Job Description Summary

ORGANIZATION SUMMARY STATEMENT:

The Institute for Physical Science and Technology (IPST) is seeking a Business Manager to fill a vital operational role that supports the effective management of research and accounts administration within the unit. This position is crucial for ensuring compliance with university and sponsor policies, supporting faculty in overseeing complex research portfolios, and maintaining core administrative functions across externally funded projects and internal accounts. The Business Manager reports directly to the Director of Administrative Services and is a key contributor to the unit’s ability to meet both strategic and day-to-day operational goals.

The Business Manager will be responsible for all aspects of financial management, pre- and post-award administration, and personnel transactions, including, but not limited to, HCM actions in Workday such as hiring, compensation adjustments, costing allocations, and other data change events. This individual will serve as the primary financial and administrative liaison for IPST’s research faculty, working closely with campus partners, including the Office of Research Administration (ORA), Sponsored Programs Accounting and Compliance (SPAC), and the Dean’s Office, to ensure effective coordination and compliance.

Key Responsibilities:
• Manage and oversee approximately 40–50 sponsored award accounts and 10–15 DRIF accounts for a defined set of Principal Investigators (PIs).
• Provide full-cycle post-award support, including account reconciliation, monitoring of balances and burn rates, budget forecasting, and timely closeout.
• Utilize BA4, Workday, and Excel-based tools to develop and maintain budget projections, ensuring financial stability and effective oversight across research portfolios.
• Analyze account activity to confirm that PIs are meeting financial obligations and assist with identifying potential surplus or deficit conditions.
• Ensure compliance with sponsor and university policies for expenditures, payroll, travel, and procurement.
• Manage subawards: initiate sub-contract requests, monitor spending rates, track deliverables, and request supporting documentation as needed.
• Handle all personnel-related transactions associated with research staff (graduate students, faculty, postdocs), including salary allocations, job changes, and costing allocations in Workday.
• Regularly meet with the Director of Administrative Services and faculty to review financial health and update projections.
• Provide general administrative assistance as needed, including travel arrangements, procurement, coordination of meetings, and event logistics (e.g., workshops, seminars).

PHYSICAL DEMANDS: Sedentary work; exerting up to 10 pounds occasionally.

PREFERENCES:
• Strong analytical skills with the ability to prepare detailed expenditure forecasts and budget projections.
• Proficiency in managing multiple assignments and deadlines with attention to accuracy and efficiency.
• Familiarity with federal grant regulations (Uniform Guidance, FARs) and academic research administration.
• Excellent organizational, communication, and interpersonal skills; ability to build relationships with faculty and research staff.
• Working knowledge of University of Maryland systems, including Workday, Kuali, and BA4.
• Experience with grant management in a higher education environment.
• Understanding of UMD policies in travel, purchasing, and HR processes.
• Demonstrated initiative and a proactive work style.

Licenses/certifications: n/a

Minimum Qualifications

Education: Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university. Experience: Three (3) years of professional human resources, payroll, finance, accounting, procurement, or travel coordination experience. Other: Additional work experience as defined above may be substituted on a year for year basis for up to four (4) years of the required education. Knowledge of human resources policies and procedures, and federal, state, and other applicable human resources related laws, rules, regulations, and ordinances. Skill in oral and written communication. Skill in the use of Microsoft Office products. Ability to multi-task and prioritize assignments. Ability to interpret and apply policies, procedures, regulations, and laws.

Additional Job Details

Required Application Materials: CV, references

 

Best Consideration Date: 08/08/2025

 

Posting Close Date: 08/08/2025

 

Open Until Filled: No

 

Job Risks

Not Ap