Project Manager, External Business Operations

Job Description Summary

The Project Manager, External Business Operations, is responsible for overseeing the financial and operational management of third-party businesses affiliated with Saint Leo University. This role reports to the University’s CFO and ensures that all external business partners operate in alignment with university policies, financial agreements, and strategic objectives. The Project Manager will act as a liaison between university stakeholders and external business entities to enhance operational efficiency, compliance, and financial sustainability.

Job Description

Financial Oversight:

• Monitor financial performance of external business operations, ensuring compliance with contracts and university financial policies.
• Conduct financial analysis and reporting to assess revenue streams, expenditures, and financial viability of third-party partnerships.
• Develop and manage budgets related to third-party operations, ensuring fiscal accountability and transparency.
• Work closely with the university’s Finance team to reconcile financial data, manage billing processes, and track payments.

Operational Management:

• Oversee the daily operations of external businesses to ensure they meet the University’s mission and standards, policies and procedures, and regulatory requirements.
• Develop and implement operational policies and best practices for individual third-party vendors and service providers.
• Ensure external businesses maintain appropriate insurance and monitor annual insurance compliance. 
• Coordinate with relevant University departments, including Plant Operations, Student Affairs, Information Technology and Legal to ensure seamless operations and resolve issues related to external businesses.
• Conduct periodic audits and assessments of external business operations to evaluate performance, compliance, and impact on finances, facilities, and student experience.

Contract and Compliance Management:

• Manage contracts and agreements with external businesses, ensuring adherence to University policies and legal requirements.
• Ensure all third-party operations comply with university, local, state, and federal regulations.

Stakeholder Engagement and Communication:

• Serve as the primary point of contact between the university and external business operators.
• Facilitate regular meetings with business partners and university stakeholders to address operational concerns and strategic initiatives.
• Develop reports and presentations for senior leadership and Board of Trustees on the performance and impact of third-party operations.
• Provide guidance and support to university departments engaged with external businesses.

REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES:

Knowledge:

• Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration, Finance, Operations Management, or a related field.
• Minimum of 5 years of experience in project management, financial oversight, or business operations, preferably in a university or institutional setting.
• Experience managing third-party vendor relationships and contracts.

Skills and Abilities:

• Strong financial acumen, with experience in budgeting, financial analysis, and reporting.
• Knowledge of compliance, legal, and operational aspects of third-party business management.
• Excellent communication, negotiation, and stakeholder management skills.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite and financial management software.

Special Instructions

Required Documents

In addition to a resume, the following documents are required for consideration. Please upload documents in the second step of the application packet process: 

• Cover Letter
• Values Statement - (500 words or less), should highlight how your philosophy and practices fit the Mission and Core Values of Saint Leo University. The University Mission Statement and Values are available on the Saint Leo website at “https://www.saintleo.edu/about/mission-values”.

ENVIRONMENT: 

The work environment characteristics described here are a representation of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. The term “qualified individual with a disability” means an individual with a disability who, with or without reasonable accommodation, can perform the essential function