Position Summary

The Administrative Business Manager is a pivotal role that ensures the Biomedical Engineering department operates efficiently, strategically, and with a clear vision. You’ll do far more than balance budgets—you’ll help chart the department’s course, align resources with long-term goals, and enable faculty and staff to do their best work. Acting as both strategist and executor, you’ll provide the insights, planning, and operational leadership needed to advance cutting-edge research and high-quality education. From analyzing financial data to advocating for resources and driving departmental priorities, this role requires a sharp thinker who can connect the dots between planning, execution, and results. Success in this role means the department not only runs smoothly but thrives as part of MSU’s mission as a leading land-grant university.

This position is located in the Bioengineering Building, a hub of innovation and collaboration at MSU. The Administrative Business Manager will provide strong administrative leadership for Biomedical Engineering (BME), working closely with the department chair to strengthen BME’s identity as one of MSU’s emerging departments. This includes helping to grow faculty and staff, building recognition across the university, and supporting initiatives that establish BME as a leader in education and research. Additionally, the manager will foster collaboration with the Institute for Quantitative Health Science and Engineering (IQ), recognizing both BME and IQ as distinct entities that advance shared research and educational goals.

Hybrid Work Arrangement
While this position offers the potential for a hybrid work arrangement (combining in-office and remote work), the expectation is that the successful candidate will maintain a predominantly in-person office presence. The specific details of the work arrangement will be discussed with and determined by the department chairperson, taking into consideration the needs of both the employee and the department.

Key Responsibilities and Duties:

Financial Management and Business Planning
You will provide strategic financial leadership to ensure that resources are aligned with departmental/college goals and MSU policies. Beyond managing budgets, you’ll deliver insights and plans that drive transparency, accountability, and sustainability.

• Lead the preparation and execution of the annual budget in alignment with strategic priorities.
• Analyze financial data and budget variances to support data-driven decision-making.
• Anticipate and mitigate shortfalls with proactive, long-term spending strategies.
• Oversee finance and accounting practices, ensuring efficiency and compliance.
• Optimize endowment and special accounts to maximize their impact.

Staffing and Human Resources Management
As the department’s HR leader, you will shape staffing structures, foster staff development, and create a positive, high-performing culture. You’ll lead people processes from recruitment to retention.

• Design and implement staffing strategies that enhance efficiency and effectiveness.
• Manage recruitment, onboarding, evaluation, and advancement of professional staff.
• Provide ongoing feedback and coaching that supports professional growth.
• Ensure equity and fairness in compensation and raise processes.
• Promote staff development opportunities and a collaborative, supportive environment.

Strategic Planning and Advocacy
This role is integral to shaping the department’s long-term direction. You’ll collaborate with leadership to define priorities, advocate for resources, and translate strategy into results.

• Partner with the Chairperson and Dean’s Office to drive strategic planning.
• Develop administrative and business plans that support academic and research initiatives.
• Represent the department in negotiations and advocate for resources.
• Collaborate across the college to advance shared priorities and initiatives.

Faculty Support and Development
You’ll help attract, retain, and support world-class faculty by providing critical resources and guidance. This work ensures equitable practices and strong faculty engagement throughout their careers.

• Provide analysis and guidance for faculty recruitment, retention, and equity.
• Secure start-up funding, research space, and resources for faculty success.
• Manage faculty affairs processes, including appointments, promotions, and tenure.
• Oversee salary recommendations and compensation practices to ensure fairness.
• Support onboarding and ongoing faculty development initiatives.

Student Support and Educational Programs
Students are central to the department’s mission, and you’ll help ensure their success by supporting programs, resources, and academic operations.

• Allocate resources strategically to meet student needs and enhance programs.
• Oversee graduate program operations, including scheduling and record management.
• Ensure accuracy and timeliness in teaching assignments and grade submissions.

Space Management and Facilities Coordination
You will oversee departmental space and facilities to ensure they meet the evolving needs of research and education, while maintaining safety and compliance.

• Maintain up-to-date space and equipment inventories.
• Collaborate with Facilities and Planning on moves, renovations, and planning.
• Oversee faculty and staff relocations, ensuring seamless transitions.
• Promote awareness of safety and compliance standards across the department.

Minimum Requirements

Knowledge equivalent to that which normally would be acquired by completing a four-year college degree program in a business-related field, or in a field relevant to the operations of the employing unit (e.g., engineering, communications, finance, human resources, or a closely related discipline); eight or more years of progressively responsible experience in office management, budgeting, personnel administration, or in coordinating the day-to-day operational functions of an academic or administrative unit; supervisory experience; proficiency with word processing, database, spreadsheet, presentation, and/or web management software; or an equivalent combination of education and experience. 

Desired Qualifications

Proven collaborator with strong leadership, organizational excellence, and sound judgment. Experienced in higher education administration with expertise in contracts and grants, adept at guiding teams in fast-paced environments, and skilled in navigating MSU policies with confidence. Committed to MSU’s values of integrity, respect, care, and excellence, with a focus on advancing its land-grant mission. Recognized for problem-solving, clear communication, and balancing multiple priorities. Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Excel and comfortable with Microsoft Teams and Office 365.

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, citizenship, age, disability or protected veteran status.

Required Application Materials

Applications must include a cover letter outlining the candidate’s relevant experience, a current resume, and contact information for three professional references.

Department website: https://engineering.msu.edu/about/departments/bme

Special Instructions

While this position offers the potential for a hybrid work arrangement (combining in-office and remote work), the expectation is that the successful candidate will maintain a predominantly in-person office presence. The specific details of the work arrangement will be discussed with and determined by the department chairperson, taking into consideration the needs of both the employee and the department.

Work Hours

STANDARD 8-5

Remote Work Statement

MSU strives to provide a flexible work environment and this position has been designated as remote-friendly. Remote-friendly means some or all of the duties can be performed remotely as mutually agreed upon.

Bidding eligibility ends September 9, 2025, 11:55 PM