UConn Careers

JOB SUMMARY

The Institute of Materials Science (IMS) at the University of Connecticut (UConn) seeks applicants for a full-time position as a Business Operations Specialist 1 to join IMS’s professional staff team. Under the limited supervision of IMS’s Assistant Director for Finance and Administration, the incumbent will provide administrative and financial support to our revenue programs and service centers.  IMS is an interdisciplinary research center that interfaces with a large number of internal and external customers who rely on Institute services and facilities.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Assists students, staff, faculty, customers, and others with a wide range of administrative and fiscal matters.
• Corresponds with administrators from other units, institutions, and customer contacts, and serves as a liaison between the unit, faculty member, other University offices, and customers.
• Acts as fiscal manager for, and resource to, faculty members, lab managers, and program leaders responsible for use of unrestricted project accounts.
• Processes transactions for revenue (internal and external) and expense (payroll and procurement) on unrestricted project accounts.
• Meets with research teams to explain services and procedures, communicates financial information, and assists with transaction documents as needed.
• Resolves outstanding issues on fiscal accounts, including follow-up on problems, to ensure timely and accurate completion of work.
• Assists with financial recordkeeping and administrative procedures for service revenue activities, including maintaining consistent documentation of internal and external transactions, generating quotes and invoices, and processing program expenses.
• Prepares basic budgets and financial statements for IMS service centers and revenue programs.
• Complies with federal, state, and University standards and regulations for all aspects of service center and revenue program management.
• Communicates with IMS leadership when conflicts arise with revenue arrangements. 
• Helps prepare financial reports as needed to meet federal, state, university, and departmental regulations and requirements.
• Supervises administrative support and is responsible for all unit purchasing.
• Within unit and University expectations, ensures compliance with established internal controls and departmental administrative policies and procedures, including maintenance and coordination of center records and deliverables.
• Works on special projects as directed by supervisor.
• Performs related work as required.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

1. Bachelor’s degree in a related field.
2. Minimum of two years of related experience.
3. Effective and clear written and verbal communication skills.
4. Ability to use Microsoft products and software applications.
5. Proven time management skills in a fast-paced, high-volume environment.
6. Ability to work independently on routine tasks and in a team setting while regularly exercising sound judgment.
7. Excellent interpersonal skills with the ability to establish and maintain positive working relationships with diverse student, administrative, and faculty populations.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

1. Three or more years of related experience.
2. Experience working in a higher education setting, preferably within a scientific institution/unit.
3. Knowledge of federal and state laws, regulatory requirements, and University policies governing the receipt and use of funds.
4. Experience working with UConn electronic systems (KFS, WebFOCUS, HuskyBuy, Core-CT, etc.).
5. Direct experience with documents and stages in the revenue process (e.g. quotes, purchase orders, service agreements, invoices, accounts receivable, etc.).

APPOINTMENT TERMS

This is a full-time position. The University offers a competitive salary, outstanding benefits including employee and dependent tuition waivers at UConn, and a highly desirable work environment. Salary will be commensurate with the successful candidate’s background and experience.  This position could potentially have a hybrid work schedule, subject to authorization and University policy.

Other rights, terms, and conditions of employment are contained in the collective bargaining agreement between the University of Connecticut and the University of Connecticut Professional Employees Association (UCPEA).

TERMS AND CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT

Employment of the successful candidate is contingent upon the successful completion of a pre-employment criminal background check.

TO APPLY

Please apply online at https://hr.uconn.edu/jobs, Staff Positions, Search #498905 to upload a resume, cover letter, and contact information for three (3) professional references. 

Screening will begin immediately and the search will remain open until a suitable candidate is found. Priority will be given to applications received by at 11:55 p.m. Eastern time on March 5, 2025. 

All employees are subject to adherence to the State Code of Ethics which may be found at http://www.ct.gov/ethics/site/default.asp.

All members of the University of Connecticut are expected to exhibit appreciation of, and contribute to, an inclusive, respectful, and diverse environment for the University community.

The University of Connecticut aspires to create a community built on collaboration and belonging and has actively sought to create an inclusive culture within the workforce. The success of the University is dependent on the willingness of our diverse employee and student populations to share their rich perspectives and backgrounds in a respectful manner. This makes it essential for each member of our community to feel secure and welcomed and to thoroughly understand and believe that their ideas are respected by all. We strongly respect each individual employee’s unique experiences and perspectives and encourage all members of the community to do the same. All applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, genetics, disability, age, or veteran status.

The University of Connecticut is an AA/EEO Employer.