Business Administrator 2

Department: WCAS Chemistry
Salary/Grade: EXS/7

Job Summary:

A center for global excellence in undergraduate and graduate education and research, Northwestern's Department of Chemistry seeks a Business Administrator to supervise a staff team of faculty administrators and provide comprehensive support to a busy faculty member and their research group.

A successful candidate must be calm under pressure and comfortable working independently, responding to evolving priorities, and maintaining professionalism while supporting busy faculty members and research groups. This role requires adaptability, exceptional communication and organizational skills, strong attention to detail, and the ability to manage multiple priorities.

This is a full-time position at 37.5 hours per week. This position works a hybrid schedule, with some onsite work and some remote work. More information will be discussed during the interview. The target hiring range for this position will be between $75,000 - $83,000 per year. Offered salary will be determined by the applicant's education, experience, knowledge, skills and abilities, as well as internal equity and alignment with market data.

Specific Responsibilities:

Administrative & Operational Support:

• Provide day-to-day administrative support for faculty, research staff, and students. Draft and respond to correspondence and maintain organized records and documentation. Create and maintain spreadsheets and databases used to track operational, research, and financial information.

Lab Coordination:

• Manage day-to-day operations of research groups. Coordinate hiring and appointment processes for new staff, temporary employees, interns, and research personnel. Track research appointments and manage onboarding, departures, and reappointments in accordance with deadlines. Serve as a liaison between faculty, research groups, and administrative offices. Provide support to all group members, answering inquiries, and recommending campus resources. Identify service improvement opportunities to better support group success. Update group websites.

Research Administration:

• Updates and maintains documents required for the submission of research proposals. Submits proposals and oversees post-award management.

Leadership and Management:

• Directly supervises team of program coordinators and program assistants. Assists in hiring and onboarding. Provides training, mentoring, support and performance evaluations. Builds strong relationships with colleagues throughout the College and University

Coordination, Events & Travel:

• Manage calendars and coordinate meetings for faculty and research groups. Coordinate domestic and international travel arrangements and registrations. Prepare and submit travel and expense reports in compliance with institutional guidelines. Coordinate programming, including conferences, meetings, and colloquia. Manage all event logistics including creating and disseminating schedules and itineraries, arranging catering, coordinating travel arrangements, serving as a resource to invited visitors, reserving venues, and staffing events.

Financial:

• Ensure that group accounts are actively monitored. Track group funding sources and ensure transactions are charged correctly. Track funding of lab positions, ensuring positions are charged to appropriate sources. Report needed changes and follow through to ensure transactions are completed. Process expenses, purchases, and reimbursements in accordance with budgets and institutional policies.

Miscellaneous

Performed other duties

Minimum Qualifications:

• Successful completion of a full 4-year course of study in an accredited college or university leading to a bachelor's or higher degree in a major such as business, accounting or related; OR appropriate combination of education and experience.
• 4 years' administrative experience including budgets, finance, grants, facilities, &/or human resources; or other relevant experience.

Minimum Competencies:

• Intermediate knowledge of word processing, spreadsheet, email, and database software programs is required.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Previous higher education experience
• Previous supervisory experience
• Experience with proposal submission and award management

Preferred Competencies:

• Excellent verbal and written communication.
• Strong attention to detail.
• Ability to work independently and exercise sound judgment.
• Ability to manage and prioritize multiple projects.
• Strong problem-solving and organizational skills.
• Previous experience working in higher education.
• Familiarity with Northwestern enterprise systems such as MyHR, NUFinancials, Cognos, CAESAR, 25Live/RES.

Benefits:

At Northwestern, we are proud to provide meaningful and competitive benefits. The available benefits package for this position will include health, dental, vision, disability, and life insurance; paid vacation and holidays; paid medical/sick and parental leave; tuition benefits for the employee and dependents; pre-tax and flex spending accounts for commuting and dependent care; generous retirement savings options; and wellness programs. For a comprehensive overview of available benefits, including eligibility details, visit us at https://www.northwestern.edu/hr/benefits/index.html to learn more.

Work-Life and Wellness:
Northwestern offers comprehensive programs and services to help you and your family navigate life's challenges and opportunities and adopt and maintain healthy lifestyles.
We support flexible work arrangements where possible and programs to help you locate and pay for quality, affordable childcare and senior/adult care. Visit us at https://www.northwestern.edu/hr/benefits/work-life/index.html to learn more.

Professional Growth & Development:
Northwestern supports employee career development in all circumstances whether your workspace is on campus or at home. If you're interested in developing your professional potential or continuing your formal education, we offer a variety of tools and resources. Visit us at https://www.northwestern.edu/hr/learning/index.html to learn more.

Northwestern University is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of protected characteristics, including disability and veteran status. View Northwestern's non-discrimination statement. Job applicants who wish to request an accommodation in the application or hiring process should contact the Office of Civil Rights and Title IX Compliance. View additional information on the accommodations process.

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