Appalachian State University · 16 hours ago
Business Officer for the Office of Research and Innovation
Boone, NC
Full-time
Onsite
Mid Level
$51K/yr - $51K/yr
3+ years expAppalachian State University is seeking a Business Officer for the Office of Research and Innovation to provide administrative and financial management support. The role involves overseeing post-award administration of internal grants, fiscal compliance, and event planning for research development programs.
EducationHigher EducationUniversities
No H1B
Responsibilities
Serve as the primary fiscal contact and key administrator for all internal research and innovation grants, including University Research Council and Student Research grants
Manage post-award activities for internal awards, ensuring timely and accurate disbursement of funds, reconciliation of expenditures, and adherence to university, UNC System, and State of North Carolina fiscal regulations
Track, review, and document expenditures; prepare budget summaries and financial reports for ORI leadership
Conduct monthly reconciliations of designated funds and monitor internal award accounts for accuracy and compliance
Provide post-award coordination among faculty awardees, department administrators, and Contracts and Grants Accounting to resolve issues and ensure proper fiscal stewardship
Route and process financial transactions including purchases, reimbursements, PCard activity, buyouts, one-time payments, and journal entries through appropriate university systems
Manage travel approvals and reimbursements related to internal grants and ORI activities using the Emburse travel system
Maintain a high level of confidentiality and discretion in handling financial data and sensitive information
Oversee the Total Contract Manager (TCM) system for contracts, personnel, software, and vendor agreements associated with ORI programs
Track and archive internal grant records, work orders, contracts, and direct pay documentation in accordance with university retention policies
Review and process internal grant applications to ensure compliance with funding guidelines and eligibility requirements
Develop and deliver training materials and sessions for departmental administrators and faculty awardees on fiscal compliance, contract management, and internal processes
Serve as a resource to campus partners by providing accurate interpretation of Controller’s Office and Finance policies as they relate to ORI program activities
Plan, organize, and execute all major ORI events that promote faculty, staff, and student engagement in research and creative activity, including examples such as Student Research Day, Research and Creative Activities at App (ReCApp), and Research and Creative Activity Connections (ReCon)
Manage all logistical elements including venue reservations, catering, registration, materials, agendas, and event communications
Collaborate with event leads to design programs that meet ORI’s strategic objectives and enhance campus visibility of research achievements
Coordinate with multiple campus and external units to ensure smooth event execution, fiscal responsibility, and alignment with university branding and accessibility standards
Systematize event workflows for recurring events to improve efficiency, continuity, and documentation of best practices
Oversee the financial management of event expenditures and ensure post-event reconciliation and reporting
Support the daily administrative functions of the ORI Management Department through coordination of purchasing, travel, and communication processes
Assist with development of standard operating procedures, templates, and communication guidelines to enhance consistency and efficiency in ORI operations
Represent ORI in fiscal and event-related meetings, including the Sponsored Programs Administration Network (SPAN) and university planning committees
Serve as a key liaison between ORI and other campus offices to ensure compliance and resolve operational challenges
Maintain and update ORI’s website and digital platforms to ensure timely dissemination of program information and event details
Develop and manage marketing materials and communications for ORI-sponsored programs and events in coordination with University Communications
Communicate program policies and fiscal procedures to internal grant recipients and campus partners with professionalism and clarity
Provide one-on-one and group training for department administrators and faculty on internal grant post-award processes, contract procedures, and fiscal management systems
Foster a service-oriented culture within ORI by proactively assisting faculty, staff, and students and ensuring responsive and accurate information sharing
Contribute to ORI’s outreach initiatives to strengthen institutional understanding of internal funding opportunities and promote engagement in research activities
Qualification
Required
Bachelor's degree with a minimum of 3-4 years of finance and/or administrative experience
Excellent verbal and written communication skills
Strong interpersonal skills
Proficient with computer applications (word processing, databases, spreadsheets) & eRA systems
Preferred
Strong knowledge of university, UNC System, and State fiscal regulations and procurement procedures
High attention to detail, accuracy, and follow-through in financial and administrative work
Exceptional organizational, planning, and multitasking skills
Effective interpersonal communication and the ability to work collaboratively across diverse university units
Initiative in identifying and resolving problems independently while exercising sound judgment
Strong customer-service orientation and professionalism when engaging with faculty, staff, students, and external partners
Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite, Banner, Emburse, Total Contract Manager, and other university administrative systems
Ability to manage multiple priorities under deadlines while maintaining confidentiality and data integrity
Company
Appalachian State University
Appalachian State University is a school in Boone.
1001-5000 employees
Funding
Current Stage
Late StageTotal Funding
$0.39MKey Investors
AmeriCorps Public AlliesNorth Carolina Biotechnology Center
2024-07-09Grant· $0.37M
2021-07-30Grant· $0.02M
Leadership Team
Dr. Brandy Bryson
Co-Founder and Leadership Team, Black Male Excellence Initiative
Shawn Bergman
Co-founder and Area Director, Center for Analytic Research and Eduation
Recent News
Government Technology US
2025-07-02
2025-06-05
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