Business Operations Manager

Administrative Operations Manager 1

Thunderbird School of Global Management (TSGM) is seeking a strategic and collaborative Business Operations Manager to join the Financial Accounting and Operations team. This role serves as a key business partner supporting financial and operational functions across a dynamic and globally focused environment.

The Business Operations Manager is responsible for overseeing financial and administrative operations including budgeting, financial analysis, procurement, compliance oversight, operational process management, and staff supervision. This position works closely with school leadership, faculty, and university partners to support sound financial decision-making, operational efficiency, and high-quality service.

The ideal candidate is analytical, detail-oriented, and solutions-driven, with the ability to manage competing priorities, exercise independent judgment, and communicate effectively with a wide range of stakeholders. This role requires adaptability, initiative, and the ability to navigate evolving priorities and ambiguity in a fast-paced environment.

Position Salary Range: $75,000 - $85,000; to commensurate with education and experience.

Essential Duties:

• Serve as the primary business operations lead and point of contact for assigned units on financial and operational matters.
• Lead, mentor, and develop business support staff, fostering a culture of accountability, collaboration, and continuous improvement.
• Coordinate cross-departmental initiatives and represent the unit in university meetings and stakeholder discussions.
• Monitor and analyze financial activity; prepare and present financial, administrative, and strategic reports for leadership decision-making.
• Partner with the Executive Education team to develop and critically review program price sheets, validating mathematical accuracy, testing financial assumptions, and assessing overall financial viability.
• Provide independent financial analysis and recommendations, including identifying risks and advising on adjustments when projected margins do not meet established financial standards.
• Ensure compliance with university and governing agency policies by reviewing and authorizing financial transactions, including P-Card activity, procurement, travel, reimbursements, and journal entries.
• Establish and maintain internal controls for personnel actions, expenditures, and revenue processes.
• Interpret, implement, and communicate relevant policies and procedural updates; develop and maintain internal operating procedures and manuals.
• Collaborate with HR, Financial Services, Purchasing, Travel, and other university partners to ensure efficient operations and high service standards.
• Identify and implement process improvements to enhance operational effectiveness, compliance, and customer service.
• Contribute to long-range strategic planning and support special projects as assigned.
• Performs additional duties or projects, as assigned

Desired Qualifications:

• Demonstrated knowledge of budgeting, accounting, forecasting, and financial analysis principles.
• Experience preparing and analyzing financial and operational reports for leadership audiences.
• Experience supervising staff and managing workflows in a collaborative environment.
• Experience interpreting and applying policies, procedures, and compliance requirements.
• Experience working in higher education, nonprofit, Executive Education, grant, or gift management environments preferred.
• Proficiency with enterprise financial systems such as Workday, Concur, PaymentNet, PeopleSoft, or similar platforms.
• Strong organizational, analytical, communication, and customer service skills.
• Demonstrated ability to exercise sound judgment, manage competing priorities, and work independently.

Working Environment:

• Activities are performed in an environmentally controlled office setting subject to extended periods of sitting, keyboarding and manipulating a computer mouse
• Frequently required to stand for varying lengths of time and walk moderate distances to perform work
• Regular activities require ability to quickly change priorities which may include and/or are subject to resolution of conflicts
• Ability to clearly communicate to perform essential functions.
• Use office equipment including a calculator, telephone, computer (monitor, keyboard and mouse), printer, fax and copier.
• This position receives general review of objectives.

ASU is a diverse enterprise with a wide variety of work and learning modes, locations and a commitment to sustainability, innovation and employee work-life balance. We are determined to maintain our position as an employer of choice in a competitive labor market.

Flexible work options

• Hybrid work is an arrangement where employees spend a minimum of 60% of their regular workweek at their primary ASU work location. Dean or vice president-level approval is required.

The Thunderbird School of Global Management at Arizona State University is one of the finest global leadership and global management schools in the world with both graduate and undergraduate students. Solutions for the planet mean developing problem?solvers from around the globe. It is one of the top global leadership and global management schools in the country, highly ranked for academics, practical research, and student outcomes.

Driving is not required for this position.

Location: Off-Campus: Phoenix

Funding: No Federal Funding

Instructions to Apply:

Current employees, student workers seeking staff opportunities, and students applying for student worker positions must apply directly through the Workday Jobs Hub.

To be considered, your application must include all of the following attachments:

• Cover letter
• Resume or CV

Multiple documents may be uploaded in the attachments section. Alternatively, applicants may combine all required materials into a single PDF for submission. Please ensure uploaded documents are clearly labeled and include your name.

Important: Do not withdraw your application to make edits. Once an application is withdrawn, it cannot be edited, reactivated, or replaced with a new submission. If you have questions or need assistance, please contact The Office of Human Resources Talent Acquisition before the posting close date.

Graduate Assistant, Intern and part-time positions are counted as half time for experience equivalency, meaning one year equals six months of experience.

Only electronic applications will be accepted for this position. By submitting an application, you confirm that the information provided is accurate and complete.

Arizona State University is a new model for American higher education, an unprecedented combination of academic excellence, entrepreneurial energy and broad access. This New American University is a single, unified institution comprising four differentiated campuses positively impacting the economic, social, cultural and environmental health of the communities it serves. Its research is inspired by real world application blurring the boundaries that traditionally separate academic disciplines. ASU serves more than 100,000 students in metropolitan Phoenix, Arizona, the nation's fifth largest city. ASU champions inclusive excellence, and welcomes students from all fifty states and more than one hundred nations across the globe.

ASU is a tobacco-free university. For details visit https://wellness.asu.edu/explore-wellness/body/alcohol-and-drugs/tobacco

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability, protected veteran status, or any other basis protected by law.

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In compliance with federal law, ASU prepares an annual report on campus security and fire safety programs and resources. ASU's Annual Security and Fire Safety Report is available online at https://www.asu.edu/police/PDFs/ASU-Clery-Report.pdf . You may request a hard copy of the report by contacting the ASU Police Department at 480-965-3456.

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Employment Verification Statement:

ASU conducts pre-employment screening which may include verification of work history, academic credentials, licenses, and certifications.

Background Check Statement:

ASU conducts pre-employment screening for all positions which includes a criminal background check, verification of work history, academic credentials, licenses, and certifications. Employment is contingent upon successful passing of the background check.

Fingerprint Check Statement:

This position is considered safety/security sensitive and will include a fingerprint check. Employment is contingent upon successful passing of the fingerprint check.