Business Center Manager II - Pre-Award Hub

University of Nebraska-Lincoln; Lincoln (NE); Hybrid; USD 75,000 - 105,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Generous PTO

Health insurance

Scholarship programs

Retirement plan

Job summary

University of Nebraska-Lincoln seeks a Business Center Manager II to lead the IANR Pre-Award Hub, guiding proposal development, budget accuracy, and compliance across university, sponsor, state, and federal requirements.

You will supervise staff, provide consultative support to faculty and stakeholders, and collaborate with campus partners to deliver efficient, customer-focused services. Hybrid work is available after onboarding with occasional in-person requirements.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree plus seven (7) years of grants, project management, or related experience.
• Two (2) years of experience supervising staff or serving in a team-lead role.
• Experience with SAP or similar large integrated finance or human resources system.
• Ability to analyze data and inquiries, think critically, and make and communicate sound decisions.
• Strong computer skills and proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite or similar software including Excel for data analysis.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality and appropriately handle sensitive information in compliance with applicable laws, regulations, and university policies.
• Strong communication skills and the ability to build positive, collaborative relationships in the workplace.
• Excellent organizational skills with the ability to prioritize work, manage multiple deadlines, and lead others in a fast-paced environment.

Responsibilities

• Manage the day-to-day operations of the IANR Pre-Award Hub.
• Provide consultative guidance and operational support to faculty, staff, and stakeholders on pre-award grant proposal submission processes and timelines.
• Support the development, review, and submission of external funding proposals, ensuring accurate budgets, complete application materials, and compliance with university, sponsor, state, and federal requirements.
• Supervise, train, and develop staff while coordinating workload and supporting continuous improvement.
• Ensure compliance with university, state, federal, and sponsor requirements and maintain effective business practices and internal controls.
• Collaborate with department leadership and campus partners to support strategic planning, solve operational challenges, and deliver responsive business services.

Skills

Grant management

Data analysis

Excel

Communication

Leadership

Confidentiality

Policy interpretation

Project management

Education

Bachelor's degree or equivalent

Tools

SAP

Job description

The Business Center Manager II provides leadership and direction for the Pre-Award Hub within the Institute of Agriculture and Natural Resources ( IANR ). The IANR Pre-Award Hub delivers support and services to faculty through the proposal development and submission processes. The manager leads staff, advises departmental leadership on business operations, and partners with university stakeholders to ensure effective, compliant, and customer-focused service delivery.

Responsibilities Include:

• Managing the day-to-day operations of the IANR Pre-Award Hub.
• Providing consultative guidance and operational support to faculty, staff, and stakeholders on pre-award grant proposal submission processes and timelines.
• Supporting the development, review, and submission of external funding proposals, ensuring accurate budgets, complete application materials, and compliance with university, sponsor, state, and federal requirements.
• Supervising, training, and developing staff while coordinating workload and supporting continuous improvement.
• Ensuring compliance with university, state, federal, and sponsor requirements and maintaining effective business practices and internal controls.
• Collaborating with department leadership and campus partners to support strategic planning, solve operational challenges, and deliver responsive business services.

This position is located on UNL's East Campus in Lincoln, NE. Following an initial onsite training period of up to six months, this position may become eligible for a hybrid work schedule with up to 2 remote day(s) per week. All hybrid arrangements are subject to supervisor approval and are determined based on operational needs.

Note: Sponsorship will not be offered for this position.

About Us

At the University of Nebraska-Lincoln, we're proud to be consistently recognized by Forbes as a top employer and certified as a Family Friendly Workplace. We are known for our welcoming, supportive environment, commitment to professional growth, and outstanding benefits. UNL isn't just a workplace; it's a place to build your career and make a meaningful impact in Nebraska.

When you join our team as a full-time, regular staff member, you'll enjoy:

• Generous paid time off including vacation, sick leave, parental leave, and holidays
• Comprehensive insurance options including medical, dental, vision, and life coverage
• Employee and dependent scholarship programs to pursue higher education
• Robust retirement plans with university match

Learn more about UNL benefits and your total compensation at: https://go.unl.edu/aboutus

Minimum Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree plus seven (7) years of grants, project management, or related experience. Equivalent combinations of education and experience will be considered.
• Two (2) years of experience supervising staff or serving in a team-lead role.
• Experience with SAP or similar large integrated finance or human resources system.
• Ability to analyze data and inquiries, think critically, and make and communicate sound decisions.
• Strong computer skills and proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite or similar software including Excel for data analysis.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality and appropriately handle sensitive information in compliance with applicable laws, regulations, and university policies.
• Strong communication skills and the ability to build positive, collaborative relationships in the workplace.
• Excellent organizational skills with the ability to prioritize work, manage multiple deadlines, and lead others in a fast-paced environment.

Preferred Qualifications

The following qualifications are preferred, but not required:

• Experience training, coaching, mentoring, and developing staff.
• Experience performing finance, grants, and/or human resources-related tasks at a University of Nebraska institution.
• Experience with grant, project, or cost accounting.

We seek a collaborative leader with strong project management, analytical, and problem-solving skills. The ideal candidate exercises sound judgment to interpret policy, resolve complex issues, and communicate difficult decisions with confidence and professionalism.