Business Manager - Laboratory for Aggregate Economics and Finance (LAEF)

UC Santa Barbara; Santa Barbara (CA); On-site; USD 80,000 - 110,000; Full time

Job summary

UC Santa Barbara’s Laboratory for Aggregate Economics and Finance (LAEF) seeks a Business Manager to lead administrative operations under the Director. You will manage budgets, program planning, events, IT support, and facilities, while guiding policy and internal controls.

Responsibilities include coordinating international research workshops, conferences, and private gift support, with oversight of staff, vendors, and the LAEF website updates.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in a related area or equivalent experience/training.
• 1–3 years of business administration, finance, and/or management experience.
• 1–3 years of financial administration experience including fund accounting.
• 1–3 years of event coordination experience.
• Knowledge of financial concepts and internal controls; ability to follow policies.

Responsibilities

• Oversee broad administrative operations including budgetary and financial management, program management, event management, IT, space planning, and development/fundraising.
• Develop internal policies and procedures; provide oversight and guidance for website development and supervision of staff and students.
• Plan LAEF programs and manage logistics, vendor negotiations, risk issues, and publication of conference proceedings.

Skills

Budget management

Financial administration

Event coordination

Communication skills

Interpersonal skills

Judgement

Confidentiality

Education

Bachelor's Degree

Job description

Job Summary

Under the general direction of the Director, the Business Manager oversees a broad range of administrative operations for the Laboratory for Aggregate Economics and Finance (LAEF). Uses skills as a seasoned, experienced administrative operations professional to manage, plan and administer the operations of LAEF. Exercises discretionary powers to solve managerial and program problems. Performs short and long‑term planning for the organization, including program planning and assessments, budget analysis and control, space planning, and special projects. Serves as a resource to the Director in the planning of LAEF's activities which includes research programs, workshops, and conferences. Demonstrates good judgment to anticipate needs and select methods and techniques for obtaining solutions. Serves as the visible and primary business representative of LAEF. Oversees IT support for LAEF.

Responsibilities

• Operations Management (50%) – Manage, plan, and administer a broad range of administrative operations for LAEF, including budgetary and financial management, program management, event management, IT, space planning/facilities, and development/fundraising. Develop internal policies and procedures to ensure appropriate internal controls. Provide oversight, decision‑making, and guidance to the development of the website and supervise temporary, part‑time, and student employees.
• Program Planning (40%) – Perform short‑ and long‑term planning for LAEF programs, including the design of policy and procedural frameworks for international research workshops and conferences. Manage logistical, policy, legal, and risk issues; negotiate with vendors; prepare cost‑sharing budgets; conduct program assessments; oversee the publication of conference proceedings; and maintain the website’s event updates.
• Development (10%) – Develop a framework for private gift support to fund the on‑going operation of the institute, serve as the liaison for major gift prospects, and evaluate development efforts in alignment with LAEF’s long‑term goals.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's Degree in a related area and/or equivalent experience/training.
• 1–3 years of relevant experience in business administration, finance, and/or management.
• 1–3 years of financial administration experience, including fund accounting.
• 1–3 years of experience in event coordination.
• Knowledge of financial and accounting concepts, adhering to policies and procedures.
• Ability to use sound judgment in responding to issues and concerns.
• Solid communication and interpersonal skills, effective verbally and in writing.
• Solid organizational skills and ability to multi‑task with demanding timeframes.
• Working knowledge of common organization‑specific and other computer application programs.
• Ability to use discretion and maintain confidentiality.

Preferred Qualifications

• Preferred Master’s Degree.
• Familiarity with UCSB policies and procedures related to accounting, budgets, payroll, procurement, and Academic Personnel.
• Broad knowledge of UCSB financial applications, such as Gateway, Concur, UCPath, Kronos, Expresso Financial, Data Warehouse, and online travel.
• Broad knowledge of UCSB Academic Personnel applications, such as UC Recruit and AP Folio.

Special Conditions of Employment

• Occasional weekend and evening work hours.
• Satisfactory criminal history background check.
• UCSB is a Tobacco‑Free environment.

Equal Employment Opportunity

The University of California is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, age, protected veteran status, or other protected status under state or federal law.

Reasonable Accommodations

The University of California endeavors to make https://jobs.ucsb.edu accessible to any and all users. If you would like assistance completing the application process, please contact Katherine Abad in Human Resources at 805‑893‑4664 or email [e-mail]. This contact information is for accommodation requests only.