Business Officer

North Carolina State University; Mills River (NC); On-site; USD 65,000 - 70,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, Dental, Vision

FSA

Retirement programs

Disability insurance

Life insurance

Paid time off

Holidays

Tuition assistance

Job summary

North Carolina State University in Mills River, NC, seeks a Business Officer to oversee financial resources, procurement, facilities, and operations for MHCREC. You will support research, extension, and outreach by providing resources and ensuring compliance across multiple funding sources.

You will work with faculty, staff, and external partners to keep the center running efficiently, manage budgets, plan events, and coordinate housing and onboarding.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree required; post-baccalaureate credentials may substitute for advanced degree.
• Strong written and verbal communication with faculty, staff, students, vendors, and external stakeholders.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities with accuracy and meet deadlines.
• Apply financial and analytical skills to manage budgets and prepare reports.
• Proficient in Office software (Excel/Word) and Google Workspace.

Responsibilities

• Oversee financial resources from multiple funding sources while ensuring compliance with policies.
• Analyze expenditures, develop budgets, and provide financial recommendations.
• Direct procurement activities and manage purchasing processes with vendor relations.
• Administer research station use fees and monitor resources to support operations.
• Coordinate facility operations, repairs, and renovation projects; supervise staff.
• Support planning and execution of field days, outreach programs, and events.
• Coordinate on-site graduate student housing and operational logistics.
• Develop and maintain departmental communications and external partnerships.

Skills

Communication skills

Time management

Analytical skills

Team collaboration

Microsoft Office (Excel/Word)

Education

Bachelor's degree

Tools

Microsoft Office Suite

Job description

Posting Information

Posting Number: PG194799EP

Internal Recruitment: No

Working Title: Business Officer

Anticipated Hiring Range: Commensurate with Experience ($65,000 - $70,000)

Work Schedule: Monday-Friday, 8AM-5PM

Job Location: Mills River, NC

Department: Mountain Horticultural Crops Research

About the Department

Mountain Horticultural Crops Research and Extension Center (MHCREC) supports agricultural research on horticultural and other crops relevant to western NC and the state of North Carolina. The Center provides resources such as land, equipment, facilities, expertise and personnel to research scientists conducting field research on agricultural commodities. The 397 acre Center houses twelve administrative and operational staff, as well as research faculty from several academic departments and Administrative offices for two Cooperative Extension district offices. The Center is also a hub in western NC for Extension education programs.

Wolfpack Perks and Benefits

What we offer:

• Medical, Dental, and Vision
• Flexible Spending Account
• Retirement Programs
• Disability Plans
• Life Insurance
• Accident Plan
• Paid Time Off and Other Leave Programs
• 12 Holidays Each Year
• Tuition and Academic Assistance
• And so much more!

Attain Work-life balance with our Childcare benefits, Wellness & Recreation Membership, and Wellness Programs that aim to build a thriving wolfpack community.

Disclaimer: Perks and Benefit eligibility is based on Part-Time or Full-Time Employment status. Eligibility and Employer Sponsored Plans can be found within each of the links offered.

Essential Job Duties

Reporting to the NC Agricultural Research Service, The Business Officer supports the administrative, financial, and operational success of the Mountain Horticultural Crops Research and Extension Center (MHCREC) and Mountain Horticultural Crops Research Station (MHCRS). In this highly collaborative role, you will help ensure research, extension, and outreach programs have the resources, facilities, and operational support needed to succeed.

Working across finance, operations, communications, facilities, and stakeholder engagement, you will partner with faculty, staff, students, university departments, and external stakeholders to keep the center running efficiently while advancing the mission of agricultural research and education.

Key Responsibilities fall within the following functional areas:

Financial & Business Operations:

• Oversee financial resources from multiple funding sources while ensuring responsible stewardship and compliance with University and College policies.
• Analyze expenditures, develop budgets, and provide financial recommendations that support operational and research priorities.
• Direct procurement activities by cultivating vendor relationships, securing competitive pricing, and managing purchasing processes.
• Administer research station use fees and monitor available resources to support ongoing operations.

Operations, Facilities & Event Coordination:

• Coordinate facility operations, repairs, and renovation projects to maintain a safe, functional, and productive research environment.
• Supervise the Building Environmental Technician, providing direction, prioritizing work, and supporting daily facility operations.
• Oversee scheduling and utilization of meeting spaces, events, and research center resources.
• Support planning and execution of field days, outreach programs, and other center events.
• Coordinate on-site graduate student housing and operational logistics.

Stakeholder Relations & Communications:

• Build collaborative relationships with faculty, staff, students, industry partners, commodity groups, and community stakeholders.
• Represent the research center in interactions with internal and external partners while promoting its programs and accomplishments.
• Develop and maintain departmental communications and online resources that support operational effectiveness and stakeholder engagement.
• Evaluate information requests and provide guidance on departmental procedures, policies, and operations.
• Identify opportunities to strengthen external partnerships through gifts, grants, and other support.

Employee Services & Administrative Coordination:

• Support employee onboarding, timekeeping, leave administration, and required safety training.
• Coordinate administrative processes that contribute to an efficient and well-supported workplace.

If you are an organized, relationship-focused professional who enjoys balancing strategic planning with day-to-day operations, we encourage you to apply.

Other Responsibilities

In addition to the core responsibilities of this role, there may be occasional opportunities to take on additional duties. This offers an opportunity to build on your skills, explore new areas, and gain a deeper understanding of the department's operations.

Qualifications

Minimum Education and Experience: Requires post-baccalaureate credentials; a bachelor's degree plus 0-2 years experience may be substituted for the advanced degree on an exceptional basis. All degrees must be received from appropriately accredited institutions.

Other Required Qualifications:

• Communicate effectively through clear written, verbal, and interpersonal interactions with faculty, staff, students, vendors, and external stakeholders.
• Manage multiple priorities while maintaining accuracy, meeting deadlines, and exercising sound judgment when handling confidential or sensitive information.
• Exercise independent judgment to analyze complex or non-routine situations, develop practical solutions, and implement appropriate actions with minimal supervision.
• Apply financial and analytical skills to manage budgets, monitor expenditures, and prepare spreadsheets and reports that support operational decision-making.
• Utilize Microsoft Office applications (including Excel and Word), Adobe Acrobat, Google Workspace, and other business systems to support daily operations while adapting to evolving technology.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Master's degree in Business Administration, Public Administration, or a related discipline and 3 years of professional experience in financial management, marketing, or resource development.
• Experience with PeopleSoft HR and Financials and a working knowledge of Business Operations and Human Resources at NC State or in the UNC System.

Required License(s) or Certification(s):

• A valid NC Driver's License and the ability to obtain an NC Driver's License within 60 days of hire.
• A valid Driver's License must be maintained throughout employment.

Valid NC Driver's License required: Yes

Commercial Driver's License required: No

Recruitment Dates

Job Open Date: 08/06/2026

Anticipated Close Date: 8/19/2026; if job is still posted we are accepting and reviewing applications

Position Details

Position Number: 00042406

Position Type: EPS/SAAO

Full Time Equivalent (FTE) (1.0 = 40 hours/week): 1.00

Appointment: 12 Month Recurring

Mandatory Designation - Adverse Weather: Non Mandatory - Adverse Weather

Mandatory Designation - Emergency Events: Non Mandatory - Emergency Event

Department ID: 115004 - Mountain Horticultural Crops Research

EEO

NC State University is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive equal opportunities for employment without regard to age, color, disability, gender identity, genetic information, national origin, race, religion, sex (including pregnancy), sexual orientation, and veteran status. The University encourages all qualified applicants, including protected veterans and individuals with disabilities, to apply. Individuals with disabilities requiring disability-related accommodations in the application and interview process are welcome to contact 919-513-0574 to speak with a representative of the Office of Equal Opportunity.

If you have general questions about the application process, you may contact Human Resources at [phone] or [e-mail].

Final candidates are subject to criminal & sex offender background checks. Some vacancies also require credit or motor vehicle checks. Degree(s) must be obtained prior to start date in order to meet qualifications and receive credit.

NC State University participates in E-Verify. Federal law requires all employers to verify the identity and employment eligibility of all persons hired to work in the United States.