Business Operations Manager

The Chronicle Of Higher Education, Inc.; Hamden (CT); On-site; USD 85,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

Quinnipiac University is seeking a highly collaborative Business Operations Manager to join the Office of Strategic Programs & Initiatives. You will lead financial administration, optimize operational processes, and partner with university stakeholders to support growth and success.

The role focuses on creating scalable systems from the ground up, managing budgets, and coordinating HR/onboarding for student and staff teams across multiple programs.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Business Administration, Finance, Higher Education Administration, or related field.
• Master's degree or relevant certification preferred.
• 5+ years in business operations, financial administration, project management, or related operational role.
• Experience with project management.
• Experience in revenue-generating unit or entrepreneurial university environment.
• Ability to manage multiple logistics and projects simultaneously.
• Demonstrated budgeting, forecasting, HR processes, and operational administration skills.
• Excellent analytical, organizational, and interpersonal abilities.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office, Excel, and ERP/project management systems (Colleague, Workday or Oracle).

Responsibilities

• Direct financial management including budgets, forecasts, and reporting.
• Analyze financial data and provide strategic recommendations to leadership.
• Coordinate with central finance on audits, procurement, and fund management.
• Oversee client payment reconciliation from deposit to payment and manage purchasing/administrative finance tasks.
• Ensure compliance with university policies and external regulations.
• Lead systems development for revenue tracking and program profitability.
• Manage HR onboarding and recruitment with HR office involvement.
• Staff scheduling and onboarding for work-study and student staff.

Skills

Analytical skills

Organizational skills

Interpersonal skills

Communication

Education

Bachelor's degree in Business Administration/Finance/Higher Education Administration

Master's degree or relevant certification preferred

Tools

Microsoft Office

Excel

Colleague/Workday/Oracle (ERP & PM systems)

CRM platforms (Salesforce)

Monday.com/Cvent

Job description

Overview

Quinnipiac University is seeking a highly collaborative and strategic Business Operations Manager to join the Office of Strategic Programs & Initiatives (OSPI), a dynamic and revenue-generating division that develops innovative programs, partnerships, and initiatives that advance the university's mission and expand its impact.

This is an exciting opportunity to step into an inaugural role and help build the operational infrastructure that supports a growing portfolio of strategic initiatives. As a key member of the OSPI leadership team, you will lead financial administration, optimize operational processes, and serve as a trusted partner to university stakeholders, helping position the department for continued growth and success.

The ideal candidate is a highly organized and resourceful professional who enjoys creating systems and processes from the ground up. You combine strong financial and operational acumen with exceptional relationship-building skills and a proactive, solutions-oriented mindset.

About Quinnipiac

Quinnipiac University is a private, coeducational institutionlocated 90 minutes north of New York City and two hours from Boston. The university currently has an enrollment of 9,700 students in more than 100-degree programs through its Schools of Business, Communications, Computing & Engineering, Education, Health Sciences, Law, Medicine, Nursing and the College of Arts & Sciences. Our 22 Division I teams have achieved remarkable success, boasting national and conference titles - including a 2023 NCAA national championship win in men's ice hockey, a trip to the Sweet 16 for our women's basketball team and NCAA Tournament appearances by many of our programs. The Quinnipiac University Poll is nationally recognized as a leader in public opinion research, and the university is consistently recognized by U.S. News & World Report and Princeton Review. The Wall Street Journal ranked Quinnipiac #51 among the best colleges in the nation, and second in Connecticut, for our exceptional graduation rate, salary impact, learning facilities, career preparation and learning opportunities.

The university is in the midst of program expansion and renewal for both traditional and adult learners, the development of innovative strategic partnerships, and recently opened South Quad with three state-of-the-art buildings.

As Quinnipiac grows, the university remains guided by the core values that define our community and shape the experience of every student and employee.

• We are fiercely committed to ensuring every Bobcat thrives. We are a lifelong partner for every learner.
• We passionately care about our community. Everyone should feel welcome and valued.
• We boldly shape our university's future. We will forge a path of impact together.

Responsibilities

Financial Management

• Develop and oversee departmental budgets, forecasts, and financial reporting.
• Analyze financial data and provide strategic recommendations to leadership.
• Coordinate with central finance units on audits, procurement, and fund management.
• Manage client payment reconciliation from deposit to final payment and oversee internal purchasing and related administrative finance tasks. Monitor revenues and expenditures across multiple units and revenue streams. Create and track event specific invoices.
• Ensure compliance with university financial policies and relevant external regulations.
• Create processes and reports in the project management system to accurately track revenue and expenses, streamline financial reporting, and monitor program profitability

Personnel Administration

• Act as a liaison with the Office of Human Resources to ensure proper recruitment, onboarding and other HR related tasks.
• Facilitate the hiring and onboarding process for work-study students, Graduate students and summer staff in collaboration with Human Resources and the unit’s leadership team.
• Manage and track student staff hours to budget.
• Assist in the logistics of onboarding and training new staff.
• Collaborate with the Event Managers and Program Directors on staffing needs for events and summer programs.
• Support a culture of collaboration, professional development, and equity.

Project Management, Operations & Administration

• Direct and manage registration pathways within the department’s registration platform including managing inquiries, monitoring registration, and troubleshooting user issues as needed.
• Become super-user for Registration platform, building customized sites per program (including abstract submissions, registrations, landing pages and app functions). Troubleshoot issues and manage all reporting for attendance and financial needs.
• Lead Summer Operations; remote office set up and management, staff scheduling, resource procurement and allocation.
• Liaison with facilities for summer housing, managing cleaning schedules and standards.
• Work with the AVP to implement and refine systems and processes to ensure operational efficiency.
• Lead special projects and strategic initiatives as requested by AVP.
• Create and track contracts, risk mitigation efforts, client records, and other compliance and operational needs through the department’s project management system.
• Other duties as assigned.

Education Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Business Administration, Finance, Higher Education Administration, or a related field required
• Master's degree or relevant professional certification preferred

Qualifications

• Five or more years of progressively responsible experience in business operations, financial administration, project management, or a related operational role
• Experience with project management
• Experience working in a revenue-generating unit or entrepreneurial university environment
• Ability to manage multiple logistics and projects simultaneously
• Demonstrated experience effectively managing budgets, forecasting, HR processes, and operational administration
• Excellent analytical, organizational, and interpersonal skills
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office, Excel, enterprise and project management systems (e.g., Colleague, Workday or Oracle
• Proven ability to collaborate effectively with individuals from varied backgrounds

Preferred

• Experience in CRM and registration platforms (e.g. salesforce, Monday.com, cvent)
• Monitor and manage compliance with federal, state, and local tax laws applicable to higher education revenue activities, including Unrelated Business Income Tax (UBIT), sales/use tax, and independent contractor classifications

We offer a comprehensive benefits package for full-time faculty and staff which includes tuition remission and a culture that is inclusive and driven by excellence.

Quinnipiac University is an equal opportunity employer and encourages applications from individuals of all backgrounds and experiences. We are committed to fostering an inclusive and respectful community.