Assistant Director of Business Operations

University of Oregon•Eugene, OR

134d•$65,000 - $73,000•Hybrid

About The Position

The Assistant Director of Business Operations (ADBO) within the Central Business Services Office (CBSO) has three primary functions: (1) managing purchasing and contracting activities; (2) providing oversight and backup support for accounting operations; and (3) serving as a leadership partner to the Associate Director in guiding CBSO strategic and operational priorities. This role oversees the day-to-day purchasing and contracting operations that support all CBSO partner units. It provides guidance and recommendations on procurement strategies and contract decisions for both CBSO and its unit partners. The ADBO will exercise delegated contracting authority up to $25,000 per purchase. The position exercises decision-making authority over the transactional execution of purchasing and contracting functions in alignment with Federal, State, and University policies and standards. It provides guidance and recommendations on procurement strategies and contract decisions for both CBSO and its unit partners. The Assistant Director of Business Operations directly supervises classified staff within the CBSO Purchasing and Contracting team. Responsibilities include understanding and applying relevant policies; managing workload distribution; resolving employee concerns; and leading performance management including training, employee development, and corrective action processes as needed. In addition to purchasing and contracting responsibilities, this position provides oversight and serves as a critical backup for accounting functions, ensuring continuity of operations, adherence to policy, and appropriate internal controls during staff absences, workload spikes, or periods of transition. The ADBO will have frequent engagement with a wide range of stakeholders, including faculty, staff, individual contributors, executive leadership, and external suppliers. As a leadership partner to the Associate Director, this ADBO helps align operational strategies, support unit initiatives, and ensure that CBSO services continue to meet the evolving needs of its partner units. This position is eligible for hybrid work with required on campus presence. The role reports to CBSO’s Associate Director, Financial Operations.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree PLUS Three (3) years of progressively responsible finance and accounting experience, AND Three (3) years of supervisory or lead experience.
OR Five (5) years of progressively responsible finance and accounting experience (in lieu of a bachelor’s degree), AND Three (3) years of supervisory or lead experience.
Demonstrated ability to build and maintain an inclusive, equitable, and respectful work environment.
Ability to work independently, exercise sound judgment, and apply creative, solutions-oriented problem solving.
Strong attention to detail, organizational skills, and reliable follow-up.
Effective interpersonal and written communication skills.
Ability to manage multiple projects and meet deadlines in a high-volume, fast-changing environment.
Ability to interpret, apply, and navigate policies and procedures in a highly regulated and unionized setting.
Strong interpersonal skills with the ability to build relationships and collaborate with individuals from diverse backgrounds and roles.
Ability to create, learn, and follow processes, including knowing when to deviate, escalate, or recommend improvements.
Proficiency using standard office and communication tools, including Microsoft Office, Zoom, Teams, Slack, or similar platforms.

Nice To Haves

Experience with public contracting.
Experience working in higher education settings or large non-profit organizations.
Experience with Banner, Unimarket, or similar software.

Responsibilities

Manage purchasing and contracting activities.
Provide oversight and backup support for accounting operations.
Serve as a leadership partner to the Associate Director in guiding CBSO strategic and operational priorities.
Oversee day-to-day purchasing and contracting operations supporting all CBSO partner units.
Provide guidance and recommendations on procurement strategies and contract decisions for both CBSO and its unit partners.
Exercise delegated contracting authority up to $25,000 per purchase.
Exercise decision-making authority over the transactional execution of purchasing and contracting functions in alignment with Federal, State, and University policies and standards.
Directly supervise classified staff within the CBSO Purchasing and Contracting team.
Understand and apply relevant policies.
Manage workload distribution.
Resolve employee concerns.
Lead performance management including training, employee development, and corrective action processes as needed.
Provide oversight and serve as a critical backup for accounting functions, ensuring continuity of operations, adherence to policy, and appropriate internal controls during staff absences, workload spikes, or periods of transition.
Align operational strategies, support unit initiatives, and ensure CBSO services meet evolving needs of partner units.