Associate Director of Business Operations

James Madison University • Harrisonburg, VA

19h • Onsite

About The Position

James Madison University (JMU), a Division I member of the NCAA and Sun Belt conference, is seeking an Associate Director of Business Operations. The Associate Director of Business Operations supports the financial integrity, compliance, and operational effectiveness of the athletics department by leading assigned business functions, coordinating institutional reporting requirements, and overseeing administrative business staff. This role serves as a key liaison between the athletics business office and university partners, auditors, and governing bodies, while exercising independent judgment in financial coordination, workflow management, and process improvement. The position contributes to sound fiscal stewardship, regulatory compliance, and efficient day-to-day business operations across assigned sports and units.

Requirements

• Progressive experience in business operations, finance, or administrative support within athletics, higher education, or a complex organizational environment.
• Demonstrated knowledge of financial processes, reporting requirements, and compliance standards.
• Experience coordinating multi-step workflows and collaborating with internal and external stakeholders.
• Strong organizational, analytical, and communication skills, with the ability to exercise independent judgment.
• Proficiency with financial systems, reporting tools, and standard office software applications.

Nice To Haves

• Supervisory experience.

Responsibilities

• Serve as the primary point of contact between the athletics department and university offices regarding business operations, financial processes, and administrative inquiries.
• Coordinate communication between assigned athletics units and university partners to ensure alignment with institutional financial policies and procedures.
• Respond to and resolve business-related questions from campus stakeholders, escalating issues as appropriate.
• Support process improvement initiatives in collaboration with university departments to enhance efficiency and compliance within athletics business operations.
• Lead task assignment, tracking, and progression related to EADA, NCAA, and internal or external audit reporting requirements.
• Serve as the primary athletics business office contact for auditors and financial reporting personnel.
• Receive audit and reporting inquiries, assess scope and requirements, and assign completion responsibilities to appropriate athletics and university stakeholders.
• Monitor reporting timelines and deliverables to ensure accuracy, completeness, and on-time submission.
• Maintain documentation and supporting materials necessary for compliance reviews and audit readiness.
• Oversee the daily work and performance of business office administrative assistants.
• Lead administrative assistant communications, including coordination of priorities, procedural updates, and expectations.
• Plan and facilitate monthly administrative assistant meetings to review workflows, deadlines, and process updates.
• Partner with university offices to implement process changes or system updates affecting administrative assistant responsibilities.
• Provide guidance, training, and feedback to support effective execution of business office functions.
• Lead daily business operations for assigned sports and administrative units in alignment with institutional and athletics financial policies.
• Oversee reconciliation of purchasing card transactions and travel reimbursements, ensuring proper documentation and compliance.
• Review expense reports for accuracy, completeness, and policy adherence, and monitor approval workflows to resolution.
• Create requisitions and facilitate the contract approval process in coordination with procurement and legal offices.
• Serve as a resource to coaches and unit leaders regarding allowable expenses, timelines, and business procedures.
• Serve as a secondary processor for Unrelated Business Income Tax (UBIT) reporting and Auxiliary Business Organization (ABO) invoicing.
• Assist in monitoring assigned financial activities to ensure compliance with applicable tax and reporting requirements.
• Coordinate with primary processors and university partners to resolve questions or discrepancies.
• Support the Director of the Business Office in monitoring at-risk budgets across assigned sports and units.
• Provide informed recommendations for budget revisions based on financial data and operational needs.
• Assist with the preparation and entry of approved budget revisions into the financial system.
• Support ongoing fiscal planning efforts to promote responsible budget management within athletics.

Benefits

• Generous Leave: Enjoy paid vacation, sick leave, parental leave, community service leave, and 19 paid holidays annually.
• Comprehensive Health Coverage: Access high-quality health insurance options that fit your needs.
• Retirement Options: Plan for your future with retirement benefits through the Virginia Retirement System.
• Employee Well-Being: Our Balanced Dukes program promotes wellness and work-life integration through resources, events, and support.
• Tuition Waiver Program: Advance your education with our tuition waiver program for undergraduate and graduate courses taken at JMU.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level
• Education Level: No Education Listed
• Number of Employees: 501-1,000 employees