Business Manager Center for Ocean Enterprise

The University of Southern Mississippi•Gulfport, MS

1d•Onsite

About The Position

The Business Manager for The Roger F. Wicker Center for Ocean Enterprise (COE) oversees the Center’s administrative and business operations, including tenant and partner relations, staffing coordination, facility operations, agreements, and internal business processes. The position supports the Executive Director with operational planning, business development, and process improvement and coordinates with COE staff, University offices, and external partners to ensure efficient and compliant operations.

Requirements

Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university in Business Administration, Management, Finance, Public Administration, or a related field
Three (3) years of progressively responsible experience in business operations, administration, project coordination, or a related area.
Knowledge of business and administrative operations, practices, and procedures.
Strong organizational, planning, and problem-solving skills.
Ability to manage multiple priorities, projects, and deadlines in a fast-paced environment.
Ability to coordinate operational processes and work effectively across functional areas.
Ability to communicate effectively, both verbally and in writing, with internal and external stakeholders.
Ability to analyze operational needs and recommend process improvements.
Proficiency with Microsoft Office and other business and administrative software applications.
Ability to work independently, exercise sound judgment, and maintain effective working relationships.
Must be able to obtain a TWIC (Transportation Workers Identification Credential)
Applicants must be currently authorized to work in the United States on a full-time basis without the need for visa sponsorship.

Nice To Haves

Experience in business operations, facilities operations, contract administration, grants administration, or project management.
Experience working with external business or government partners and coordinating leases, service agreements, or similar business arrangements.
Master's degree in Business Administration or a related field and/or Project Management Professional (PMP) certification preferred.

Responsibilities

Oversees day-to-day administrative and business operations of the COE, including operational workflows, space utilization, facility access, and resource coordination.
Works with COE staff to support scheduling, events, visitors, and other operational needs.
Serves as a primary liaison to tenant companies and external partners utilizing COE facilities and resources.
Supports the Executive Director with business development and partnership opportunities, coordinates facility and service needs, and ensures compliance with applicable lease terms, facility requirements, and University and Center policies.
Coordinates staffing and HR-related administrative processes, including recruitment support, hiring documentation, onboarding, training coordination, payroll submissions, timekeeping verification, and required records.
Works with University Human Resources, hiring managers, and COE leadership to facilitate staffing processes and requirements.
Coordinates the administrative processing of leases, service agreements, research agreements, and other business arrangements.
Works with companies, government partners, University Counsel, and appropriate University offices to facilitate review, approval, execution, payment, and recordkeeping.
Supports the Executive Director in operational planning and the development and implementation of Center policies, procedures, and business processes.
Evaluates workflows, identifies operational needs, and recommends improvements to enhance efficiency and service delivery.
Collaborates with the Financial Coordinator and Administrative Operations Coordinator to coordinate Center business activities, including budget planning, grants and projects, procurement, purchasing, travel, contract administration, financial processes, and other administrative operations.
Maintains operational records and documentation, supports compliance with University and Center requirements, and promotes effective customer service and working relationships with internal and external stakeholders.
Performs other duties as assigned.