Business Manager - Health and Rehab Sciences

The Ohio State University

2d • Onsite

About The Position

The Business Manager, reporting directly to the School Administrator and with a dotted reporting line to the School of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences (HRS) Director of Research, is responsible for providing operational support for the HRS Office of Research. Responsibilities include developing and implementing research administration processes and metrics, overseeing pre- and post-award activities, and supporting HRS research programs and centers as an integral part of the HRS Office of Research. This role provides comprehensive business support - including financial management, research enterprise administration, process improvement, operational oversight, reporting, and procurement - to HRS.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in business, management, finance or related field or equivalent combination of education and experience
• 2 years of relevant experience required
• knowledge of sponsored projects and grants management preferred
• experience with organizational budgets and financial systems
• excellent oral/written communication skills
• knowledge of Microsoft Office
• Demonstrated ability to cultivate and maintain long-term, collaborative relationships with research community stakeholders in a complex environment with a record of results to achieve mutual goals.
• The candidate must also possess a foundation in research and a proven record of accomplishment, including the development and execution of policies and procedures that assist in the advancement of research operations.
• The ability to motivate and inspire contributors in a collaborative, goal-oriented fashion; focusing on continuous process improvement, proactively seeks out opportunities to improve customer service, inter-institutional collaboration, operational efficiency, revenue generation, and strategic partnerships (internal and external).

Nice To Haves

• knowledge of sponsored projects and grants management preferred

Responsibilities

• Manages and reviews budgets across multiple funding sources for research and sponsored projects, including operating, earnings, endowment, grant, scholarship, and gift funds.
• Monitors monthly expenditures and analyzes annual budget performance.
• Reconciles actual expenses against budget projections and makes recommendations for adjustments.
• Tracks salaries, effort distribution, positions, and financial commitments.
• Initiates and processes journal entries, fund transfers, FTE changes, and one-time payments with accuracy and timeliness.
• Manages financial processes such as cost sharing, reconciliation, and earnings operations.
• Prepares and reviews research-related purchase orders and supports capital budget requests.
• Partners with Office of Sponsored Programs (OSP), College of Medicine (COM) Grants Management Office (GMO), and COM Office of Research to support HRS faculty in pre- and post-award activities.
• Assists with budget development, monitors post-award financials, manages FTE allocations and payroll adjustments, and processes tuition-related journal entries.
• Serves as a liaison among faculty, research groups, and administrative units.
• Oversees grant expenditures, reconciles discrepancies, handles cost transfers and general ledger transactions, and addresses contractual issues in collaboration with Principal Investigators and OSP.
• Audits research spending for compliance and ensures all policies and documentation standards are met.
• Develops, implements, and maintains procedures for effective HRS research infrastructure that supports the growth of the HRS research enterprise, working with OSP, GMO, and the COM Office of Research.
• Assists in strategic planning and operations for HRS research and sponsored projects.
• Supports financial accounting structures, monthly period close processes, payroll accounting strategy, internal controls, and risk appraisal documentation.
• Conducts financial and compliance reviews and audits.
• Provides financial and research staffing projections to support research strategic planning.
• Promotes a culture of exceptional customer service, continuous process improvement, and collaboration within the HRS research enterprise.
• Supports portfolio growth in high-impact and strategically important HRS research areas.
• Manages research and sponsored project business processes, including those in HRS centers, for efficient operations.
• Coordinates with OSP, GMO, COM Office of Research and HRS center directors to resolve operational issues.
• Processes Workday transactions in line with university guidelines.
• Advises faculty and staff on research-related procurement and financial policies.
• Delivers high-level customer service and identifies ways to improve HRS research and sponsored projects operations.
• Oversees HRS research and sponsored projects administration and operations.
• Serves as a member of the School’s Administrative Team.
• Performs other duties and special projects, as assigned.
• Provides strategic support for general school activities to ensure continuity of operations.

Benefits

• Medical, dental and vision coverage, with Ohio State paying a significant portion of the cost.
• Paid time off, including sick and vacation time and 11 holidays.
• State retirement plan or an alternative retirement plan, both with generous employer contributions.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level