Business Officer for the Office of Research and Innovation

Appalachian State University • Boone, NC

2d

About The Position

The Office of Research and Innovation ( ORI ) at Appalachian State University supports and enhances the research, scholarship, creative activities, and public service initiatives of faculty, staff, and students. ORI encompasses multiple specialized units that work collaboratively to manage internal and external funding programs, provide research administration services, and support both funded and unfunded scholarly initiatives across the campus community. The Management Department (MD) supports the mission of Appalachian State University by providing comprehensive financial administration and business operations management through fiscal oversight, contract administration, and administrative support services for the Office of Research and Innovation. Grants Resources & Services ( GRS ) supports the mission of Appalachian State University by increasing the research capability and competitiveness of Appalachian faculty and staff through strategic, catalytic, and capacity-building activities and services. The Business Officer for the Office of Research and Innovation position reports to the Management Department, providing administrative and financial management support to the research and innovation division, including post-award administration of internal grants, fiscal compliance, and campus-wide event planning and coordination for research development programs.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree with a minimum of 3-4 years of finance and/or administrative experience.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Strong interpersonal skills.
• Proficient with computer applications (word processing, databases, spreadsheets) & eRA systems.

Nice To Haves

• Strong knowledge of university, UNC System, and State fiscal regulations and procurement procedures.
• High attention to detail, accuracy, and follow-through in financial and administrative work.
• Exceptional organizational, planning, and multitasking skills.
• Effective interpersonal communication and the ability to work collaboratively across diverse university units.
• Initiative in identifying and resolving problems independently while exercising sound judgment.
• Strong customer-service orientation and professionalism when engaging with faculty, staff, students, and external partners
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite, Banner, Emburse, Total Contract Manager, and other university administrative systems.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities under deadlines while maintaining confidentiality and data integrity.

Responsibilities

• Fiscal Management and Post-Award Administration Serve as the primary fiscal contact and key administrator for all internal research and innovation grants, including University Research Council and Student Research grants. Manage post-award activities for internal awards, ensuring timely and accurate disbursement of funds, reconciliation of expenditures, and adherence to university, UNC System, and State of North Carolina fiscal regulations. Track, review, and document expenditures; prepare budget summaries and financial reports for ORI leadership. Conduct monthly reconciliations of designated funds and monitor internal award accounts for accuracy and compliance. Provide post-award coordination among faculty awardees, department administrators, and Contracts and Grants Accounting to resolve issues and ensure proper fiscal stewardship. Route and process financial transactions including purchases, reimbursements, PCard activity, buyouts, one-time payments, and journal entries through appropriate university systems. Manage travel approvals and reimbursements related to internal grants and ORI activities using the Emburse travel system. Maintain a high level of confidentiality and discretion in handling financial data and sensitive information.
• Contract and Documentation Management Oversee the Total Contract Manager ( TCM ) system for contracts, personnel, software, and vendor agreements associated with ORI programs. Track and archive internal grant records, work orders, contracts, and direct pay documentation in accordance with university retention policies. Review and process internal grant applications to ensure compliance with funding guidelines and eligibility requirements. Develop and deliver training materials and sessions for departmental administrators and faculty awardees on fiscal compliance, contract management, and internal processes. Serve as a resource to campus partners by providing accurate interpretation of Controller’s Office and Finance policies as they relate to ORI program activities.
• Event Planning, Design, and Execution Plan, organize, and execute all major ORI events that promote faculty, staff, and student engagement in research and creative activity, including examples such as Student Research Day, Research and Creative Activities at App (ReCApp), and Research and Creative Activity Connections (ReCon). Manage all logistical elements including venue reservations, catering, registration, materials, agendas, and event communications. Collaborate with event leads to design programs that meet ORI’s strategic objectives and enhance campus visibility of research achievements. Coordinate with multiple campus and external units to ensure smooth event execution, fiscal responsibility, and alignment with university branding and accessibility standards. Systematize event workflows for recurring events to improve efficiency, continuity, and documentation of best practices. Oversee the financial management of event expenditures and ensure post-event reconciliation and reporting.
• Administrative and Operational Support Support the daily administrative functions of the ORI Management Department through coordination of purchasing, travel, and communication processes. Assist with development of standard operating procedures, templates, and communication guidelines to enhance consistency and efficiency in ORI operations. Represent ORI in fiscal and event-related meetings, including the Sponsored Programs Administration Network ( SPAN ) and university planning committees. Serve as a key liaison between ORI and other campus offices to ensure compliance and resolve operational challenges. Maintain and update ORI’s website and digital platforms to ensure timely dissemination of program information and event details. Develop and manage marketing materials and communications for ORI -sponsored programs and events in coordination with University Communications.
• Training, Communication, and Outreach Communicate program policies and fiscal procedures to internal grant recipients and campus partners with professionalism and clarity. Provide one-on-one and group training for department administrators and faculty on internal grant post-award processes, contract procedures, and fiscal management systems. Foster a service-oriented culture within ORI by proactively assisting faculty, staff, and students and ensuring responsive and accurate information sharing. Contribute to ORI’s outreach initiatives to strengthen institutional understanding of internal funding opportunities and promote engagement in research activities.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Number of Employees: 1,001-5,000 employees