Business Operations Manager, Hawaii Initiatives

Arizona State University

3d•$86,060 - $107,640

About The Position

Arizona State University’s Knowledge Enterprise seeks a Business Operations Manager to support Global Futures initiatives in Hawaii, including Global Discovery and Conservation Science and other Hawaii-based research and engagement activities. This position serves as the primary financial, grant, and human resources operations lead for designated initiatives, working in close collaboration with faculty, researchers, and staff located in Hawaii, as well as central KE finance, HR, and compliance teams. The successful candidate will oversee day-to-day financial management, grant administration, HR coordination, procurement, and operational compliance for complex, multi-funded research and programmatic activities. This role requires a high degree of independence, sound judgment, and the ability to navigate ASU systems and policies while supporting locally based research operations.

Requirements

Bachelor's degree and three (3) years of experience appropriate to the area of assignment/field; OR, Any equivalent combination of experience and/or training from which comparable knowledge, skills and abilities have been achieved.

Nice To Haves

Bachelor’s degree in business, finance, public administration, or related field.
Experience in higher education, sponsored research administration, or externally funded programs.
Familiarity with ASU financial, HR, and research administration systems.
Experience supporting geographically remote or field-based research operations.
Experience managing grants from federal agencies, foundations, or international sponsors.
Demonstrated ability to work independently, manage competing priorities, and communicate effectively with diverse stakeholders.
Experience working with or supporting conservation, environmental science, or global research initiatives.

Responsibilities

Financial Operations & Management Oversee day-to-day financial operations for assigned Hawaii-based initiatives, including budgeting, forecasting, expense monitoring, and financial reporting.
Manage multiple funding sources, including state funds, sponsored research, gifts, and foundation-managed funds, ensuring appropriate use and compliance.
Partner with faculty and research leadership to develop and manage project budgets aligned with program goals, sponsor requirements, and award terms.
Review and approve financial transactions, including procurement, reimbursements, travel, and vendor payments, in accordance with ASU policies.
Serve as the primary liaison between on-the-ground teams and Knowledge Enterprise Global Futures Finance, Sponsored Projects Administration, and ASU Foundation as applicable.
Identify financial risks or issues and proactively recommend solutions.
Grant Management & Research Administration Provide end-to-end grant management support for sponsored research and programmatic awards, from pre-award budget development through post-award financial management and closeout.
Collaborate with faculty and central research administration offices on proposal development, budget justification, compliance requirements, and submission processes.
Monitor grant expenditures to ensure alignment with award terms, sponsor guidelines, and institutional policies.
Support effort reporting, cost share tracking, and sponsor reporting requirements in coordination with faculty and central offices.
Prepare and review financial reports for sponsors and internal stakeholders.
Ensure timely closeout of grants and resolution of any audit or compliance issues.
Human Resources & Personnel Support Working with GFL PO, manages recruit-to-hire of all categories, including renewal/nonrenewal of academic personnel and graduate appointments
Submits SharePoint requests for recruitments, employee changes, additional pay, visa sponsorship, and exits.
Assists supervisors in managing the interview process for applicants
Work with PO Academic Personnel Specialist Sr to obtain responses for academic personnel actions (e.g. annual evaluations)
For all center employees Time reporting/absence management Payroll accounting Absence management WCPH & IPIF access
Submit request to PO partner for fingerprinting if needed FWAs (if applicable)
Courtesy affiliate and contingent worker management Collect contingent worker details and connect to GFL PO who will obtain confidential information and process in WD. Annual renewals
Serving as Onboarding Ambassador for and assisting new employees with department-specific onboarding tasks.
Coordinating the on-site offboarding process for departing employees, including completing offboarding checklist items and collecting ASU property.
Assisting in the communication and distribution of PO policies, procedures, and reminders.
Escalates employee relations issues to PO.
Compensation: working with leadership and PO to identify and correct equity issues and plan staff promotion and salary increases, including the merit process.
Operational & Strategic Support Serve as a trusted operational partner to faculty and research leadership, enabling focus on research, discovery, and conservation outcomes.
Support planning and execution of new initiatives, grants, and partnerships in Hawaii.
Ensure operational practices align with ASU, Knowledge Enterprise, sponsor, and regulatory requirements.
Develop and document processes that support consistency, efficiency, and audit readiness.
Represent Global Futures Finance in meetings with campus partners and external stakeholders as needed.