Senior Business Services Consultant - Office of Strategic Initiatives

The Office of Strategic Initiatives (OSIN) at the University of Missouri-Kansas City (UMKC).

The Senior Business Services Consultant serves as the primary business and administrative professional supporting the Office of Strategic Initiatives (OSI), including the Missouri Institute for Defense and Energy (MIDE), the Critical Materials Crossroads (CMC), and other strategic initiatives. The position provides strategic oversight of business operations, financial management, research administration, personnel administration, and operational planning in support of complex multidisciplinary programs funded by federal, state, industry, and private sponsors. The position also provides direct supervision and leadership to two full-time administrative staff members, ensuring the effective execution of support functions while fostering operational excellence.

The position independently manages complex sponsored awards and operating budgets, coordinates business operations across multiple initiatives, develops financial projections, and serves as the primary liaison between OSI leadership, principal investigators, university administrative offices, sponsoring agencies, and external partners to ensure compliance with university policies and sponsor requirements.

Duties

• Office of Strategic Initiatives Business Operations Manager
  • Coordinate business operations supporting OSI, including MIDE, CMC, and other strategic initiatives
  • Serve as primary liaison with Finance, HR, Sponsored Programs Administration, Procurement, and other administrative offices
  • Coordinate purchasing, travel, contracts, reimbursements, and operational logistics
  • Support operational planning for new research initiatives and collaborative partnerships
  • Advise OSI leadership on business operations and organizational effectiveness
• Research Award Management
  • Manage post-award administration for federal, state, industry, and private grants in partnership with the Office of Research & Innovation (ORI)
  • Monitor expenditures, effort reporting, compliance, and sponsor fiscal reporting
• Financial Planning and Budget Manager
  • Prepare monthly operating budgets for each grant/contract/cooperative agreement within the OSI research portfolio
  • Prepare annual operating budgets and long-range financial forecasts
  • Monitor multi-million-dollar sponsored project expenditures
  • Develop budget projections and provide financial analyses supporting strategic planning
• Human Resources & Personnel Coordinator
  • Coordinate recruitment, hiring, onboarding, appointments, and personnel actions
  • Coordinate payroll documentation and compliance with university personnel policies
• Operational Improvement & Compliance Lead
  • Develop systems that improve workflow efficiency, reporting, and financial tracking
  • Ensure compliance with university, sponsor, and regulatory requirements
  • Recommend process improvements that enhance organizational effectiveness
• Strategic Initiatives Program Support Coordinator
  • Coordinate sponsor fiscal reports, meetings, events, outreach, and special projects supporting MIDE, CMC, and OSI
• Staff Supervision and Team Leadership
  • Directly supervise, mentor, and evaluate two full-time administrative staff, including assigning work, establishing priorities, and supporting professional development
  • Oversee daily administrative, financial, and research support activities to ensure timely, accurate, and compliant execution of departmental operations
• Other duties as assigned.

Expectations

• Demonstrate independent judgment in managing complex administrative and financial activities
• Maintain professionalism and responsiveness while supporting OSI leadership and stakeholders
• Manage competing priorities across multiple strategic initiatives
• Ensure compliance with university policies and sponsor requirements
• Promote collaboration among MIDE, CMC, OSI, faculty, staff, and external partners
• Recommend innovative business processes that improve operational efficiency
• Maintain confidentiality of personnel, financial, and research information
• Support continuous improvement and organizational growth

NOTE: This is an on-site, in-person position.

• A Bachelor's degree or an equivalent combination of education and experience and at least 5 years of experience from which comparable knowledge and skills can be acquired is necessary.
• Ability to obtain and maintain a US National Security Clearance.

• Demonstrated professional experience in business operations, finance, or research administration within higher education, government, or related organizations
• Demonstrated experience managing large sponsored research portfolios, including federal, state, and industry-funded awards
• Proven experience in post-award grant administration and budgeting, including compliance, financial reporting, forecasting, effort reporting, and cost share tracking
• Experience coordinating across multiple stakeholders (faculty, principal investigators, finance, HR, external sponsors)
• Experience leading or supervising administrative or operations staff, including performance management and team development
• Experience implementing operational improvements, process redesign, or system enhancements
• Ability to maintain confidentiality and professionalism in handling sensitive information
• High attention to detail with a commitment to accuracy and compliance
• Ability to manage competing priorities and navigate ambiguity in a fast-paced environment
• Excellent stakeholder management and relationship-building abilities across diverse groups

The anticipated hiring range for this position has been established as $86,632 to $90,000 annually.

Salary is determined by a variety of factors, including but not limited to, the individual's particular combination of education, skills, and experience, as well as organizational requirements.

Your total compensation goes beyond the number on your paycheck. The University of Missouri provides generous leave, health plans, and retirement contributions that add to your bottom line.

Grade: GGS 11
University Title: Senior Business Services Consultant
To review the University of Missouri's Staff Compensation Structure you can view the Job Code detail page. Internal applicants can determine their university title by accessing the Talent Profile tile in myHR.

J posting will remain open until filled. For best consideration apply by July 19, 2026.

Employment visa sponsorship is not available for this position.

Kansas City offers the best of both worlds-a vibrant, urban community with Midwestern appeal. The city's rich history and its modern-day, innovative thinking come together to create an eclectic group of neighborhoods that offer a little something for everyone. From thriving arts districts, an energetic downtown nightlife, casual to upscale shopping and champion sports teams, you will have no problem making yourself at home. Of course, one of Kansas City's biggest claims to fame is its food, especially its world-famous barbecue. Foodies will delight in the culinary scene found throughout the city. Ranging from award-winning chefs to cozy pizza joints, Kansas City definitely is not lacking any flavor.

UMKC's campuses are conveniently nestled in the middle of all the action. Volker Campus is just minutes from the legendary Country Club Plaza, perfect for shopping or restaurants for lunch or after-work happy hours. Surrounded by hip neighborhoods and eateries, the Health Sciences Campus is located downtown near University Health Truman Medical Center and Children's Mercy Hospital.

UMKC is proud to be "Kansas City's university," and the campus and its people celebrate all the characteristics of the surrounding community. To learn more about life in Kansas City and find more resources, visit VisitKC.com.

This position is eligible for University benefits. As part of your total compensation, the University offers a comprehensive benefits package, including medical, dental and vision plans, retirement, paid time off, short- and long-term disability, paid parental leave, paid caregiver leave, and educational fee discounts for all four UM System campuses. For additional information on University benefits, please visit the Faculty & Staff Benefits website at https://www.umsystem.edu/departments-staff/human-resources/benefits-retirement

Equal Employment Opportunity

The University of Missouri is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

To request ADA accommodations, please call the Office of Equity & Title IX at 816-235-6910.