Business Officer

Posting Information

Posting Number: PG194799EP

Internal Recruitment: No

Working Title: Business Officer

Anticipated Hiring Range: Commensurate with Experience ($65,000 - $70,000)

Work Schedule: Monday-Friday, 8AM-5PM

Job Location: Mills River, NC

Department: Mountain Horticultural Crops Research

Mountain Horticultural Crops Research and Extension Center (MHCREC) supports agricultural research on horticultural and other crops relevant to western NC and the state of North Carolina. The Center provides resources such as land, equipment, facilities, expertise and personnel to research scientists conducting field research on agricultural commodities. The 397 acre Center houses twelve administrative and operational staff, as well as research faculty from several academic departments and Administrative offices for two Cooperative Extension district offices.

The Center is also a hub in western NC for Extension education programs.

What we offer:

• Medical
  , Dental
  , and Vision
• Flexible Spending Account
• Retirement Programs
• Disability Plans
• Life Insurance
• Accident Plan
• Paid Time Off and Other Leave Programs
• 12 Holidays Each Year
• Tuition and Academic Assistance
• And so much more!

Attain Work-life balance with our Childcare benefits, Wellness & Recreation Membership, and Wellness Programs that aim to build a thriving wolfpack community.

Disclaimer:
Perks and Benefit eligibility is based on Part-Time or Full-Time Employment status. Eligibility and Employer Sponsored Plans can be found within each of the links offered.

Reporting to the NC Agricultural Research Service, The Business Officer supports the administrative, financial, and operational success of the Mountain Horticultural Crops Research and Extension Center (MHCREC) and Mountain Horticultural Crops Research Station (MHCRS). In this highly collaborative role, you will help ensure research, extension, and outreach programs have the resources, facilities, and operational support needed to succeed.

Working across finance, operations, communications, facilities, and stakeholder engagement, you will partner with faculty, staff, students, university departments, and external stakeholders to keep the center running efficiently while advancing the mission of agricultural research and education.

Key Responsibilities fall within the following functional areas:

Financial & Business Operations:

• Oversee financial resources from multiple funding sources while ensuring responsible stewardship and compliance with University and College policies.
• Analyze expenditures, develop budgets, and provide financial recommendations that support operational and research priorities.
• Direct procurement activities by cultivating vendor relationships, securing competitive pricing, and managing purchasing processes.
• Administer research station use fees and monitor available resources to support ongoing operations.

Operations, Facilities & Event Coordination:

• Coordinate facility operations, repairs, and renovation projects to maintain a safe, functional, and productive research environment.
• Supervise the Building Environmental Technician, providing direction, prioritizing work, and supporting daily facility operations.
• Oversee scheduling and utilization of meeting spaces, events, and research center resources.
• Support planning and execution of field days, outreach programs, and other center events.
• Coordinate on-site graduate student housing and operational logistics.

Stakeholder Relations & Communications:

• Build collaborative relationships with faculty, staff, students, industry partners, commodity groups, and community stakeholders.
• Represent the research center in interactions with internal and external partners while promoting its programs and accomplishments.
• Develop and maintain departmental communications and online resources that support operational effectiveness and stakeholder engagement.
• Evaluate information requests and provide guidance on departmental procedures, policies, and operations.
• Identify opportunities to strengthen external partnerships through gifts, grants, and other support.

Employee Services & Administrative Coordination:

• Support employee onboarding, timekeeping, leave administration, and required safety training.
• Coordinate administrative processes that contribute to an efficient and well-supported workplace.

If you are an organized, relationship-focused professional who enjoys balancing strategic planning with day-to-day operations, we encourage you to apply.

In addition to the core responsibilities of this role, there may be occasional opportunities to take on additional duties. This offers an opportunity to build on your skills, explore new areas, and gain a deeper understanding of the department's operations.

Minimum

Education and Experience:

Requires post-baccalaureate credentials; a bachelor's degree plus 0-2 years experience may be substituted for the advanced degree on an exceptional basis. All degrees must…