Business & Human Resources Administrator / Administrative Business Prof/S

Michigan State University’s Plant Resilience Institute (PRI) seeks an experienced and collaborative Business & Human Resources Manager to lead the Institute’s business operations and human-resources functions. Reporting to the Director, this grant-funded, one-year appointment (extension contingent on funding and operational need) provides operational leadership, oversees personnel administration, ensures compliance with MSU policies, and supports a productive, inclusive, and service-oriented work environment.

Responsibilities

Business Operations

• Provide leadership for the Institute’s day-to-day business and administrative operations; establish priorities and implement initiatives.
• Develop, implement, and improve administrative policies, procedures, and workflows.
• Serve as primary liaison with College and University administrative offices (Human Resources, Payroll, Procurement, Finance, Sponsored Programs, Office for International Students and Scholars).
• Coordinate with the Fiscal Officer and Grant Accountant to support financial planning, reporting, and compliance.
• Oversee financial transactions: Disbursement Vouchers, Purchase Requisitions, Procurement Card transactions.
• Coordinate business-related travel, venue selection, vendor coordination, and logistical planning for Institute and center-grant activities.
• Review contracts, service agreements, and venue agreements; coordinate execution through appropriate University offices.
• Monitor operational budgets of the Institute and center grants; identify potential budget concerns or resource needs.
• Ensure compliance with University, College, and Institute policies and procedures.

Human Resources Administration

• Serve as the Institute’s primary human-resources resource for faculty, staff, researchers, postdoctoral scholars, graduate assistants, student employees, and visiting scholars.
• Manage HR processes and transactions related to the employment life cycle (hiring, performance, separation) in compliance with policy.
• Maintain content and data integrity of employee personnel files, HR databases, and records.
• Resolve complex HR problems and provide general counsel on HR processes and procedures.
• Coordinate employment documentation, payroll actions, and required compliance training.
• Manage H-1B, J-1, and other employment-related immigration processes in collaboration with the MSU Office for International Students and Scholars (5% effort).
• Maintain confidential personnel records and ensure compliance with employment regulations.
• Partner with MSU college and central HR on employee relations, performance management, and organizational development.
• Foster an inclusive, respectful, and collaborative workplace culture.

Leadership

• Provide leadership and supervision for direct reports; oversee workload distribution, establish performance expectations, coach and develop staff, evaluate performance, and administer personnel actions.
• Collaborate with colleagues across the college through dotted-line relationships.

Other Duties

• Perform other duties reasonably within the scope of the job classification.

Requirements

• Knowledge equivalent to a four-year degree in Business Administration, Finance, Accounting, Human Resources, Organizational Development, or a related field.
• Three to five years of progressively responsible experience in office procedures, administration, or operational activities of a unit.
• Experience in a supervisory role.
• Proficiency with word processing, database, spreadsheet, presentation software, and/or desktop publishing/web-page software.

Qualifications

• Knowledge of business operations and financial activity; ability to exercise appropriate financial controls.
• Ability to interpret and manage financial resources and fiscal processes.
• Understanding of and ability to comply with MSU, College, and administrative-office policies.
• Business and financial acumen; analytical skills.
• Knowledge of employment laws, HR practices, compliance topics, MSU policy, and contractual bargaining agreements.
• Thorough knowledge of I-9 requirements and general understanding of immigration laws related to specific visa types.
• Ability to create or maintain accurate records, including sensitive information, while preserving confidentiality.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office, SharePoint, HRIS, TEAMS, and other job-related systems.
• Critical-thinking, fact-finding, problem-analysis, and problem-resolution skills; ability to develop concrete action plans.
• Ability to gather, analyze, and present facts; communicate effectively (orally and in writing) with tact and courtesy.
• Ability to plan, organize work, and meet deadlines.
• Ability to identify, optimize, and utilize resources to meet goals.
• Commitment to positive workplace culture and ethical decision-making.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities and stay organized.
• Ability to build and maintain relationships, influence key partners, and deliver results in a collaborative environment.
• Excellent written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills.

Desired Qualifications

• Experience working in higher education or another complex organizational environment.
• Experience with enterprise HR and administrative systems (e.g., Workday, KFS, EBS, Campus Solutions).
• Experience managing employment-based immigration processes.
• Two or more years of experience supervising and leading a team of business professionals.
• Human Resources administration experience and/or training.
• Financial management experience.

Schedule

Standard 8 a.m.–5 p.m.