SENIOR BUSINESS SUPPORT SPECIALIST

Hiring Department: MU Extension Agriculture & Environment Administration

About the role

The Senior Business Support Specialist provides advanced fiscal, administrative, and operational support for MU Extension Agriculture & Environment Administration and serves as the primary business operations partner for MU Extension's Education & Extension Center (EEC) farm and center portfolio. This position manages complex financial and business operations across multiple funding sources, departments, and business units while ensuring compliance with University policies and procedures. The role is a trusted resource to leadership, farm directors, center managers, faculty, and staff, promoting strong financial stewardship, operational efficiency, and informed decision-making.

Responsibilities

• 50% Serve as the primary business operations and fiscal liaison for MU Extension, Agriculture & Environment Administration and the farm and center portfolio. Manage and reconcile complex budgets and accounts; review and analyze financial activity; monitor revenues and expenditures; identify and resolve discrepancies; coordinate financial transactions; and maintain fiscal accountability across multiple department IDs, funding sources, and operational units. Support budget planning, forecasting, and year-end activities while ensuring compliance with University policies, procedures, and internal controls.
• 25% Prepare and analyze fiscal and operational management reports, including monthly budget-to-actual reports, financial projections, cost recovery tracking, account reconciliations, and ad hoc analyses. Provide recommendations to leadership to support operational planning, business decisions, and resource allocation. Identify trends, risks, and opportunities for process improvement.
• 10% Serve as a resource to faculty, staff, farm directors, center managers, and administrative partners regarding fiscal processes, purchasing requirements, financial coding, and University policies and procedures. Interpret and communicate policy requirements, resolve complex financial and operational issues, and assist stakeholders in navigating administrative processes.
• 10% Conduct periodic reviews of purchasing card transactions, travel and expense activity, financial reconciliations, and other business processes to ensure accuracy, compliance, and fiscal accountability. Provide guidance, training, and documentation to address findings and promote consistent application of business practices and internal controls.
• 5% Lead and coordinate administrative and fiscal support activities within the unit. Assist with onboarding, training, and mentoring of support staff and student employees. Contribute to the development and documentation of standardized business processes, procedures, and operational resources that improve efficiency and customer service.

Conduct all activities in accordance with the Civil Rights Acts, Title IX, Rehabilitation Act, Americans with Disabilities Act, and applicable University policies and affirmative action plans. Additional duties may be assigned to support the mission and purpose of MU Extension.

Requirements

• A Bachelor's degree or an equivalent combination of education and experience and at least 2 years of experience from which comparable knowledge and skills can be acquired.

Preferred Qualifications

• A Bachelor’s degree in business, finance, accounting, or a related area, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Two years of experience in an administrative or fiscal capacity.

Skills

Proactive, solution-oriented professional with initiative, sound judgment, attention to detail, and a commitment to continuous improvement. Strong collaboration skills and ability to operate with a high degree of independence.

Pay

The anticipated hiring range for this position is $19.25–$27.00 hourly. Salary is determined by factors including education, skills, experience, and organizational requirements.

Schedule

Monday–Friday, 8:00 A.M.–5:00 P.M.

Benefits

This position is eligible for University benefits, including:

• Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision plans
• Retirement contributions
• Paid time off
• Short- and long-term disability
• Paid parental leave and caregiver leave
• Educational fee discounts for all four UM System campuses

For additional information, visit the Faculty & Staff Benefits website.