Senior Business Support Specialist, UMKC University Libraries

This position is a member of the UMKC University Libraries’ Administrative Support Team, coordinating administrative, financial, and human resources tasks while supporting library employees and managing reception coverage for the Libraries’ Administrative Office.

Responsibilities

• Identify and implement practical solutions to complex administrative and operational challenges, recommending process improvements and alternative approaches.
• Ensure the Libraries’ administrative office has adequate coverage, serving as the primary point of contact for visitors and guaranteeing staff have necessary supplies and secure workspaces.
• Provide administrative support to library employees via a ticketing system and serve as backup support for the library dean and associate deans.
• Monitor administrative email, using discretion to act independently or refer tasks to others based on knowledge of department heads and committee chairs.
• Manage support for meeting rooms, including setup, training for external users, and preparation for events and programs.
• Coordinate ongoing maintenance of the Employee Resource Guide and internal staff phone directory.
• Develop fundraising contact reports for acknowledgment letters using the university’s Advance system.
• Process gift-in-kind donations, produce acknowledgment letters, and track gifts on weekly reports.
• Provide leadership-level guidance in Camaraderie Committee meetings and coordinate support activities.
• Complete special projects and administrative tasks as assigned.
• Manage procurement activities in compliance with university policies, researching and evaluating vendor options for cost-effective purchasing decisions.
• Serve as a resource and trainer for library employees on procurement, travel, expense management, and university business systems.
• Order supplies, pay invoices, prepare printing orders, and maintain inventory of library supplies.
• Purchase non-computer and designated electronic equipment, oversee payments for library books and databases, and resolve complex vendor issues.
• Arrange conference registrations, travel, and accommodations as needed.
• Deposit checks and manage all Miller Nichols Library keys and key-related needs.
• Act as liaison between library student supervisors and Human Resources, assisting with student personnel actions (hiring, terminations, pay changes).
• Coordinate information for student supervisors during hiring and termination processes.
• Assist with academic hiring responsibilities, including candidate communications, interview scheduling, and travel/meal arrangements.
• Demonstrate leadership on committees and participate in professional development as approved by supervisor.
• Maintain comprehensive knowledge of university business, procurement, financial, and human resources policies and procedures.

Requirements

• A Bachelor’s degree or an equivalent combination of education and experience, with at least 2 years of comparable experience.

Preferred Qualifications

• Broad understanding of financial and/or accounting responsibilities.
• Ability to maintain strict confidentiality and handle sensitive information with discretion.
• Experience with processes, procedures, and systems impacting business and fiscal operations.
• Detail-oriented with experience in scheduling meetings, spaces, and travel arrangements.
• High proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite and adaptability to new technologies.
• Ability to work independently, manage ambiguity, and prioritize tasks in a dynamic environment.
• Successful customer service and supervisory experience.
• Strong public service ethic and excellent written and oral communication skills.
• Experience in libraries, including knowledge of administrative functions such as purchasing, supplies, travel arrangements, and payment processes.

Pay

The anticipated hiring range for this position is $19.25 - $28.00/hour, determined by education, skills, experience, and organizational requirements.

Schedule

This 1.0 FTE position works Monday through Friday, 8 hours daily between 8:00 AM and 5:00 PM, with flexibility to adjust start times or take a 1-hour meal break. Remote work is limited due to on-site responsibilities, including managing reception and supervising a student assistant.

Benefits

This position is eligible for a comprehensive benefits package, including:

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

Supervisory Responsibilities

• Directly supervises student assistant(s) in the Libraries’ Administrative Office, including recruitment, hiring, onboarding, training, performance management, and coaching.
• Performs tasks of student employees in their absence.
• Exercises discretion in interpreting university policies and recommending solutions.

Location

This position is located in the Libraries Administrative Office at Miller Nichols Library on UMKC’s Volker Campus, near Kansas City’s Country Club Plaza and vibrant urban amenities.