Business & Human Resources Administrator
The Plant Resilience Institute (PRI) at Michigan State University (MSU) 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 position provides operational leadership, oversees personnel administration, ensures compliance with MSU policies, and supports a productive, inclusive, and service-oriented work environment.
The Business & Human Resources Manager serves as the Institute's primary resource for human resources and business operations, supervises administrative staff, and collaborates with the PRI Fiscal Officer, Grant Manager(s), Communications Manager, and Operations Coordinator to support the Institute's research, education, and outreach mission.
This position is grant-funded; therefore, the initial appointment is for a one‑year term and is not guaranteed to continue beyond that period. Any extension would be contingent upon operational needs, and available funding.
Key Responsibilities
Business Operations
In collaboration with the PRI Director, provides leadership for the day-to-day business and administrative operations of the Institute.
Responsibilities may include:
- Provide leadership for the Institute's business operations and administrative functions
- Establish operational priorities and implement administrative initiatives.
- Develop, implement, and improve administrative policies, procedures, and workflows.
- Serve as the primary liaison with College and University administrative offices, including Human Resources, Payroll, Procurement, Finance, Sponsored Programs, and the Office for International Students and Scholars.
- Coordinate with the Fiscal Officer and Grant Accountant to support financial planning, reporting, and compliance
- Oversee financial transactions including Disbursement Vouchers, Purchase Requisitions, and Procurement Card transactions.
- Coordinate business-related travel, venue selection, vendor coordination, and logistical planning for Institute and center grant activities in collaboration with Program Managers and the Operations Coordinator.
- Review contracts, service agreements, and venue agreements for Institute activities and coordinate execution through the appropriate University offices or delegated signature authority.
- Monitor the operational budgets of the Institute and center grants in collaboration with the Director, Principal Investigators, PRI Fiscal Officer, Grant Accountant, and Program Managers, and identify potential budget concerns or resource needs.
- Ensure compliance with University, College, and Institute policies and procedures.
Human Resources (HR) Administration
Serve as the Institute's primary human resources resource for faculty, staff, researchers, postdoctoral scholars, graduate assistants, student employees, and visiting scholars.
Responsibilities may include:
- Manage a portfolio of operational responsibilities in relation to HR processes.
- Perform various processes and transactions related to the employment life cycle (entering, performing, exiting) in compliance with policy and procedure.
- Manage content and the data integrity of employee personnel files, HR databases, and other HR records.
- Act as a resource for management and staff to resolve complex problems and/or provide general counsel regarding HR processes and procedures.
- Coordinate employment documentation, payroll actions, and required compliance training
- Manage H-1B, J-1, and other employment-related immigration processes for international employees and visitors in collaboration with the MSU Office for International Students and Scholars (OISS). (5%)
- 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
Provides leadership and supervision for direct reports and collaborates with colleagues across the college through dotted-line relationships. Oversees workload distribution, establishes performance expectations, coaches and develops staff, evaluates performance, and administers personnel actions.
Other Duties as Assigned
Performs other duties, as required or assigned, which are reasonably within the scope of the duties in this job classification.
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
- Knowledge of and sound ability to conduct business operations and financial activity on behalf of the unit in a fiscally responsible manner; ability to exercise appropriate financial controls.
- Ability to understand, interpret, and effectively manage financial resources and fiscal processes.
- Understanding and ability to strictly comply with policies and procedures of MSU, the College, and relevant administrative offices.
- Business and financial acumen and analytical skills.
- Knowledge of employment laws and practices, human resources and compliance topics, MSU and unit policy and procedure, and contractual bargaining agreements (CBA’s).
- Thorough knowledge of I-9 requirements and general understanding of immigration laws related to specific visa types.
- Ability to accurately create or maintain records and documents, including sensitive information, preserving confidentiality.
- Ability to produce quality deliverables using Microsoft Office, SharePoint, HRIS, and TEAMS, and other job-related systems.
- Skill in critical thinking, fact-finding, problem analysis, problem resolution, and the development of concrete action plans to solve problems.
- Ability to gather, analyze, and present facts, communicate effectively (both orally and written), using tact and courtesy, and ability to plan, organize work, and meet deadlines.
- Ability to identify, optimize, and effectively utilize resources to meet goals.
- Ability to demonstrate commitment to positive workplace culture and ethical decision-making.
- Demonstrated 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.
Knowledge equivalent to that which normally would be acquired by completing a four-year college degree program in Business Administration, Finance, Accounting, Human Resources, Organizational Development, a business-related field or in a field which corresponds to the particular department of employment; three to five years of related and progressively more responsible or expansive work experience in office procedures and administration, or in performing responsibilities related to the operational activities of the employing unit; experience in a supervisory role; experience with word processing, database, spreadsheet, presentation software and/or desktop publishing, web page software; or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
- 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.
- 2+ years of experience supervising and leading a team of business professionals.
- Human Resources administration experience and/or training.
- Financial management experience.
All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, citizenship, age, disability or protected veteran status.
STANDARD 8-5
This is an off dated position funded for one year from date of hire with extension contingent upon funding renewal.
https://plantresilience.msu.edu/
