Summary
This job involves handling business and human resources tasks for a university team that manages research grants and contracts, including budgeting, hiring support, and coordinating logistics like travel and purchasing.
It supports academic units in a college setting to ensure smooth operations amid growing funding.
A good fit would be someone organized and detail-oriented with experience in administrative support, financial basics, and working in teams or universities.
Key Requirements
- Understanding of basic accounting and financial management principles
- Strong organizational and time management skills to meet deadlines
- Analytical skills to identify cost-saving opportunities and efficiencies
- Effective communication abilities
- Ability to build and maintain working relationships with others
- Commitment to ethical and compliant business practices
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office, Adobe, and web-based applications
Full Job Description
Business Operations SpecialistDepartment:CAS College of Arts and Sciences
Advertised Salary Range:Part/Full Time:Full Time
About UofSC
From the Upstate to the Lowcountry, the University of South Carolina system is transforming the lives of South Carolinians through the impact of our eight institutions and 20 locations throughout the state. More than 50,000 students are enrolled at one of eight institutions, including the research campus in Columbia and comprehensive four-year universities in Aiken, Upstate and Beaufort. In addition, our Palmetto College campuses in Salkehatchie, Union, Lancaster and Sumter enable students to earn associate or bachelor’s degrees through a combination of in-person, online or blended learning. All of our system institutions place strong emphasis on service — helping to build healthier, more educated communities in South Carolina and beyond.
Inclusive Excellence StatementAdvertised Job Summary
The Grants Operations team within the McCausland College of Arts and Sciences supports college-wide research, grant, and contract efforts, and promotes interdisciplinary efforts within and external to our college/university community. The Grants Operations team oversees all extramural funding (grants and contracts) for the McCausland College, and external funding has increased significantly in recent years. The Grants Operations team provides pre-award and post-award administrative services for all sponsored grants and contracts and also serves as a liaison with the university offices of Sponsored Awards Management (SAM ) and Grants and Funds Management (GFM ).
The Business Operations Specialist will manage business operations and human resources for the Grants Operations team (this includes 35 academic units and designated centers/service units). Due to the recent growth of extramural funding, this position is critical for the continued successful business operations. Under general supervision of the Grants Operations team, the Business Operations Specialist will be responsible for completing grant-related HR actions, administrative, budgetary, and logistics support for assigned programs or departments within the college. The position will perform professional administrative and managerial functions to support the timely, efficient, and successful operation of assigned areas. Other key components of this position may include, but are not limited to, serving as a liaison to university departments, coordinating travel, purchasing, working with applicable internal and external vendors, and monitoring compliance in coordination with Grants Operations team members.
This position will be based in Columbia at the USC McCausland College of Arts and Sciences. The Business Operations Specialist position is a 12-month, full-time FTE position with benefits as a part of the Grants Operations team.
Requirements
Knowledge/Skills/Abilities
• Understanding of basic accounting and financial management principles.
• Organizational skills and time management skills needed to meet deadlines.
• Analytical skills needed to identify areas in which spending can be reduced and efficiencies achieved.
• Ability to communicate effectively.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with others.
• Required to conduct business lawfully and ethically by consistently adhering to compliance policies, procedures, and regulations.
• Knowledge of basic computer software, including Microsoft Office products as well as Adobe and other web-based applications.
Additional Information
Job Close Date
05/04/2026
Special Instructions to Applicant
Positions are advertised for a minimum of five (5) business days on our job website. After five (5) business days, positions can be closed at the discretion of the department at any time. This employment site is updated on a regular basis. The length of the recruitment and screening process may vary from position to position, depending upon a variety of factors. Should review of your qualifications result in a decision to pursue your candidacy, you will be contacted by phone or email. We are only accepting applications submitted by May 4, 2026. The University of South Carolina offers a valuable benefits package including but not limited to:
• Health and Life Insurance
• Retirement Programs
• Paid Tuition
• Dependent Scholarships
• Annual Leave
• Sick Leave
• 13 Paid Holidays (including an extended December holiday)
• Paid Parental Leave
• Professional Development Opportunities
Clickhttps://nam02.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fsc.edu%2Fabout%2Foffices_and_divisions%2Fhuman_resources%2Fcareers%2Findex.php&data=05%7C01%7CKURTRS%40email.sc.edu%7Ceca45df616784275e15908dab2a706ac%7C4b2a4b19d135420e8bb2b1cd238998cc%7C0%7C0%7C638018727680845870%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJWIjoiMC4wLjAwMDAiLCJQIjoiV2luMzIiLCJBTiI6Ik1haWwiLCJXVCI6Mn0%3D%7C3000%7C%7C%7C&sdata=j6sQGvabHDZHDmRBFwMrq8P8QCuDmChuJ%2FH5%2F8hDRUw%3D&reserved=0 to learn more about why you should work at USC .
To apply, please visit: https://apptrkr.com/7017421EEO Statement
The University of South Carolina does not discriminate in educational or employment opportunities on the basis of race, sex, gender, gender identity, transgender status, age, color, religion, national origin, disability, sexual orientation, genetics, protected veteran status, pregnancy, childbirth or related medical conditions.
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