Edtech.com's Summary

James Madison University is hiring an Associate Director of Business Operations. The role involves leading business functions within the athletics department, coordinating financial reporting and compliance, and managing administrative staff. The position acts as a liaison among the athletics business office, university partners, auditors, and governing bodies to ensure financial integrity and operational efficiency.

Highlights

Lead business operations and financial functions in the athletics department.
Coordinate institutional reporting requirements including EADA, NCAA, and audits.
Oversee and manage business office administrative staff.
Serve as primary contact between athletics and university offices, auditors, and governing bodies.
Manage budget monitoring, financial analysis, and support budget revisions.
Require proficiency with financial systems, reporting tools, and standard office software.
Experience needed in business operations or finance within athletics, higher education, or complex organizations.
Salary range between $48,000 and $52,000 annually.
Responsible for compliance with fiscal policies, tax reporting (UBIT), and supporting process improvements.
Supervisory experience is preferred but not mandatory.

Associate Director of Business Operations Full Description

Working Title:Associate Director of Business Operations

State Role Title: Financial Services Specialist I

Position Type: Full-time Staff (Classified)

Position Status: Full-Time

FLSA Status: Exempt: Not Eligible for Overtime

College/Division: Intercollegiate Athletics

Department:300022 - Intercollegiate Athletics Adm

Pay Band: 4

Pay Rate: Pay Range

Specify Range or Amount:$48,000 - $52,000

Is this a JMU only position? No

Is this a grant-funded position? No

Is this a Conflict of Interest designated position? N/A

Beginning Review Date: 05/08/2026

About JMU:

At James Madison University (JMU), we’re more than just a publicly funded institution — we’re a vibrant, welcoming community located on a stunning campus where innovation, collaboration, and personal growth thrive. Our mission is to prepare students for a bright future, and we believe that starts with supporting the people who make it all possible: our employees.

Why Work at JMU?
We offer a comprehensive benefits package designed to support your professional journey and personal wellbeing:
• Generous Leave: Enjoy paid vacation, sick leave, parental leave, community service leave, and 19 paid holidays annually.
• Comprehensive Health Coverage: Access high-quality health insurance options that fit your needs.
• Retirement Options: Plan for your future with retirement benefits through the Virginia Retirement System.
• Employee Well-Being: Our Balanced Dukes program promotes wellness and work-life integration through resources, events, and support.
• Tuition Waiver Program: Advance your education with our tuition waiver program for undergraduate and graduate courses taken at JMU.

At JMU, we believe in Being the Change — and that starts with creating an environment where you can grow, contribute meaningfully, and feel supported every step of the way.

Discover what makes JMU a great place to work: bit.ly/JMUEmployment

General Information:

James Madison University, a Division I member of the NCAA and Sun Belt conference, is seeking an Associate Director of Business Operations. The Associate Director of Business Operations supports the financial integrity, compliance, and operational effectiveness of the athletics department by leading assigned business functions, coordinating institutional reporting requirements, and overseeing administrative business staff. This role serves as a key liaison between the athletics business office and university partners, auditors, and governing bodies, while exercising independent judgment in financial coordination, workflow management, and process improvement. The position contributes to sound fiscal stewardship, regulatory compliance, and efficient day-to-day business operations across assigned sports and units.

Duties and Responsibilities:

Athletics Business Office Liaison & University Coordination

Serve as the primary point of contact between the athletics department and university offices regarding business operations, financial processes, and administrative inquiries.
Coordinate communication between assigned athletics units and university partners to ensure alignment with institutional financial policies and procedures.
Respond to and resolve business-related questions from campus stakeholders, escalating issues as appropriate.
Support process improvement initiatives in collaboration with university departments to enhance efficiency and compliance within athletics business operations.

Financial Reporting, Compliance, and Audit Coordination

Lead task assignment, tracking, and progression related to EADA, NCAA, and internal or external audit reporting requirements.
Serve as the primary athletics business office contact for auditors and financial reporting personnel.
Receive audit and reporting inquiries, assess scope and requirements, and assign completion responsibilities to appropriate athletics and university stakeholders.
Monitor reporting timelines and deliverables to ensure accuracy, completeness, and on-time submission.
Maintain documentation and supporting materials necessary for compliance reviews and audit readiness.

Supervision & Oversight of Business Office Administrative Staff

Oversee the daily work and performance of business office administrative assistants.
Lead administrative assistant communications, including coordination of priorities, procedural updates, and expectations.
Plan and facilitate monthly administrative assistant meetings to review workflows, deadlines, and process updates.
Partner with university offices to implement process changes or system updates affecting administrative assistant responsibilities.
Provide guidance, training, and feedback to support effective execution of business office functions.

Day-to-Day Business Operations for Assigned Sports and Units

Lead daily business operations for assigned sports and administrative units in alignment with institutional and athletics financial policies.
Oversee reconciliation of purchasing card transactions and travel reimbursements, ensuring proper documentation and compliance.
Review expense reports for accuracy, completeness, and policy adherence, and monitor approval workflows to resolution.
Create requisitions and facilitate the contract approval process in coordination with procurement and legal offices.
Serve as a resource to coaches and unit leaders regarding allowable expenses, timelines, and business procedures.

Specialized Financial Processing & Budget Support

Serve as a secondary processor for Unrelated Business Income Tax (UBIT) reporting and Auxiliary Business Organization (ABO) invoicing.
Assist in monitoring assigned financial activities to ensure compliance with applicable tax and reporting requirements.
Coordinate with primary processors and university partners to resolve questions or discrepancies.

Budget Monitoring, Analysis, and Revision Support

Support the Director of the Business Office in monitoring at-risk budgets across assigned sports and units.
Provide informed recommendations for budget revisions based on financial data and operational needs.
Assist with the preparation and entry of approved budget revisions into the financial system.
Support ongoing fiscal planning efforts to promote responsible budget management within athletics.

Qualifications:

Required:

Progressive experience in business operations, finance, or administrative support within athletics, higher education, or a complex organizational environment.
Demonstrated knowledge of financial processes, reporting requirements, and compliance standards.
Experience coordinating multi-step workflows and collaborating with internal and external stakeholders.
Strong organizational, analytical, and communication skills, with the ability to exercise independent judgment.
Proficiency with financial systems, reporting tools, and standard office software applications.

Additional Considerations:

Supervisory experience.

Additional Posting Information:

Conditions of Employment:

Employment is contingent upon the successful completion of a criminal background check.

E-Verify Notice: After accepting employment, new hires are required to complete an I-9 form and present documentation of their identity and eligibility to work in the United States. James Madison University uses the E-Verify system to confirm identity and work authorization.

EEO Statement:

James Madison University is committed to creating and supporting a diverse and inclusive work and educational community that is free of all forms of discrimination. This institution does not tolerate discrimination or harassment on the basis of age, color, disability, gender identity or expression, genetic information, national origin, parental status, political affiliation, race, religion, sex, sexual orientation or veteran status.

We promote access, inclusion and diversity for all students, faculty, staff, constituents and programs, believing that these qualities are foundational components of an outstanding education in keeping with our mission. The university is interested in candidates whose experience and qualifications support an ongoing commitment to this core quality.

Anyone having questions concerning discrimination should contact the Office for Equal Opportunity: (540) 568-6991.

Reasonable Accommodation:

If you are an individual with a disability and need assistance searching or applying for jobs please contact us at (540) 568-3597 or jobs@jmu.edu. You may also visit the JMU Human Resource Office, located at 752 Ott Street, Harrisonburg, VA 22807 and we will be happy to assist you.

Original Job Description