University of South Carolina
Business Operations Specialist
🇺🇸 Columbia, SC
🕑 Full-Time
💰 $60K - $74K
💻 Operations
🗓️ October 3rd, 2025
Edtech.com's Summary
University of South Carolina is hiring a Business Operations Specialist. This role manages business operations and human resources for the Grants Operations team within the McCausland College of Arts and Sciences, handling grant-related HR actions, administrative support, budget monitoring, and logistics coordination to ensure efficient operation of assigned academic units and centers.
Highlights
- Manage grant-related HR actions including hiring, onboarding, reappointments, and payroll for the Grants Operations team covering 35 academic units and designated centers.
- Perform budgetary and fiscal management tasks including payroll review, effort reporting, compensation processing, and payroll projections.
- Coordinate travel, purchasing, and invoice reconciliation; maintain compliance with purchasing regulations and monitor grant-related expenditures.
- Serve as liaison between Grants Operations, university departments, vendors, and compliance units.
- Use Microsoft Office, Adobe, and web-based applications to support operations and communications.
- Required education includes a bachelor’s degree in a related field plus three or more years of relevant experience or equivalent certification, education, or training.
- Strong organizational, analytical, and communication skills are necessary to manage deadlines, identify spending efficiencies, and maintain effective working relationships.
- Compensation ranges from $59,581 to $74,477 annually with a starting salary of $59,581.
- Position is full-time, 12-month with benefits as part of the Grants Operations team at the McCausland College of Arts and Sciences.
- The role includes administrative and managerial duties to support timely and successful grant operations compliance and logistics.
Business Operations Specialist Full Description
Business Operations Specialist
Please see Special Instructions for more details.
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 November 16, 2025.
Logo |
Posting Number | STA00793PO25
Job Family | Business Operations
Job Function | Business Operations
USC Market Title | Business Operations Specialist
Link to USC Market Title | https://uscjobs.sc.edu/titles/132288
Job Level | P3 - Professional
Business Title (Internal Title) | Business Operations Specialist
Campus | Columbia
Work County | Richland
College/Division | College of Arts and Sciences
Department | CAS College of Arts and Sciences
State Pay Band | 7
Approved Starting Salary | $59,581
Advertised Salary Range | $59,581 - $74,477
Location of Vacancy |
Part/Full Time | Full Time
Hours per Week | 37.5
Work Schedule | Monday through Friday from 8:30am to 5:00pm, with one hour for lunch. Must be willing to work a flexible schedule to meet the needs of the department.
Basis | 12 months
Job Search Category | Other
Posting Number | STA00793PO25
Job Family | Business Operations
Job Function | Business Operations
USC Market Title | Business Operations Specialist
Link to USC Market Title | https://uscjobs.sc.edu/titles/132288
Job Level | P3 - Professional
Business Title (Internal Title) | Business Operations Specialist
Campus | Columbia
Work County | Richland
College/Division | College of Arts and Sciences
Department | CAS College of Arts and Sciences
State Pay Band | 7
Approved Starting Salary | $59,581
Advertised Salary Range | $59,581 - $74,477
Location of Vacancy |
Part/Full Time | Full Time
Hours per Week | 37.5
Work Schedule | Monday through Friday from 8:30am to 5:00pm, with one hour for lunch. Must be willing to work a flexible schedule to meet the needs of the department.
Basis | 12 months
Job Search Category | Other
About USC
About University of South Carolina | 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.
Benefits for FTE Positions
The University of South Carolina (USC), through the State of SC and Public Employee Benefit Authority (PEBA), offers employees a valuable benefits package, including health and life insurance, generous paid leave and retirement programs. To learn more about USC benefits, access the "Working at USC" section on the Applicant Portal at https://uscjobs.sc.edu. Research Grant or Time-limited positions may be eligible for all, some, or no benefits, based on the grant or project funding.
Position Description
Advertised 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.
Job Related Minimum Required Education and Experience | Requires a bachelor’s degree in a job related field and 3 or more years of job related experience, which may be substituted by an equivalent combination of job related certification, training, education, and/or experience.
Required Certification, Licensure/Other Credentials | Requires a bachelor’s degree and 3 or more years of experience, which may be substituted by an equivalent combination of certification, training, education, and/or experience.
Preferred Qualifications |
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.
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.
Job Related Minimum Required Education and Experience | Requires a bachelor’s degree in a job related field and 3 or more years of job related experience, which may be substituted by an equivalent combination of job related certification, training, education, and/or experience.
Required Certification, Licensure/Other Credentials | Requires a bachelor’s degree and 3 or more years of experience, which may be substituted by an equivalent combination of certification, training, education, and/or experience.
Preferred Qualifications |
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.
Job Duties
Job Duty | Manage human resources for the Grants Operations team. Will complete all grant-related HR and hiring actions for assigned units to include the full hiring life cycle from creating the position to onboarding the employee. Hiring actions may include, but are not limited to, summer compensation, supplemental pay, actions for staff, faculty and students as well as annual reappointments for Research Grant Positions (RGP) and temporary staff hires/rehires. Will process position status changes and separations/terminations; and other HR related actions as needed.
Essential Function | Yes
Percentage of Time | 40Job Duty | Payroll: Monthly review and distribution of effort and payroll reports for accuracy, taking action to research and correct any errors. Assist the Grants Operations team with bi-annual time and effort reporting and the annual HERD survey. Initiate/process compensation, salary increases, account changes, and payroll retro funding changes. Assist with payroll projections to ensure grant funds are spent in alignment with the approved budget and end dates.
Essential Function | Yes
Percentage of Time | 30Job Duty | Support and contribute to the Grant Operations team’s fiscal management activities, tracking performance according to annual goals and budget allocations. As needed, track project expenditures with assigned grant staff, Grants and Funds Management office, and other appropriate university departments to ensure compliance with purchasing and procurement procedures. Maintain a purchasing and travel card to assist with purchases and travel arrangements for assigned projects or units including compliance, monthly verification and routine training. Reconcile all purchases and procure and track all invoices for processing in a timely manner. Monitor and see purchasing issues through to resolution.
Essential Function | Yes
Percentage of Time | 25Job Duty | Other duties as assigned to support the Grants Operations team.
Essential Function | Yes
Percentage of Time | 5
Essential Function | Yes
Percentage of Time | 40Job Duty | Payroll: Monthly review and distribution of effort and payroll reports for accuracy, taking action to research and correct any errors. Assist the Grants Operations team with bi-annual time and effort reporting and the annual HERD survey. Initiate/process compensation, salary increases, account changes, and payroll retro funding changes. Assist with payroll projections to ensure grant funds are spent in alignment with the approved budget and end dates.
Essential Function | Yes
Percentage of Time | 30Job Duty | Support and contribute to the Grant Operations team’s fiscal management activities, tracking performance according to annual goals and budget allocations. As needed, track project expenditures with assigned grant staff, Grants and Funds Management office, and other appropriate university departments to ensure compliance with purchasing and procurement procedures. Maintain a purchasing and travel card to assist with purchases and travel arrangements for assigned projects or units including compliance, monthly verification and routine training. Reconcile all purchases and procure and track all invoices for processing in a timely manner. Monitor and see purchasing issues through to resolution.
Essential Function | Yes
Percentage of Time | 25Job Duty | Other duties as assigned to support the Grants Operations team.
Essential Function | Yes
Percentage of Time | 5
Position Attributes
Employees in Safety-Sensitive or Security-Sensitive positions will be subject to pre-employment and post-employment drug testing in accordance with University policy HR 1.95 Drug and Alcohol Testing.
Employees in Safety-Sensitive or Security-Sensitive positions will be subject to pre-employment and post-employment drug testing in accordance with University policy HR 1.95 Drug and Alcohol Testing.
Safety Sensitive or Security Sensitive | No
Hazardous weather category | Non-Essential
Hazardous weather category | Non-Essential
Posting Detail Information
Number of Vacancies | 1
Desired Start Date |
Job Open Date | 10/02/2025
Job Close Date | 11/16/2025
Open Until Filled | No
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 November 16, 2025.
Quicklink for Posting | https://uscjobs.sc.edu/postings/195616
EEO Statement | The University of South Carolina does not discriminate in educational or employment opportunities or decisions for qualified persons on the basis of age, ancestry, citizenship status, color, disability, ethnicity, familial status, gender (including transgender), gender identity or expression, genetic information, HIV/AIDs status, military status, national origin, pregnancy (false pregnancy, termination of pregnancy, childbirth, recovery therefrom or related medical conditions, breastfeeding), race, religion (including religious dress and grooming practices), sex, sexual orientation, veteran status, or any other bases under federal, state, local law, or regulations.
Desired Start Date |
Job Open Date | 10/02/2025
Job Close Date | 11/16/2025
Open Until Filled | No
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 November 16, 2025.
Quicklink for Posting | https://uscjobs.sc.edu/postings/195616
EEO Statement | The University of South Carolina does not discriminate in educational or employment opportunities or decisions for qualified persons on the basis of age, ancestry, citizenship status, color, disability, ethnicity, familial status, gender (including transgender), gender identity or expression, genetic information, HIV/AIDs status, military status, national origin, pregnancy (false pregnancy, termination of pregnancy, childbirth, recovery therefrom or related medical conditions, breastfeeding), race, religion (including religious dress and grooming practices), sex, sexual orientation, veteran status, or any other bases under federal, state, local law, or regulations.
Supplemental Questions
Required fields are indicated with an asterisk (*).
- * Do you have a bachelor’s degree in a job related field and 3 or more years of related experience (which may be substituted by an equivalent combination of certification, training, education, and/or experience)?
- Yes
- No
- * Describe your experience managing grant-related HR actions, including hiring, onboarding, position changes, reappointments for research grant positions, summer compensation, or temporary staff.
(Open Ended Question) - * Summarize your experience processing payroll or effort reporting for grant-funded positions.
(Open Ended Question)
Applicant Documents
Required Documents
- Cover Letter
- Resume
- List of References and Contact Information
Optional Documents
- Other Supporting Documents
Similar Jobs
Operations Coordinator
Marshall University
🇺🇸 Huntington, WV
Business Analyst/CRM Specialist
George Mason University
🇺🇸 Hybrid - Fairfax, VA
Business Operations Manager
Brightwheel
🇺🇸 Remote - US
Business Analyst - Marketing
Risepoint
🇺🇸 Remote - US
Director of Revenue Operations
Relias
🇺🇸 Hybrid - Morrisville, NC
