Business Manager I

Job Summary

The Business Manager I provides comprehensive support and oversight of business operations within the Lutgert College of Business. This position is responsible for administering and monitoring activities related to budgeting, procurement, human resources, and grant management. Responsibilities include processing and approving financial and personnel transactions, interpreting and managing budgets, overseeing payroll expense transfers, and supporting purchasing card functions. The role also involves developing and implementing operating policies and procedures to ensure effective and compliant business practices across the College.

FGCU is building a culture of curiosity, commitment and collaboration. We value employees who successfully work with others and drive positive change through critical thinking and decisive action. If you thrive in an environment of innovation, accountability and mutual respect, you will find a good home here.

Job Description

Typical duties may include but are not limited to:

• Manages the day-to-day operations of the business functions, including finance, human resources, purchasing, budgets, contracts, and accounts payable.
• Develops and manages budgets to ensure program alignment with fiscal allocation. Prepares financial analyses such as income and expense forecasting, as well as a variety of routine and ad-hoc financial reports.
• Oversees human resources functions such as recruitment efforts, rate planning, salary increases, position control, payroll, compensation actions, adjunct/overload contracts, appointments, and other personnel processes.
• Oversees financial transactions by preparing or approving journal vouchers, deposits, accounting adjustments, and payroll expense transfers or corrections, ensuring compliance with institutional policies.
• Supports the financial operations of the Small Business Development Center (SBDC) by managing accounting transactions, performing financial analyses, and ensuring the accurate and compliant processing of financial activities. Oversees grant administration and compliance, serving as the primary point of contact for all SBDC grant financial matters.
• Oversees procurement activities including requisitions, purchasing card (P-card) transactions, receipts, spend authorizations, and expense reports.
• Conducts monthly account reviews and financial analysis to identify trends, mitigate issues, and improve budget performance and resource allocation.
• Serves as a liaison between departments, faculty, staff, and administration, interpreting and enforcing policies and procedures, addressing inquiries, and resolving complex operational issues.
• Develops, implements, and refines business and fiscal processes to ensure efficiency, compliance, and responsible stewardship of university resources.
• Leads and participates in special projects, including year-end closeout processes, data validation, and mass data corrections.
• Represents the college or division on committees and work groups, contributing to institutional planning and operational improvements.
• Serves as Property Manager for designated areas with the Lutgert College of Business

Other Duties:

• Performs other job-related duties as assigned.

Additional Job Description

Required Qualifications:

• This position requires either seven years of directly related full-time experience or, as an alternative, a Bachelor's degree from an accredited institution in an appropriate area of specialization and three years of full-time experience directly related to the job functions.
• Experience operating a personal computer and proficient with Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, and Outlook).
• Any appropriate combination of relevant education, experience, and/or certifications may be considered.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Work experience in a higher education setting.
• Experience with Banner enterprise application.
• Experience managing others by providing information, guidance, and motivation.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities:

• Proven ability to think strategically and approach challenges with creativity.
• Demonstrated track record of reliability, meeting goals, and holding oneself accountable.
• Strong interpersonal skills and experience working effectively across teams.
• Knowledge of accounting, budgeting, finance and management principles, practices and procedures.
• Excellent interpersonal, verbal, and written communication skills.
• Excellent organizational skills and the ability to prioritize and complete simultaneous projects.
• Ability to interact in a professional manner with staff, faculty, students, and the community in a service-oriented environment.
• Ability to work successfully as both a member of a team and independently with minimal supervision.
• Ability to take initiative to plan, organize, coordinate and perform work in various situations when numerous and competing demands are involved.
• Ability to use effective decision making and problem-solving techniques.
• Ability to interpret and apply laws, regulations, policies, and procedures consistently.
• Ability to analyze and interpret complex financial data and prepare financial reports, statements, and projections.
• Ability to think critically and creatively, have a high standard of integrity, and be motivated to incorporate best practices into the organizational structure.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality and discretion at all times.

Institutional Values & Behavioral Expectation

In this role, the successful candidate will be expected to:

• Seek out new approaches to improve outcomes; remain open for feedback and new ideas.
• Lead with integrity; consistently produce high-quality work; persevere to overcome obstacles to meet deadlines and achieve deliverables.
• Share information and insights thoughtfully; build partnerships across departments; communicate respectfully; support colleagues to achieve common goals.

Pay Grade 16

Applications received prior to August 2, 2026, will receive priority review.

FGCU is a State University System of Florida member and an Equal Opportunity and Equal Access employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, age, national origin, disability, or protected veteran status.