Business Operations Jobs at University of Utah with Visa Sponsorship

INTRODUCTION

Job Title: Business Operations Analysis Management
Working Title: Research Partnerships & Business Operations
Career Progression Track: M00
Track Level: M6 - Director, M5 - Associate Director
FLSA Code: Administrative
Patient Sensitive Job Code? No
Standard Hours per Week: 40
Full Time or Part Time? Full Time
Shift: Day
Location: Campus
City: Salt Lake City, UT
Type of Recruitment: External Posting
Pay Rate Range: $100,000 - $125,000
Open Date: 06/04/2026
Close Date: 07/28/2026
Priority Review Date (Note - Posting may close at any time): 06/12/2026

JOB SUMMARY

Reporting to the Vice Provost for Research Partnerships and Planning/Chief Research Officer (CRO), within Academic Affairs (AA) office, this position provides strategic and operational leadership to support the growth of research initiatives and external partnerships under the Academic Affairs umbrella. This role ensures alignment between organizational strategy, research priorities, and operational execution by overseeing business operations, staff management, and cross-functional coordination across the university.

This position may be filled at either the Associate Director or Director level, depending on the selected candidate’s qualifications, experience, and demonstrated competencies.

This role leads the analysis and optimization of business operations to ensure strategic initiatives are aligned with institutional objectives. The role drives agility in decision-making, identifies inefficiencies, eliminates duplicative work, and fosters integration across academic, research, and administrative units. This position supports a dynamic and evolving portfolio of research centers, institutes, and initiatives within Academic Affairs.

Serving as both an internal and external-facing leader, this role acts as a central liaison across units including the President’s Office, colleges across campuses, Economic Development, UCareer Corporate Engagement, Academic Affairs, the Office of the Vice President for Research (VPR), Advancement, Health Sciences, Facilities, Central Communications, HR, and other key partners.

This position will partner closely with executive leadership to define organizational goals, shape strategic plans, and ensure effective execution. This role applies advanced business analysis methodologies (e.g., process mapping, organizational design, and strategy alignment tools) to evaluate and improve institutional effectiveness, ensuring practices align with the University’s mission, vision, and strategic priorities.

Responsibilities

Direct/Manage/Supervise the analysis of the organization’s business operations to ensure strategic initiatives are aligned with corporate objectives. Help drive speed and agility in decision making, identify areas to eliminate duplicative work, remove barriers to progress, and accelerate stronger integration across business units and functions. Focus on business process (work activities, workflows, work activity procedures, mechanisms, roles, organization reporting relationships, etc.) and ensure alignment with organizational goals. Utilize business analysis related models and diagrams such as process maps, organizational structure diagrams, strategy maps, role reporting relationships, etc. to aid in proposing new strategies for successful business change. Study cross-departmental business processes for efficiency and communicate complex findings to leadership. Ensure organizational practices are consistent with stated business model, mission, and objectives.

Department Specific Responsibilities:

Strategic Leadership & Planning

• Direct the development and implementation of strategic, operational, and financial goals aligned with Academic Affairs and university priorities
• Partner with executive leadership to define short- and long-term strategic plans supporting research growth and external partnerships
• Translate strategic priorities into actionable initiatives, ensuring alignment across research centers, institutes, and academic units
• Develop and implement frameworks to evaluate performance, effectiveness, and continuous improvement efforts

Operations & Business Process Management

• Lead the analysis of business operations, workflows, and organizational structures to improve efficiency and effectiveness
• Identify opportunities to eliminate redundancies, remove barriers, and streamline cross-functional processes
• Utilize tools such as process maps, organizational charts, and strategy models to support decision-making and recommend improvements
• Ensure operational practices align with institutional goals, metrics, and quality standards
• Oversee administrative services, compliance requirements, and general business functions supporting research initiatives

Program & Initiative Oversight

• Provide oversight for a portfolio of research centers, institutes, and strategic initiatives within Academic Affairs
• Ensure successful implementation and ongoing management of complex, cross-functional programs
• Support development and scaling of new initiatives aligned with university research priorities
• Monitor program outcomes and recommend adjustments to improve performance and impact

People Leadership & Organizational Management

• Oversee all aspects of staff management, including recruitment, retention, performance evaluation, and professional development
• Determine appropriate organizational structures and staffing models to support evolving needs
• Foster a high-performing, collaborative team environment across functional areas
• Ensure competency and development of managers and staff through ongoing coaching and training

Financial & Resource Management

• Direct planning and administration of budgets, including forecasting staffing, capital, and operating needs
• Analyze financial performance, market trends, and resource utilization to inform decision-making
• Ensure responsible stewardship of resources in alignment with institutional priorities

Stakeholder Engagement & Partnership Development

• Serve as a key liaison across internal and external stakeholders to ensure alignment and collaboration
• Support development of strategic partnerships with academic, industry, and community organizations
• Promote research programs and initiatives to internal and external audiences
• Facilitate cross-functional collaboration to strengthen institutional relationships and outcomes

Service Excellence & Continuous Improvement

• Ensure high-quality service delivery by proactively addressing stakeholder feedback, concerns, and opportunities
• Support the University’s continuous quality improvement initiatives through data-driven decision-making
• Participate in university-wide committees to develop policies, improve services, and strengthen operations

Problem Solving & Decision-Making

• Exercise independent judgment in managing operations, programs, and staff while aligning with executive direction
• Resolve complex organizational, operational, and stakeholder issues impacting research and service delivery
• Make informed decisions regarding budget allocation, program development, and operational priorities
• Ensure compliance with institutional policies and regulatory requirements

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

EQUIVALENCY STATEMENT: 1 year of higher education can be substituted for 1 year of directly related work experience (Example: bachelor’s degree = 4 years of directly related work experience).

Department may hire employee at one of the following job levels:

Associate Director, Business Operations Analysis Management: Requires a bachelor’s (or equivalency) + 10 years or a master’s (or equivalency) + 8 years of directly related work experience.

Director, Business Operations Analysis Management: Requires a bachelor’s (or equivalency) + 12 years or a master’s (or equivalency) + 10 years of directly related work experience.

PREFERENCES

• Experience working in higher education
• Familiarity with University of Utah systems and procedures
• Experience or educational background in STEM-related fields

TYPE Benefited Staff

SPECIAL INSTRUCTIONS SUMMARY

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

The University is a participating employer with Utah Retirement Systems (“URS”). Eligible new hires with prior URS service, may elect to enroll in URS if they make the election before they become eligible for retirement (usually the first day of work). Contact Human Resources at (801) 581-7447 for information. Individuals who previously retired and are receiving monthly retirement benefits from URS are subject to URS’ post-retirement rules and restrictions. Please contact Utah Retirement Systems at (801) 366-7770 or (800) 695-4877 or University Human Resource Management at (801) 581-7447 if you have questions regarding the post-retirement rules.

This position may require the successful completion of a criminal background check and/or drug screen.

The University of Utah values candidates who have experience working in settings with students and possess a strong commitment to improving access to higher education.

Veterans’ preference is extended to qualified applicants, upon request and consistent with University policy and Utah state law. Upon request, reasonable accommodations in the application process will be provided to individuals with disabilities.

Consistent with state and federal law, the University of Utah does not discriminate based upon race, ethnicity, color, religion, national origin, age, disability, sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, gender expression, pregnancy, pregnancy-related conditions, genetic information, or protected veteran’s status. The University does not discriminate on the basis of sex in the education program or activity that it operates, as required by Title IX and 34 CFR part 106. The requirement not to discriminate in education programs or activities extends to admission and employment. Inquiries about the application of Title IX and its regulations may be referred to the Title IX Coordinator, to the Department of Education, Office for Civil Rights, or both.

To request a reasonable accommodation for a disability or if you or someone you know has experienced discrimination or sexual misconduct including sexual harassment, you may contact the Director/Title IX Coordinator in the Office of Equal Opportunity and Title IX (OEO). More information, including the Director/Title IX Coordinator’s office address, electronic mail address, and telephone number can be located at the: University of Utah Non-Discrimination page.

Online reports may be submitted at https://oeo.utah.edu.

https://publicsafety.utah.edu/safetyreport/ This report includes statistics about criminal offenses, hate crimes, arrests and referrals for disciplinary action, and Violence Against Women Act offenses. They also provide information about safety and security-related services offered by the University of Utah. A paper copy can be obtained by request at the Department of Public Safety located at 1658 East 500 South.

As per University of Utah policy 5-108: Transfer of Benefits Eligible Staff Members, a new hire to the University of Utah who is still serving a 12 month probationary period will not be hired into another University of Utah job (a transfer) until the successful completion of the probationary period.