Chief Business Officer - Division of Research and Innovation (VCRI)

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Closing Date:

09/28/2026

Type of Position:

Administrative StrategyNo

Job Type:

RegularNo

Institution Name:

University of Arkansas, Fayetteville

Founded in 1871, the University of Arkansas is a land grant institution, classified by the Carnegie Foundation among the nation’s top 2 percent of universities with the highest level of research activity. The University of Arkansas works to advance the state and build a better world through education, research, and outreach by providing transformational opportunities and skills, fostering a welcoming climate, and nurturing creativity, discovery, and the spread of new ideas and innovations.

The University of Arkansas campus is located in Fayetteville, a welcoming community ranked as one of the best places to live in the U.S. The growing region surrounding Fayetteville is home to numerous Fortune 500 companies and one of the nation’s strongest economies. Northwest Arkansas is also quickly gaining a national reputation for its focus on the arts and overall quality of life.

As an employer, the University of Arkansas offers a vibrant work environment and a workplace culture that promotes a healthy work-life balance. The benefits package includes university contributions to health, dental, life and disability insurance, tuition waivers for employees and their families, 12 official holidays, immediate leave accrual, and a choice of retirement programs with university contributions ranging from 5 to 10% of employee salary.

Below you will find the details for the position including any supplementary documentation and questions, you should review before applying for the opening.

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Department:

Assistant Vice Chancellor for Business Services

Summary of Job Duties:

The Chief Business Officer (CBO) serves as the financial leader for the Division of Research and Innovation (VCRI). The CBO will provide strategic leadership and oversight for financial planning and analysis, budgeting, forecasting, organizational administration and resource allocation, operational effectiveness, and the administration and tracking of key research support programs, including start-up commitments and cost-share obligations, across the division and the research enterprise.

The position provides financial oversight for division units including, but not limited to, the Office of Research Administration (which includes sponsored programs, research compliance, contracting, and campus services), Research Technology & Infrastructure, Technology Ventures, Research Security, Research Advancement, and Research Operations, as well as research centers and core facilities such as the Arkansas High Performance Computing Center and the Arkansas Materials Institute.

The CBO partners closely with division leadership, academic units, associate deans of research and department heads; central administrative offices; and external stakeholders such as the Arkansas Biosciences Institute and Arkansas Research Alliance to support the university’s strategic research objectives, ensure responsible stewardship of resources, and strengthen operational infrastructure.

This position reports directly to the Assistant Vice Chancellor for Capital and Financial Planning and indirectly to the Vice Chancellor for Research and Innovation

Regular, reliable, and non-disruptive attendance is an essential job duty, as is the ability to create and maintain collegial, harmonious working relationships with others.

Qualifications:

Minimum Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in finance, accounting or related field from an accredited institution of higher education

• At least four years of financial planning and analysis experience

• At least two years of experience in a supervisory role

• At least three years of accounting experience related to research enterprise activities

• Experience with written and verbal presentations of financial activity

• Experience developing, implementing and monitoring budgets

• Experience working with federal and state regulation of sponsored research

Preferred Qualification:

• Master’s degree in business, accounting or a related field

• Experience working with federal uniform guidance and related federal regulatory systems

• At least four years financial planning and analysis experience in post-secondary higher education

• Successful completion of a CPA or similar professional certificate

• Director level experience

• Experience managing financial operations, accounting, budget, and reporting functions in a post-secondary environment

• Workday experience

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

• In depth understanding and knowledge of best practices in the areas of budgeting, analytics, operations and planning

• Excellent communication skills both oral and written

• Time management skills

• Decision-making and problem-solving skills

• Ability to read, analyze and interpret financial data

• Ability to collaborate and work well with others

• Ability to work under time constraints

• Proficient abilities with Microsoft Office Suite – with expertise in Word and Excel

Additional Information:

$148,500 - $196,000 Commensurate with education and experienceCover Letter/Letter of Application, List of three Professional References (name, email, business title), ResumeProof of Veteran StatusCrystal Ellis, Strategic Talent Acquisition Specialist, [email protected]

All application materials must be uploaded to the University of Arkansas System Career Site https://uasys.wd5.myworkdayjobs.com/UASYS  

Please do not send to listed recruitment contact.

Special Instructions to Applicants:

Applications will be reviewed upon receipt within the posting period.

Pre-employment Screening Requirements:

Criminal Background Check, Financial Credit Check, Sex Offender Registry

The University of Arkansas is committed to providing a safe campus community. We conduct background checks for applicants being considered for employment. Background checks include a criminal background check and a sex offender registry check. For certain positions, there may also be a financial (credit) background check, a Motor Vehicle Registry (MVR) check, and/or drug screening. Required checks are identified in the position listing. A criminal conviction or arrest pending adjudication or adverse financial history information alone shall not disqualify an applicant in the absence of a relationship to the requirements of the position. Background check information will be used in a confidential, non-discriminatory manner consistent with state and federal law.

The University of Arkansas seeks to attract, develop and retain high quality faculty, staff and administrators that consistently display practices and behaviors to advance a culture that embeds equal opportunity, educational excellence and unparalleled access for all.

The University of Arkansas is an equal opportunity institution. The University does not discriminate in its education programs or activities (including in admission and employment) on the basis of any category or status protected by law, including age, race, color, national origin, disability, religion, protected veteran status, military service, genetic information, sex, sexual preference, or pregnancy. Questions or concerns about the application of Title IX, which prohibits discrimination on the basis of sex, may be sent to the University’s Title IX Coordinator and to the U.S. Department of Education Office for Civil Rights.

Persons must have proof of legal authority to work in the United States on the first day of employment.

All Application information is subject to public disclosure under the Arkansas Freedom of Information Act.

Constant Physical Activity:

Hearing, Manipulate items with fingers, including keyboarding, Sitting, Talking

Frequent Physical Activity:

Feeling, Grasping

Occasional Physical Activity:

Standing, Walking

Benefits Eligible:

Yes