Business Manager - AWRI

Summary: This position is responsible for the financial operations of the Robert B. Annis Water Resources Institute (AWRI) and provides strategic input as a member of the AWRI administrative team. The role involves developing and implementing systems, protocols, and procedures to ensure that financial planning aligns with strategic objectives and priorities. Areas of responsibility include budget development, execution, and compliance; purchasing review; contract development, execution, and invoicing; and hiring and contract management of staff. This position includes close collaboration with AWRI administrative staff and the Executive Director. As a key member of the administrative leadership team, this position plays a critical role in advancing the Institute’s operational excellence and long-term sustainability.

Salary/Benefits: Minimum starting salary of $60,720. The university offers an excellent comprehensive package that includes health/vision/dental plans, life insurance, retirement, sick/leave disability, tuition waiver, adoption resources, wellness coaching, and free access to campus fitness facilities, effective on date of hire. Family and child-care options on and off-campus are also available.

Primary Duties

• Develop and implement long-term financial plans for the Institute to ensure financial sustainability.
• Develop and implement operational processes for the Institute that integrate with other University departments, including the Office of Sponsored Programs, Business and Finance Office, and Human Resources
• Manage a diverse funding model of contributed and earned revenues
• Institutional budget development and management
• Endowment and gift management, accounting, and reporting
• Grant budget development, management, reporting, and compliance
• Contract development, execution, and invoicing
• Process purchase orders, online invoices, and requisitions
• AWRI cost center assistant review of all expense reimbursement, purchasing, etc.
• Coordinate expense card reconciliation
• Manage hiring and contract management of staff
• Prepare monthly financial reports for the Executive Director
• Performs other duties as required/assigned by leadership

Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Bachelor’s degree in accounting, business administration, or related field.
• Three (3+) years’ experience in the accounting or finance field.
• Ability to work in a fast-paced environment with a collaborative and innovative team.
• Strong experience in financial management in environments using spreadsheet and database applications.
• Evidence of strong problem-solving and analytical skills.
• Evidence of ability to work independently as well as with others.
• Strong cultural competence, collaboration, and interpersonal skills.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Demonstrates high standards of work quality and integrity.

Preferred Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Federal and/or State grants management experience.
• Audit experience.
• Grant Management Certification (examples: CGFM, CGMS, Management Concepts Grant Management Certification, GPC, CRA, SRA).
• Certified Public Accounting credentials.
• University-based finance experience.
• Contract management experience.
• Experience using Workday.

Department: The Annis Water Resources Institute (AWRI) is a world-class research facility situated on Muskegon Lake in Muskegon, MI, on the shores of Lake Michigan. The institute houses a dozen faculty, numerous research staff, and a robust graduate program. Located 30 miles from the main Grand Valley State University campus, AWRI maintains state-of-the-art analytical and molecular laboratories, a mesocosm facility, and two research vessels. Please visit the AWRI website (www.gvsu.edu/wri) for more information on our faculty, facilities, research programs, and educational/outreach initiatives.

College: The College of Liberal Arts and Sciences (CLAS) is the largest college at Grand Valley, offering over 50 bachelor degrees and a growing number of advanced degrees in the natural and mathematical sciences, the fine arts and humanities, and the social sciences. CLAS is a student-centered and diverse learning community that engages in critical inquiry, extending knowledge to enrich and enliven individual and public life. Our faculty are active teacher-scholars committed to equitable, inclusive, career-connected, and community-engaged liberal arts and sciences education. There are many opportunities for collaboration within CLAS and across a broad group of partners on and off campus. We are interested in attracting a cohort of new faculty committed to these core values as we seek to foster a community where members from all backgrounds can live, learn, and thrive together.

Campus/University:  Grand Valley University (GVSU) is a public comprehensive institution located in West Michigan with campuses in Allendale, downtown Grand Rapids, and Holland, plus centers in Detroit, Muskegon and Traverse City. The University attracts more than 22,000 undergraduate and graduate students with high quality programs and state-of-the-art facilities and has been nationally recognized for innovativeness and its contribution to students’ social mobility. The greater Grand Rapids metropolitan area has a population of around one million people, is affordable, and offers rich cultural amenities. Grand Valley is located within easy driving distance of Chicago, Detroit, Lake Michigan beaches, and many other superb summer and winter recreational venues. Information can be found at Community Resources - Human Resources - Grand Valley State University (gvsu.edu). Grand Valley is highly rated for safety, sustainability, and veteran and LGBTQ friendliness, and is committed to supporting employees and their families in work-life balance. The university seeks to create an inclusive and diverse environment for faculty and students while promoting enrichment of society through excellent teaching, active scholarship, and service. More information can be found at Grand Valley State University (gvsu.edu).

How to Apply: Apply online at GVSU Careers. A complete application must include: (1) a cover letter addressing qualifications and your motivation to take this position (2) résumé, (3) and contact information for three professional references. The online application will allow you to attach these documents electronically, in the same file location.

If you need assistance, email Human Resources at [email protected]. Email questions about the position to: Stuart Jones, Executive Director of AWRI; [email protected].

Applicants must be legally authorized to work in the United States and must not require sponsorship now or in the future.

Application Deadline:  The review process will begin September 14, 2026. The posting may be closed at any time at the discretion of the University thereafter.

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily.  Must have the physical stamina to work long hours and/or more than 5 days per week.  The requirements listed are representative of the knowledge, skill and/or ability required.  Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. The information contained in this job description is for compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act as amended by the ADA Amendment Act (2008), Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, and other applicable federal and state laws that prohibit discrimination on the basis of disability. GVSU will provide reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities upon request. See www.gvsu.edu/equalopportunity/. TDD Callers: Call Michigan Relay Center at 711 (in State) or 1-800-833-7833 (out of State).

Grand Valley State University is an Antidiscrimination/Equal Opportunity Employer, which includes providing equal opportunity for protected veterans and individuals with disabilities. University policy extends protections to additional identities.