Working Title: Business Operations Specialist - Shenandoah Valley Small Business Development Center

State Role Title: Administrative Office Specialist III

Position Type: Full-time Staff (Classified)

Position Status: Full-Time

FLSA Status: Non-Exempt: Eligible for Overtime

College/Division: Vice President - REDI

Department: 540927 - Shenandoah Valley SBDC 2025

Pay Rate: Maximum Starting

Specify Range or Amount: $46,000

Is this a JMU only position? No

Is this a grant-funded position? Yes. This is a grant-funded position and is contingent upon continued funding.

Is this a Conflict of Interest designated position? No

Beginning Review Date: 09/27/25

About JMU:

At James Madison University (JMU), we’re more than just a publicly funded institution — we’re a vibrant, welcoming community nestled on a stunning campus where innovation, collaboration, and personal growth thrive. Our mission is to prepare students for a bright future, and we believe that starts with supporting the people who make it all possible: our employees.

Why Work at JMU?
We offer a comprehensive benefits package designed to support your professional journey and personal wellbeing:
• Generous Leave: Enjoy paid vacation, sick leave, parental leave, community service leave, and 19 paid holidays annually.
• Comprehensive Health Coverage: Access high-quality health insurance options that fit your needs.
• Retirement Options: Plan for your future with retirement benefits through the Virginia Retirement System.
• Employee Well-Being: Our Balanced Dukes program promotes wellness and work-life integration through resources, events, and support.
• Tuition Waiver Program: Advance your education with our tuition waiver program for undergraduate and graduate courses taken at JMU.

At JMU, we believe in Being the Change — and that starts with creating an environment where you can grow, contribute meaningfully, and feel supported every step of the way.

Discover what makes JMU a great place to work: bit.ly/JMUEmployment

General Information:

The Business Operations Specialist ensures smooth day-to-day operations, facilitates strategic communication, supports fiscal operations, coordinates events, and manages projects relevant to the SBDC's mission. The SBDC's mission is to advance Virginia's diverse economy by providing small businesses the expertise and resources to succeed.

Duties and Responsibilities:

FINANCIAL, HIRING, AND PURCHASING SUPPORT
-Manages SBDC's annual budget process by recording program income, processing expenditures (including Small Purchase Credit Card charges), and reconciling monthly transactions for SBDC budgets.
- Assists the Director in providing documentation to support reimbursement of SBDC expenditure and the invoicing of funding from grants and other sources to support SBDC’s work.
- Supports hiring efforts for students by meeting with them to review required documentation and complete hiring forms and regularly entering hours worked for payroll in the online HR system
-Purchases goods and services according to applicable policies and procedures by using the online eVA procurement system, conducting research to find appropriate vendors/products, and consulting Procurement when necessary.

CLIENT SERVICES SUPPORT
- Serves as the first point of contact for SBDC clients and guests, referring inquiries to the Director or Business Advisors as appropriate.
- Determines client eligibility for SBDC course attendance and business advisor assignment while ensuring strict confidentiality.
- Follows client progress in collaboration with SBDC Business Advisors to deliver exceptional service and support.
- Enters client data in the CRM-MIS system and prepares and delivers CRM reports for the Director and advisors.

ADMINISTRATIVE, EVENT, AND TRAVEL SUPPORT
- Manages SBDC's shared Outlook calendar, coordinating appointments, meetings, and workshops.
- Assists the Director with planning and coordination of events, including room reservations, participant registrations, communications, catering, printing, etc., and provides on-site support as needed.
- Prepares and organizes meeting materials and resources, including support for Advisory Council meetings and workshops.
- Organize travel arrangements and reimbursements for the Director and Business Advisors, including registrations, lodging, and transportation as needed.
- Manage and update the SBDC website using web editing software.

Qualifications:

Required Qualifications:
- Strong organizational skills with excellent attention to detail
- Outstanding customer service skills
- Exceptional written and verbal communication skills
- Demonstrated ability to excel in a complex and fast-paced environment
- Demonstrated high level of professionalism
- Ability to manage confidential and sensitive information
- Excellent time management skills and ability to complete work and tasks independently
- Understanding of best practices in office administration contributing to a well-organized and effective office
- Fluency working in a Windows/MS Office environment using Word, Excel, and Teams, and a demonstrated proficiency in scheduling using Microsoft Outlook
- Familiarity with the eVA (procurement), Chrome River (travel), and Small Purchase Credit Card software platforms and relevant state and university procurement, travel, and fiscal regulations and policies
- Ability to adapt to using new software, including website editing software and customer relationship management systems, and a willingness to learn and utilize AI tools such as Microsoft CoPilot when applicable.

Additional Posting Information:

Conditions of Employment:  

Employment is contingent upon the successful completion of a criminal background check.

E-Verify Notice: After accepting employment, new hires are required to complete an I-9 form and present documentation of their identity and eligibility to work in the United States. James Madison University uses the E-Verify system to confirm identity and work authorization.

EEO Statement:

James Madison University is committed to creating and supporting a diverse and inclusive work and educational community that is free of all forms of discrimination. This institution does not tolerate discrimination or harassment on the basis of age, color, disability, gender identity or expression, genetic information, national origin, parental status, political affiliation, race, religion, sex, sexual orientation or veteran status.

We promote access, inclusion and diversity for all students, faculty, staff, constituents and programs, believing that these qualities are foundational components of an outstanding education in keeping with our mission. The university is interested in candidates whose experience and qualifications support an ongoing commitment to this core quality.

Anyone having questions concerning discrimination should contact the Office for Equal Opportunity: (540) 568-6991.

Reasonable Accommodation:

If you are an individual with a disability and need assistance searching or applying for jobs please contact us at (540) 568-3597 or jobs@jmu.edu. You may also visit the JMU Human Resource Office, located at 752 Ott Street, Harrisonburg, VA 22807 and we will be happy to assist you.