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

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Fayetteville, AR, USA
In-Office
149K-196K Annually
Mid level
Other • Professional Services • Social Impact
The Role
The Chief Business Officer provides strategic financial leadership for the Division of Research and Innovation, overseeing financial planning, budgeting, forecasting, accounting, resource allocation, and operational effectiveness. The role manages research-related financial commitments, supports sponsored research compliance, and partners with university leadership and external stakeholders to advance research objectives. Responsibilities include monitoring budgets, interpreting financial data, presenting financial activity, ensuring regulatory compliance, and strengthening division-wide administrative infrastructure.
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Closing Date:

09/28/2026
Type of Position:
Administrative Strategy


Workstudy Position:

No
Job Type:
Regular

Work Shift:


Sponsorship Available:

No
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.
If you have a disability and need assistance with the hiring process, please submit a request via the Disability Accommodations | OEOC | University of Arkansas (uark.edu) : Request an Accommodation. Appli­cants are required to submit a request for each position of which they have applied.
For general application assistance or if you have questions about a job posting, please contact Human Resources at 479.575.5351.


Department:
Assistant Vice Chancellor for Business Services


Department's Website:


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:


Salary Information:

$148,500 - $196,000 Commensurate with education and experience


Required Documents to Apply:

Cover Letter/Letter of Application, List of three Professional References (name, email, business title), Resume

Optional Documents:

Proof of Veteran Status


Recruitment Contact Information:

Crystal 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

Skills Required

  • Bachelor's degree in finance, accounting, or a related field from an accredited institution
  • At least four years of financial planning and analysis experience
  • At least two years of supervisory experience
  • At least three years of accounting experience related to research enterprise activities
  • Experience presenting financial activity in written and verbal formats
  • Experience developing, implementing, and monitoring budgets
  • Experience with federal and state regulations governing sponsored research
  • Master's degree in business, accounting, or a related field
  • Experience with federal Uniform Guidance and related federal regulatory systems
  • At least four years of financial planning and analysis experience in post-secondary higher education
  • Successful completion of a CPA or similar professional certification
  • Director-level experience
  • Experience managing financial operations, accounting, budgeting, and reporting functions in a post-secondary environment
  • Workday experience
  • Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite, especially Word and Excel

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HQ: Little Rock, AR
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Year Founded: 1871

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The University of Arkansas System is a public higher-education system serving Arkansas through multiple campuses, a medical school, law schools, community colleges, and statewide research and extension units. It provides academic programs, professional training, agricultural and scientific research, and public-service outreach to support workforce development and community needs. The system coordinates educational resources, advances research, and expands access to learning and healthcare across the state.

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