Business Manager

Department: CAS Philosophy

Appointment Type and Duration: Regular, Ongoing

Salary: $52,000 to $62,000 per year

Compensation Band: OS-OA06-Fiscal Year 2021-2022

FTE: 1.0

Application Review Begins

March 26, 2022; position open until filled.

Special Instructions to Applicants

In addition to the online application form, please submit a resumé and a cover letter that concisely demonstrate how you meet the minimum requirements for this position. As part of your application, you will be asked to provide contact information for three professional references. We will not contact references until the final stages of the search.

Department Summary

The Department of Philosophy offers undergraduate and graduate degrees (B.A., B.S., minors in Philosophy and in Ethics, M.A., and Ph.D.). We are especially known for American philosophy, Continental philosophy, feminist philosophy, Latin American philosophy, philosophy of race, philosophy of technology, and environmental philosophy.



Our graduate program produces first-rate scholars and teachers with a strong foundation in the history of philosophy, a well-rounded preparation in the diverse concerns of contemporary philosophy, and the skills to communicate effectively across different traditions and schools of thought. Our graduates have an established track record of successful placement in tenure-track positions at liberal arts colleges and research universities.



Our thriving undergraduate program, with over 200 majors and minors, is one of the largest in the nation. We encourage our students to become engaged, reflective citizens and lifelong learners while preparing them for graduate study or careers in government, law, the non-profit sector, or business. Our undergraduate program emphasizes the skills of critical reflection, written and oral communication, and creative problem-solving.

Position Summary

The purpose of this position is to manage the administrative, financial, academic, and research operations of the Philosophy Department. In collaboration with the department head, the business manager has authority and responsibility to make decisions related to internal controls, compliance with departmental, university, local, state, and federal policies and procedures, business and financial transactions, administrative issues, and human resources.




In accordance with UO and college policies and procedures, the business manager may develop and implement plans, policies, procedures, systems, programs, and performance standards. The manager participates in strategic planning efforts as part of the management team and implements and evaluates short and long-range departmental goals. The position will be responsible for managing staff, equipment, and facilities, as well as for determining resource needs and priorities and making recommendations to the department head.




Under state, federal and CBA regulations, the manager supervises staff and manages human resources for the unit. They determine training needs for staff and make appropriate arrangements for the provision of training.



As CAS implements a new organizational model over the next 6-12 months, the duties, structure, and organizational placement of this position will change significantly. This position summary describes the current state of the position, prior to the reorganization. Applicants will have the opportunity to learn more about anticipated organizational shifts throughout the search process, but can expect the role to maintain its focus on administration and operations. The selected finalist will have the opportunity to be involved in the implementation of organizational change.

Minimum Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree plus 3 years office or program management experience in a complex environment, OR equivalent combination of education, skills, and experience.
• Two years of experience supervising one or more non-student employees.
• Two years of experience managing budgets for a program, department, agency, or business.

Professional Competencies

• Ability to learn new skills quickly, and adapt well to organizational change.
• Understanding of and ability to promote principles of diversity, equity, and inclusion, including working with a diverse population and sensitivity to cultural differences.
• Ability to work in an environment with multiple layers of approvals, policies, and procedures, including ability to adhere to established policies and processes and promote compliance.
• Ability to communicate clearly and effectively, both verbally and in writing.
• Ability to plan, organize and multi-task to ensure the completion of responsibilities and manage/support others to succeed in their roles.
• Ability to utilize standard office software (Excel, Word, Outlook, etc.).
• Ability to work independently to assess situations and determine next steps.
• Ability to handle conflict and manage difficult situations appropriately.

Preferred Qualifications

• Professional experience in higher education, government, nonprofit, or other public sector administration.

FLSA Exempt: Yes

All offers of employment are contingent upon successful completion of a background inquiry.

University of Oregon students and employees are required to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19. For additional information see: https://coronavirus.uoregon.edu/vaccine.

The University of Oregon is proud to offer a robust benefits package to eligible employees, including health insurance, retirement plans and paid time off. For more information about benefits, visit http://hr.uoregon.edu/careers/about-benefits.

The University of Oregon is an equal opportunity, affirmative action institution committed to cultural diversity and compliance with the ADA. The University encourages all qualified individuals to apply, and does not discriminate on the basis of any protected status, including veteran and disability status. The University is committed to providing reasonable accommodations to applicants and employees with disabilities. To request an accommodation in connection with the application process, please contact us at [email protected] or 541-346-5112.

UO prohibits discrimination on the basis of race, color, sex, national or ethnic origin, age, religion, marital status, disability, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, and gender expression in all programs, activities and employment practices as required by Title IX, other applicable laws, and policies. Retaliation is prohibited by UO policy. Questions may be referred to the Title IX Coordinator, Office of Civil Rights Compliance, or to the Office for Civil Rights. Contact information, related policies, and complaint procedures are listed on the statement of non-discrimination.

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