Director of Business Services bei Charleston Southern University

Description

Director of Business Services
Charleston Southern University

Position Overview

Reporting to the VP of Finance and Chief Financial Officer, the Director of Business Services provides leadership and oversight for the University’s procurement, contract management, vendor relations, and auxiliary service operations. This position ensures that business services are delivered efficiently, ethically, and in alignment with the University’s mission, financial goals, and compliance requirements. The Director plays a critical role in stewarding institutional resources while supporting faculty, staff, and students through effective service delivery.

Key Responsibilities

Procurement & Contract Management

-    Oversee the procurement process, ensuring compliance with University policies, state/federal regulations and best practices.
-    Review and manage contracts to mitigate risk and secure favorable terms for the University.
-    Develop and maintain standardized contract templates, procedures, and tracking systems.
-    Provide training and guidance to departments on purchasing and contract compliance.

Vendor & Supplier Relations:
-    Mange vendor selection, evaluation and performance to ensure high-quality and cost-effective services.
-    Build strong partnership with external vendors and suppliers while protecting University interests.
-    Monitor vendor contracts for renewal, compliance and service-level adherence.
Auxiliary & Support Services:
-    Provide strategic oversight for auxiliary services such as campus dining, bookstore, mail room and other contracted services.
-    Evaluate auxiliary service performance and implement improvements to enhance the student and campus experience.
-    Collaborate with campus stakeholders to identify opportunities for service enhancements and efficiencies.
Other Duties:
-    Collaborate with academic and administrative departments to understand needs and deliver solutions.  
-    Serve as a key advisor to University leadership on procurement, vendor management, and auxiliary operations.  
-    Perform other related duties as assigned by the VP of Finance and Chief Financial Officer.
 

Qualifications

Required Skills and Attributes

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Business, Finance, Accounting, or a related field is required.

Experience
-    2-4 years of experience in procurement, purchasing, contract management, or a related field.
-    Experience in higher education or non-profit procurement is preferred.
-    Strong knowledge of purchasing policies, vendor negotiations, and contract compliance.
-    Excellent written and verbal communication skills.

Technical Skills
-    Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Excel, Word, Outlook) and financial software (Concur, Banner, or similar ERP systems).
-    Ability to quickly learn and navigate new software platforms.

Essential Functions & Work Environment
-    Regular, on-time attendance and ability to work remotely with flexibility for on-campus requirements as needed.
-    Physical stamina to manage purchasing tasks, including reviewing physical documents and attending meetings as required.
-    Ability to work in all types of weather when occasional on-campus work is required.

Application Process

Interested candidates should submit a resume, cover letter (if available), and faith statement and answer all mandatory application questions. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis until the position is filled.

About CSU

Located near historic Charleston, South Carolina, Charleston Southern University is a comprehensive institution offering a liberal arts curriculum to over 3,600 students and offers over 60 majors and graduate programs in Education, Business, Criminal Justice, and Nursing.  The mission of the University is “promoting academic excellence in a Christian environment,” and the vision is to be a Christian University nationally recognized for integrating faith in learning, leading and serving.  Charleston Southern has nationally accredited programs in nursing, business, education, music and athletics, and a budget of approximately $60 million.  Affiliated with the South Carolina Baptist Convention, Charleston Southern employs faculty and staff who are professing Christians.  For more information about the University, please visit www.charlestonsouthern.edu. 

Charleston Southern University is an Equal Opportunity Employer

This job description is not designed to contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee.  Other duties, responsibilities and activities may change or be assigned at any time with or without notice.

Charleston Southern University is a Christian university and tobacco-free campus. We do not illegally discriminate on the basis of race, age, color, national or ethnic origin, disability, sex, religion, genetic information, veteran or military status, or any other basis on which the University is prohibited from discrimination under local, state or federal law, in its employment or in the provision of its services, including but not limited to its programs and activities, admissions, educational policies, scholarship and loan programs, and athletic and University-administered programs. In order to fulfill its purpose, the University may discriminate on the basis of religion in employment. The University has been granted exemption from certain regulations promulgated under Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972 which conflict with the University’s religious tenets and core values.