The salary range for this role takes into account the wide range of factors that are considered in making compensation decisions including but not limited to skill sets; experience and training; licensure and certifications; and other business and organizational needs.

At WGU, it is not typical for an individual to be hired at or near the top of the range for their role, and compensation decisions are dependent on the facts and circumstances of each case. A reasonable estimate of the current range is:

If you’re passionate about building a better future for individuals, communities, and our country—and you’re committed to working hard to play your part in building that future—consider WGU as the next step in your career.

Driven by a mission to expand access to higher education through online, competency-based degree programs, WGU is also committed to being a great place to work for a diverse workforce of student-focused professionals. The university has pioneered a new way to learn in the 21st century, one that has received praise from academic, industry, government, and media leaders. Whatever your role, working for WGU gives you a part to play in helping students graduate, creating a better tomorrow for themselves and their families.

***Internal applications must be submitted by Wednesday, February 14th***

The WGU Academy Business Operations Manager will support several key functional areas within Business Operations, including accounting, student financial services, vendor management, partner support, payment programs administration, and will deliver and manage various standard operating procedures for the organization. This position will collaborate with leadership to execute operational improvements. The Business Operations Manager will play a critical role in managing financial policies and procedures, employing approved strategies, assisting with budget oversight, and improving student retention. This position will work closely with Academy’s external partners to understand business needs to support operational solutions. The individual will be part of a dynamic, hands-on team and will be counted on to become a subject matter expert within their areas of purview

Essential Functions and Responsibilities:

• Tactical/hands-on daily work in WGU Academy student refunds, disputes, installments, extensions, SMS/Text notification management.
• Cross-functional management creates opportunities for synergies across departments
• Builds strong, collaborative relationships with internal and external stakeholders
• Contributes to organizational design and to cross-functional initiatives to drive long term business sustainability
• Supports cross-functional teams to ensure successful product delivery and partner satisfaction
• Responsible for successful onboarding of partners and their continuous operational support
• Performs various business analysis and monitors relevant KPIs
• Sets performance goals for team members and monitors progress
• Influences decision making with leadership, peer, and subordinate audiences
• Manages various tuition programs and student incentives
• Manages American Express v-Pay account (virtual credit cards)
• Manages WGU Academy Scholarship Program, including application review and funds disbursement
• Performs reconciliations and conducts regular internal audits of third-party payment programs, and leads the team(s) responsible for accounting support functions
• Partners, communicates, and collaborates with corporate accounting and finance teams
• Monitors financial data and recommends solutions that will improve financial programs
• Addresses student and partner issues as they arise
• Develops or refines and documents standard operating procedures, ensuring compliance with applicable governance agency rules and applicable laws
• Identifies opportunities for process improvement and drives and manages related initiatives
• Identifies and plans multi-functional efforts and coordinates activities to execute operational initiatives
• Understands and analyzes financial policies and company budgets
• Creates accurate and timely reports from established quantitative metrics
• Works cross-functionally to create and incubate new policies and procedures
• Manages employee’s performance and provides frequent coaching and performance feedback; address performance issues in a timely and constructive manner (partners with the direct manager and P&T (People & Talent) when formal corrective action is needed)
• Supports employee engagement and performance recognition programs
• Holds direct reports accountable for assigned projects and areas of responsibilities
• Provides measurable feedback to direct reports and suggestions for improved performance
• Coaches, mentors, and assists in the professional development of team members
• Participates in department and area staffing activities, including candidate interviewing and selection
• Performs other duties as assigned

#LI-BC1

#AA

Knowledge, Skill, and Abilities

• Thorough understanding of practices and policies involved in business and finance
• Ability to interpret financial data
• Understanding of budgets and forecasts
• Excellent verbal and written communication and interpersonal skills
• Proficient in Microsoft Office products, and CRM and ERP software programs
• Excellent time management and organizational skills
• Thorough attention to detail, analytical and problem-solving abilities
• Ability to lead, build and coach high performing teams within a business and ensure projects, initiatives or other work functions are performed successfully
• Capability to increase employee engagement, support a positive environment and help remove obstacles for team members
• Ability to make decisions quickly to help move projects and increase efficiency
• Experience building strong relationships with direct reports and creating resilient teams that can work through difficulties that may arise

Qualifications

Minimum Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in Business Management, Business Administration or another relevant degree
• 2-3 years’ experience in a management position with a strong preference for business operations management experience

Working Conditions
5% travel

As an equal opportunity employer, WGU recognizes that our strength lies in our people. We are committed to diversity.