Business Operations Lead

Organizational Summary

The mission of Carolina Performing Arts (CPA) is to spark curiosity, inspiring all members of our community to discover and more fully engage with the world. We collaborate with dynamic and compelling artists from across the globe to create novel, mission-driven performing arts experiences in partnership with our community. We also open our venues to others to explore, create, and celebrate their own work. Through the Office of the Executive Director for the Arts, CPA oversees all artistic programming, campus and community engagement, marketing and fundraising for its presented, commissioned and produced work, and manages all operations of its venues including facility rentals, technical production, audience services and ticketing.

Carolina Performing Arts thrives because of our collaborations with a diverse cohort of partners that create deeper understanding for our audiences and enable us to be empathetic visionaries. As our campus, state, nation, and world continue to reckon with systemic injustices, we are committed to being an agent for change and making certain that our internal practices reflect the values that are made visible on the stage. We have identified a set of equity priorities and goals to guide us in evaluating and redesigning our own systems, operations, and culture. In September 2021, CPA launched a permanent Equity Council made up of eight staff members, including a leadership representative, who serve as an advisory body supporting the development and execution of those priorities. Our work is made possible – and made better – through the contributions of team members from a wide array of backgrounds, experiences, and identities. We seek to recruit and develop staff to create a welcoming, inclusive, and equitable organization.

Position Summary

The Business Operations Lead plays a critical role in the Executive Director for the Arts’ business activities as a member of the Business Office team and reports to the Assistant Director, Budget & Business Strategy. Working alongside other members of the Carolina Performing Arts staff, this position contributes to the planning and administrative efforts necessary to engage, collaborate with, and present artists such as Rhiannon Giddens, Mahler Chamber Orchestra, Jazz at Lincoln Center, and Martha Graham Dance Company. This position leads financial accounting and processing for accounts payable and accounts receivable, contributes to budget reconciliation and reporting, and supports overall business operations for the unit. The Business Operations Lead will be expected to display superior technical knowledge in accounting processes, procedures, and system operations to ensure supported departments follow all relevant campus, state, federal and other agency policies in relation to finance. They must be knowledgeable of the rules and regulations as they pertain to each unique funding source that comprises the unit’s annual budget and must interpret and advise on their application for the unique business needs of the unit.

The Business Operations Lead is expected to serve as a resource, subject matter expert, and valued collaborator for colleagues across the organization. They will cultivate and maintain strong relationships with administrative service units across UNC who support accounting services, procurement, and other business operations. This individual must be dynamic, curious, collaborative, and comfortable with helping drive change. Fulfillment of the duties of this position carries a high financial and reputational consequence of error. This position is eligible for a hybrid work arrangement including a combination of remote and in-office work locations as well as flexible work hours.

Minimum Education and Experience: High school diploma or equivalency and one year of experience in accounting work; or equivalent combination of training and experience.

Required Qualifications and Experience:

• Clear and concise written and verbal communication skills, along with advanced demonstrated knowledge of Microsoft Office365 Suite
• Ability to demonstrate superior interpersonal skills, attention to detail, problem-solving, confidentiality, and organizational skills while operating in a fast-paced environment
• Demonstrated ability to multi-task, prioritize deadlines, and balance short-term tasks with longer-term projects.
• Ability to work independently and with limited direction, while also able to identify when to ask for help or seek expertise from others
• Strong analytical skills including the ability to assess accuracy, validity, and integrity of data as well as the ability to retain and organize high volumes of information
• Willingness and ability to received constructive feedback, manage ambiguity, and adapt to changing priorities
• Proven ability to connect one’s own work and goals to the broader mission and values of an organization
• Demonstrated enthusiasm for and alignment with Carolina Performing Arts’ mission and institutional values of curiosity, humility, and ambition
• Ability to build internal stakeholder relationships across the organization with staff, senior leaders, and team members in a manner that contributes to a values-driven culture

Preferred Qualifications and Experience:

• Bachelor’s degree in business administration or accounting; or Associate’s degree in business administration or accounting and one year of experience
• Professional experience in higher education and/or nonprofits
• Experience with PeopleSoft or other Enterprise Resource Planning systems in a higher education setting
• Knowledge of UNC finance and accounting procedures, policies, and systems including InfoPorte and Ramses
• Demonstrated ability to exercise judgement and discretion in problem solving
• Demonstrated ability to independently explain financial concepts both orally and in writing and to communicate effectively, efficiently, and diplomatically, with staff and external partners
• Ability to design, logically work through, and articulate complex processes
• Demonstrated knowledge and application of GAAP and internal control

For full position details and requirements, and to apply, please visit https://unc.peopleadmin.com/postings/236887 and indicate IDEALIST in your application. EOE.