Assistant Director Digital Futures Operations

About Digital Futures Operations (DF Ops)

The Digital Futures Operations (DF Ops) department is a vital unit within the University of Cincinnati's Office of Research. We are dedicated to supporting the mission and daily functions of the Digital Futures (DF) building – UC's premier interdisciplinary research facility. DF Ops ensures seamless facility management, fosters a collaborative research environment, and provides comprehensive support to faculty, staff, students, and external partners.

The Assistant Director Digital Futures Operations position is responsible for overseeing daily operations and strategic initiatives of the DF building. This fully on‑site role plays a pivotal part in ensuring the safe, compliant, and effective operation of a complex environment that supports cutting‑edge research, collaboration, and community engagement. The Assistant Director provides operational leadership in research facility management, safety and compliance, resource allocation, and user support, collaborating closely with faculty, staff, students, and external partners to facilitate research activities, manage shared spaces and equipment, and uphold the highest standards of service and operational excellence.

• Assist with the management and oversight of Digital Futures (DF) building operations, including setting goals, monitoring performance to achieve strategic objectives, and facilitating interdisciplinary research programs.
• Assist with the management and supervision of core research facilities and shared laboratory environments, coordinating procurement of research instrumentation and equipment installation and maintenance, allocating resources, and ensuring compliance with all safety and regulatory standards.
• Implement DF building operations internal policies and procedures to improve usage of DF facilities, increase internal and external business partnerships, and enhance the experience of DF visitors, research labs, and building residents; ensure that all programs and services comply with university, state, and federal regulations.
• Develop and implement standard operating procedures (SOPs) for research facility use and safety to promote efficient and secure operations.
• Evaluate the effectiveness of DF facility operations, customer service initiatives, and recommend enhancements that meet the needs of residents, ensuring consistency with the mission of the Office of Research and the University. Identify facility needs and recommend responsive and proactive solutions to enhance the DF experience.
• Assist with and make recommendations in the preparation of the annual operating budget for the DF building operations; submit purchase requests for approval, monitor expenses, and assist with expense and budget reports.
• Coordinate facility access, provide user training, and monitor resource utilization to support research activities and optimize facility performance.
• Manage conference and event related activity in DF, collaborating with Conference & Event Services and internally hosted meetings, events, activities, and academic conferences, including recommending and monitoring budget and staffing levels for conference and event support activities.
• Provide direct and/or indirect supervision to exempt and non‑exempt staff (i.e., hiring/firing, performance evaluations, disciplinary action, approval of time off).
• Perform related duties based on departmental need. This job description can be changed at any time.

• Bachelor's Degree
• Nine (9) years of relevant education, experience, and/or other specialized training can fulfill minimum education and experience requirements

Five (5) years of relevant experience and knowledge of digital technologies, including supervisory/lead experience.

• Experience fostering collaborative relationships with faculty, staff, students, and external partners to advance research goals.
• Familiarity with budget management, procurement, and reporting related to research laboratories, core facilities, or service center operations.
• Demonstrated discretion and sound judgment in handling sensitive or…