Program Operations Manager

Case Western Reserve University is committed to providing a transparent estimate of the salary for this position at the time of its posting. The starting wage rate is $20.68 per hour, depending on qualifications, experience, department budgets, and industry data.

Employees receive more than just a paycheck. University employees enjoy a comprehensive benefits package that includes excellent healthcare, retirement plans, tuition assistance, paid time off, and a winter recess.

The Program Operations Manager is responsible for creating the operational infrastructure necessary to support the growth and long-term sustainability of the Leadership Institute, Center for Family Business, and Entrepreneurship Through Acquisition. The position enables Center leadership to focus on external engagement, partnership development, fundraising, and strategic growth by ensuring programs, systems, communications, and operational processes are executed effectively and consistently. The role requires independent judgment, strong prioritization skills, adaptability, and a high degree of ownership.

The successful candidate will be a proactive operator who creates clarity, establishes order, and drives execution across multiple priorities simultaneously. This individual must be comfortable working in an evolving environment, identifying opportunities for improvement, and translating ideas into action without waiting for detailed direction.

• Lead program operations and delivery. Manage the planning, coordination, execution, and evaluation of programs, events, workshops, forums, speaker series, advisory board meetings, and stakeholder engagements across multiple centers of excellence. Develop and maintain project plans, timelines, communications, registration processes, participant materials, and logistical arrangements. Coordinate facilities, technology, vendors, travel, catering, and event operations while ensuring a consistently high-quality participant experience. Monitor program outcomes and recommend improvements to increase effectiveness and efficiency.
  
  (35%)
• Create capacity for center leadership. Create operational capacity for executive directors and center leaders by managing administrative processes, stakeholder communications, scheduling, reporting, participant records, follow-up activities, and other operational functions necessary for effective center management. Serve as a primary operational point of contact for participants, sponsors, alumni, faculty, and community partners while exercising sound judgment and professionalism in all interactions. Identify opportunities to streamline workflows, improve service delivery, and increase organizational effectiveness.
  
  (25%)
• Build systems and improve processes. Develop, implement, and maintain standardized operating procedures, templates, workflows, reporting tools, databases, and knowledge management resources that improve consistency and effectiveness across centers. Evaluate and utilize technology solutions, including AI-enabled tools, to improve productivity, communication, operational performance, and stakeholder experience. Continuously seek opportunities to reduce complexity and create scalable operating practices. (15%)
• Coordinate communications and stakeholder engagement. Coordinate center communications and marketing activities in collaboration with Weatherhead marketing resources. Maintain websites, participant communications, stakeholder databases, marketing materials, and social media content as appropriate. Ensure information is accurate, current, and aligned with center objectives. Support initiatives that strengthen participant engagement, community relationships, and visibility of center programs and activities. (15%)
• Manage financial and administrative operations. Manage operational financial processes including purchasing, invoicing, budget tracking, expense reconciliation, reporting, and financial record maintenance. Monitor expenditures, maintain accurate records, and identify opportunities to improve resource utilization while ensuring compliance with university policies and procedures. (10%)

Perform other duties as assigned. (