Administrative and Operations Coordinator for School of Business and Leadership

Administrative and Operations Coordinator for School of Business and Leadership

Columbia College - Columbia, South Carolina

Position Type Full Time

The Administrative and Operations Assistant is integral to the efficient and effective operation of the School of Business and Leadership (SBL); leading administrative, project, and operational initiatives that advance the strategic priorities of the School of Business and Leadership while providing direct administrative support to the Dean. This position leads cross-functional coordination efforts among faculty, students, partner programs, and administrative offices across the College.

Reporting directly to the Dean, the Administrative and Operations Assistant is expected to exercise a high level of discretion, initiative, and independent judgment, particularly when managing complex, operational, and confidential matters.

This role presents a valuable opportunity to actively contribute to the continued development of a reimagined School and the strategic expansion of its undergraduate and graduate programs. Located in Columbia, South Carolina, the School currently serves approximately 550 students engaged in learning and research across multiple instructional modalities. With strong industry partnerships and a longstanding commitment to student success, the school is well positioned for growth and innovation as it seeks to expand its reach within the service area and beyond.

Administrative Support & Operations

• Manages the Dean's calendar, schedules meetings, and coordinates travel arrangements.
• Leads daily school operations and oversees operational budget planning, monitoring, and resource allocation activities.
• Prepares and edits correspondence, reports, presentations, marketing materials, and other official documents.
• Handles incoming and outgoing communications, including phone calls, emails, and mail.
• Maintains organized and secure filing systems while ensuring confidentiality.
• Manages administrative processes and operational workflows that facilitate faculty and staff effectiveness within the School of Business and Leadership.
• Leads the development, implementation, and continuous improvement of operational workflows, systems, and standard operating procedures to maximize the School's operational efficiency.

Meeting & Event Coordination

• Leads planning and execution of school meetings and events, manages meeting logistics, and ensures completion of follow-up actions and deliverables.
• Oversees logistical planning and execution for internal and external meetings, conferences, and signature school events.
• Coordinates, schedules, and manages logistics for high-level advisory board meetings, industry networking events, and business partner round tables.

Liaison, External Engagement, and Communication

• Leads stakeholder engagement efforts and serves as the primary liaison between the School and internal and external stakeholders.
• Facilitates effective communication and collaboration across departments and with external partners.
• Responds to inquiries and requests, directing them appropriately and ensuring timely and professional follow-through.
• Leads external relations initiatives and serves as a primary ambassador for the School of Business and Leadership, welcoming executive guests, alumni, community leaders, and students with a high degree of professionalism.
• Develops and manages relationships with business and industry partners to advance external relations, internship opportunities, and strategic partnerships.

Project Management

• Assists with and, when appropriate, leads the planning and execution of special projects and initiatives within the School of Business and Leadership.
• Conducts research, compiles data, and prepares reports to support informed decision-making.
• Manages project timelines, deliverables, and communication plans for critical SBL academic and operational initiatives (e.g., accreditation preparation, assessment preparation, curriculum changes, program launches, social media, marketing, and community outreach campaigns).

Budget and Office Management

• Manages day-to-day office operations, including oversight of supplies and equipment.
• Oversees budget monitoring, purchasing activities, resource planning, and expenditure tracking.
• Manages administrative support related to student workers, adjunct faculty, and full-time faculty hiring processes.
• Lead process improvement initiatives and develops operational procedures that enhance efficiency, organization, and productivity.

This position requires a high level of confidentiality and frequent interaction with senior leadership, faculty, staff, students, and external constituents. Success in this role demands the ability to manage multiple priorities effectively and perform in a fast-paced, dynamic environment.

Essential Job Functions

The essential duties of this position include, but are not limited to, the following: