Senior Department Administrator, Research

Sr. Director, Department Planning & Operations

The Sr. Director, Department Planning & Operations provides leadership and oversight over daily operations and long-term strategic goals of the department. The Sr. Director, Department Planning & Operations works closely with internal and external stakeholders and assumes responsibility for planning, directing, and executing initiatives to create and/or improve departmental processes and functions. The incumbent also assists in the development of department metrics and key performance indicators (KPIs) to improve performance and productivity across a service lines or functional areas.

Core

Job Functions:

• Plans, organizes, directs, and controls the operational activities for the department.
• Develops and executes a plan to accomplish the department's goals and objectives.
• Participates in and ensures that strategic planning is conducted at least annually and ensures the execution of the plan.
• Executes business cases, working with cross-functional teams outlining business or expansion opportunities, rationales, and execution plans to achieve the vision of the department.
• Assists in the development of administrative policies and procedures and ensures effective operational standard operating procedures are in place.
• Supports cross functional projects and initiatives through the development of key milestones, project plans and policy development. Responsible for organizing, distributing, and managing agendas, deliverables, action plans, project plans, and various other tools. Manages action items and processes required to see projects through by engaging multiple teams.
• Collaborates with leadership to ensure understanding of metrics and initiatives. Leads messaging and communication efforts, provides feedback, and resolves issues and concerns.
• Builds partnerships across organizational and departmental boundaries to leverage knowledge and refine best practices.
• Monitors financial performance indicators on an ongoing basis, investigates budget variances, and adjusts operations or recommends adjustments when necessary.
• Communicates progress on projects and initiatives, outlining opportunities and risks to all stakeholders.
• Establishes and continuously assesses the effectiveness of the internal controls within the unit and compliance with University policies and procedures. Ensures employees are trained on controls within the function and on University policy and procedures.

Core

Qualifications:

• Education:
  
  Bachelor's degree in relevant field required
• Experience:
  
  Minimum 7 years of relevant experience required
• Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:
  
  Strategic Alignment:
  Skilled in aligning departmental goals with enterprise-wide strategy and develops comprehensive strategic plans. Financial Management:
  Ensures fiscal responsibility, and optimization of financial performance. Resource Management:
  Ability to allocate resources and drive innovation and growth. Adaptability:
  Proven ability to adjust to changes and leads/inspires transformational change. Team Leadership:
  Ability to build and lead high-performing teams, manage complex projects, and ensure successful project delivery. Technology & Analytics:
  Understanding of technology, data analytics, and performance measurement to drive strategic decisions and identify opportunities. Communication:
  Ability to influence others, articulate strategic vision, and ensure clear and persuasive communication.