Program Manager, Swette Center Operations

Job Profile

Administrative Operations Specialist 3

Administrative Operations

Full time

$72,400.00 USD Annual

Bachelor's degree and five (5) years of experience appropriate to the area of assignment/field; OR, Any equivalent combination of experience and/or training from which comparable knowledge, skills and abilities have been achieved.

Supports and instructs those served by the department with complex queries, applies specialized knowledge of multiple standards, policies and procedures, and maintains accurate and detailed records.

Position Salary Range: $57,900 - $72,400 per year; DOE. Under the direction of the Executive Director and senior leadership, the Program Manager plays a pivotal role in the successful functioning of the Executive Director at the Swette Center for Sustainable Food Systems and the Center itself. This role involves managing daily operations, fostering effective communication channels, and ensuring seamless coordination across various internal and external stakeholders.

The position offers an exciting opportunity to contribute to a dynamic environment dedicated to advancing sustainable food initiatives.

• Primary Liaison:
  Serve as the main point of contact for the Center, facilitating communication with university offices, external partners, and internal teams to optimize scheduling, correspondence, and operational workflows.
• Operational Management:
  Oversee the Executive Director's schedule, travel arrangements, and expense reporting, helping to manage completing priorities and ensuring efficient use of time and resources. Coordinate with financial and travel offices to support executive travel and related administrative needs.
• Financial and Human Resources Administration:
  Manage financial transactions, procurement processes, and HR activities, guiding staff on policies and procedures to maintain compliance and operational integrity.
• Staff and Policy Compliance:
  Provide guidance to office staff on university policies to ensure adherence to standards, fostering a compliant and productive work environment.
• Event and Meeting Coordination:
  Organize and facilitate meetings, conferences, and special events. Prepare agendas, minutes, and follow‑up actions, and participate in discussions to advance the Center's initiatives.
• Communication and Public Relations:
  Draft responses to correspondence, manage relations, and resolve issues involving faculty, staff, students, and the public, representing the Center professionally and effectively.
• Human Resources Process:
  Oversee HR procedures, including recruitment planning and documentation, to attract and retain talented personnel aligned with the Center's mission.
• Stakeholder Engagement:
  Interact with university community members and external partners, addressing concerns and fostering positive relationships to advance the Center's strategic goals.

• Comprehensive knowledge of administrative practices.
• Strong management and organizational skills.
• Expertise in human resources and fiscal management, including general accounting principles.
• Knowledge of Arizona state regulations and Board of Regents policies related to financial and personnel administration.
• Exceptional communication skills, both verbal and written, with the ability to handle sensitive and confidential information.
• Proven ability to prioritize tasks effectively and manage multiple projects simultaneously.

While specific additional qualifications are not required, candidates demonstrating proactive problem‑solving, leadership, and a passion for sustainable food systems will find this role particularly rewarding and impactful.

• Climate‑controlled office setting subject to extended periods of being in a stationary position.
• Constantly detects and operates a computer and other office productivity machinery, such as a calculator, copy machine and computer printer.
• Ability to clearly communicate and exchange accurate information to perform…