Associate Director

Job Profile:

Administrative Operations Manager 2

Administrative Operations

Full time

$ USD Annual

• Bachelor's degree and five (5) years of experience appropriate to the area of assignment/field including two (2) years managerial experience; OR, Any equivalent combination of experience and/or training from which comparable knowledge, skills and abilities have been achieved.

Manages the intermediate to complex operations of a department within the division. Monitors budget, implements strategic priorities, and prepares reports for senior management.

Salary Range: $78,000 - $117,810 per year; DOE

The Associate Director provides strategic and operational leadership for the Center for Accelerating Operational Efficiency (CAOE), a multidisciplinary research center advancing innovative solutions in data analytics, artificial intelligence, operations research, systems engineering, and homeland security. Reporting to the Executive Director, the Associate Director oversees the center's administrative, financial, operational, and research support functions to ensure the successful execution of sponsored research programs, strategic initiatives, and stakeholder engagement.

The Associate Director serves as a key member of the leadership team and works collaboratively with faculty investigators, university leadership, government sponsors, industry partners, and consortium institutions to support the center's research mission, operational excellence, and long-term sustainability.

• Provide leadership and oversight for the daily administrative and operational functions of the department, ensuring efficient, effective, and compliant business operations.
• Manage multiple high-priority initiatives while providing executive-level support to senior leadership, including complex calendar management, meeting coordination, travel arrangements, expense reconciliation, and preparation of briefing materials.
• Develop, prepare, analyze, and present administrative, operational, and financial reports to support strategic planning, resource allocation, and executive decision-making.
• Monitor departmental budgets, financial activities, and expenditures; assist in the development, implementation, and oversight of operating, state, local, grant, and capital budgets while ensuring compliance with university policies and sound fiscal practices.
• Analyze departmental operations and recommend process improvements that enhance efficiency, internal controls, customer service, and organizational effectiveness.
• Participate in the development, implementation, and evaluation of strategic initiatives, policies, procedures, and operational goals to support departmental and institutional objectives.
• Oversee human resources and personnel functions, including recruitment, onboarding, employee access requests, performance management support, and coordination with Human Resources to ensure compliance with applicable policies and regulations.
• Supervise, mentor, and develop administrative staff by establishing performance expectations, providing coaching, and fostering professional growth.
• Ensure compliance with university, state, federal, and sponsor regulations related to procurement, contracts, financial administration, records management, and operational activities.
• Coordinate procurement and contract administration activities, monitor expenditures, and review transactions to ensure adherence to applicable policies, regulations, and internal controls.
• Collaborate with university offices, including Finance, Human Resources, Procurement, Research Administration, and other campus partners to coordinate administrative and operational activities.
• Coordinate departmental events, meetings, conferences, and special projects, including logistics, facility arrangements, catering, communications, and participant management.
• Prepare executive correspondence, reports, presentations, and other complex documents requiring independent judgment, discretion, and knowledge of institutional policies and procedures.
• Review, approve, and monitor operational documents for completeness, accuracy, and compliance with university standards and established business practices.
• Oversee front office operations, visitor services, communications, mail distribution, and customer service functions to ensure a professional and welcoming environment.
• Manage departmental office operations, including facilities coordination, inventory management, office supply procurement, equipment, and administrative resources.
• Serve as a trusted advisor to departmental leadership by identifying operational risks, recommending solutions, and supporting continuous improvement initiatives.
• Perform other duties as assigned in support of departmental and university prio