Administrative Operations Manager(s) : Lally School of Management and the School of Humanities, Arts, and Social Sciences

Job Summary:

The Manager, Administrative Operations serves as the senior administrative and operational leader for the Dean's Office, providing strategic leadership for administrative operations, faculty affairs, executive operations, and school-wide initiatives. Reporting to the Dean, this position oversees the daily administrative functions of the School, manages administrative staff, partners with the Dean in developing and implementing operational strategies that support the School's strategic priorities, and ensures the effective execution of operational priorities that advance the School's strategic mission.

Operating with a high degree of autonomy, discretion, and sound judgment, the Manager serves as a trusted advisor to the Dean and a key liaison among faculty, staff, students, university leadership, advisory boards, alumni, and external constituents. The position is responsible for leading operational planning, overseeing complex administrative processes, overseeing faculty personnel administration, ensuring accreditation and institutional reporting compliance, managing high-profile events, and directing special projects that advance the School's strategic objectives.

Who we are:

Founded in 1824, Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute (RPI) is the first technological research university in the United States. We bring creativity, science, and technology together to address society's greatest challenges. We cultivate exceptional problem-solvers by immersing them in a culture of rigorous inquiry, disciplined practice, and hands-on application. Our strategic plan, RPI Forward, charts a pioneering course for the next era of RPI. Explore the RPI Forward plan. ↗︎

Nestled on a beautiful 275-acre campus in upstate NY, RPI is home to five schools, 32 research centers, three makerspaces, an observatory, one of the world’s fastest supercomputers, and the IBM Quantum System One - the first university-based quantum computer in the world. 

With top notch employee health and retirement benefits, Rensselaer offers its full-time employees a generous paid time off program, tuition remission, and opportunities for career growth. 

Minimum Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration, Public Administration, Higher Education Administration, Management, Finance, Human Resources, or a related field.
• Five (5) or more years of progressively responsible administrative, operational, or business management experience, including supervisory responsibilities.
• Demonstrated experience supervising, mentoring, developing, and evaluating staff.
• Strong organizational, project management, and problem-solving skills, with the ability to manage multiple priorities and competing deadlines.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to effectively interact with diverse internal and external stakeholders.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite and experience using enterprise systems such as Banner, Concur, PageUp, or similar administrative platforms.
• Demonstrated ability to maintain confidentiality, exercise sound judgment, and handle sensitive information with professionalism and discretion. 

Relevant combinations of education, training and experience may be considered.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience in higher education.
• Experience with strategic planning, developing and implementing policies, procedures, and operational efficiencies.
• Experience leading cross-functional teams and managing complex projects.

Minimum Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Strong leadership and interpersonal skills, with the ability to build collaborative relationships across all levels of an organization.
• Ability to interpret institutional policies, apply sound judgment, and make informed decisions.
• Excellent customer service skills with the ability to effectively resolve conflicts and address complex situations.
• Ability to work independently, manage competing priorities, and meet deadlines in a dynamic environment.
• Commitment to continuous improvement and operational excellence.
• High degree of professionalism, discretion, and integrity when handling sensitive information and responsibilities.

• Representative Job Duties:

• Provide operational leadership for the Dean’s Office by overseeing administrative functions, establishing efficient processes, and ensuring the effective execution of strategic and operational priorities. Manage executive operations, including complex