VSEC Director of Operations

The Director of Operations will provide executive‐level operational leadership and management for VSEC. In partnership with the Center Director and senior leadership, the incumbent will establish a roadmap with outlined strategies to advance the center’s efforts under the Education and Industry Partnership Pillars, through partnerships and outreach coordination. In addition, the Director of Operations will oversee daily operations, financial planning and budget oversight, administrative infrastructure, human resources and staffing, project and grant administration, facilities and space management, and internal continuous improvement. This role will ensure that VSEC’s administrative practices, systems and processes are aligned with Vanderbilt University policies, support the interdisciplinary and translational mission of the center, and enable growth, collaboration and impact.

About the Work Unit:
The Vanderbilt Center for Sustainability, Energy and Climate (VSEC) advances rigorous, high-level research, educational opportunities, entrepreneurship, and partnerships in sustainability, energy and climate. It brings together Vanderbilt University’s expertise in engineering, science, law, policy, education and other disciplines to investigate major challenges such as energy integration; resource sustainability; climate change mitigation and adaptation; and systems risk, reliability and resilience VSEC embodies Vanderbilt’s “radical collaboration” approach to create solutions that make real impact. Within this context, the Director of Operations will be a key leader ensuring that the center’s operational, administrative, financial and programmatic functions are running smoothly, strategically and in support of its research, education and outreach mission.

Key Functions and Expected Performance:
• Operational Leadership & Strategy
1. Collaborate with the Center Director and leadership team to develop, implement and monitor the operational strategy and annual plan for VSEC, aligned with the center’s mission and objectives.
2. Collaborate with the Center Director and leadership team to outline a roadmap and strategic initiatives towards advancing the center’s missions on innovative engagement and global outreach.
3. Translate strategic goals into operational plans and ensure effective execution across functional areas.
4. Identify opportunities for operational improvement, efficiency, cost savings, and innovation.

• Workflow and Partnership Coordination
1. Improve workflows and ensure effective coordination of activities across a complex, diverse, and evolving network of internal and external partners.
2. Develop operational systems that promote communication, accountability, and synergy across interdisciplinary teams, schools, and external collaborators.

• Event and Program Execution
1. Oversee the planning and execution of high-profile events, symposia, and strategic initiatives, ensuring alignment with the center’s mission and Vanderbilt’s brand standards.
2. Prioritize tasks, delegate responsibilities, and integrate various program elements for seamless execution.
3. Continuously adapt strategies to manage increasing program complexity, expand operational frameworks, and integrate new initiatives as the center grows.

• Initiative Management and Branding
1. Ensure the successful completion of major center initiatives with meticulous attention to detail, branding, marketing, and stakeholder engagement.
2. Collaborate with communications and marketing teams to elevate the visibility of the center’s work through cohesive branding and strategic storytelling.

• Financial and Budget Oversight
1. Establish and manage transparent and comprehensive budget plans to track spending, revenue, and fund utilization across programs and initiatives.
2. Ensure responsible financial stewardship, compliance with university financial policies, and efficient use of resources to support strategic priorities.

• Strategic Initiative Alignment
1. Monitor progress of strategic initiatives, ensuring milestones are met and risks are proactively managed.
2. Collaborate with internal and external experts to drive execution, remove barriers, and ensure that projects achieve intended outcomes and impact.

• Leadership Collaboration and Transition Management
1. Work closely with university leadership to meet expectations during key transitions, including the establishment and scaling of the center.
2. Provide strategic operational leadership that supports the center’s growth, stability, and integration within Vanderbilt’s broader institutional ecosystem.

• Administration & Human Resources
1. Oversee the center’s administrative staff; recruit, hire, train, supervise and eval