Manager, Strategic Operations, Daniels College of Business

Position Summary

The Manager of Strategic Operations is a key and highly visible member of the Dean of the Daniels College of Business executive staff. Under general supervision from the Dean, manages complex, cross-functional projects and initiatives and provides assistance and support to the Dean on matters that are sensitive and complex and require a high level of independence, analytical skill, and initiative in execution and implementation. May represent the Dean in discussions with other Deans, Associate Deans, the Office of the Provost, donors, faculty, and staff. Works closely with senior university administrators, campus departments, advisory boards, community leaders, donors, and various other Daniel’s stakeholders to assist with the Dean’s initiatives. Coordinates the Dean’s planning and operating activities and ensures the timely flow of information with the utmost professionalism and discretion.

Essential Functions

Strategic Leadership and Planning Responsibilities

• Report to the Dean and function as Dean’s leadership partner. Coach and mentored administrative support staff in handling difficult and sensitive situations and ensure smooth daily operations.
• Offer strategic leadership and guidance to the administrative support team, ensuring alignment with the Dean’s vision, operational objectives, and long-term institutional goals.
• Coordinate and liaise with other senior administrative and academic officials on all matters of interest to the Dean.
• Represent the Dean’s perspectives throughout a broad range of programs, committees, meetings, and complex issues.
• Identify issues that require cross-functional input and participate in the evaluation, analysis, and coordination of analysis, strategies, decisions, and outcomes.
• Support the execution of key initiatives and strategic projects, tracking progress and ensuring follow-through.
• Oversee the strategic planning, coordination, and execution of faculty meetings, high-level events, and conferences.
• Utilize strategic judgment and autonomy to identify and escalate critical information or issues to the Dean for decision-making.

Executive Management

• Independently manage the administration of standing committees that advise the Dean; oversee special committees or programs reporting to the Dean; develop/update committee charges, advise and make recommendations or formation of new committees and restructuring of existing committees, and evaluate the effectiveness of committees.
• Deliver high-level executive support to the Dean of the Daniels College of Business, overseeing the management of schedules, meetings, and strategic correspondence to ensure seamless operations.
• Coordinate calendar management, ensuring strategic prioritization of the Dean’s time.
• Draft, review, and manage emails, memos, reports, and presentations on behalf of the Dean.
• Organize and prepare materials for meetings, committees, and board engagements.
• Manage travel arrangements, expense reports, and administrative logistics for the Dean and leadership team.
• Other administrative support responsibilities as assigned by the Dean.

Communication & Public Relations Duties

• Develop correspondence for the Dean’s signature. Partner with internal and external units to oversee and review draft copy for speaking engagements, presentations, and executive level documents, as well as briefing papers and reports.
• Act as a liaison between the Dean’s office and faculty, staff, students, and external partners.
• Partner with the finance team to ensure that key projects have the resources needed to be successful and initiate, lead, and/or monitor projects to successful completion.
• Draft and distribute internal communications, announcements, and policy updates.
• Support engagement efforts with alumni, corporate partners, and donors through event coordination and outreach.
• Handle sensitive and confidential information with professionalism and discretion.
• Represent the Dean at University and community events.

Dean’s Office Operational Responsibilities

• Maintains current understanding of Dean’s priorities in order to coordinate the department's activities according to urgency and need, manages the Dean’s email communications, oversees the management of complex calendar and travel schedule.
• Addresses questions and investigates issues that may occur within the day-to-day functions of the office.
• Support faculty and staff, onboarding and operational needs in partnership with department leaders.
• Identify critical issues, ensure they are addressed promptly, and drive resolution through effective follow-up and coordination.

Knowledge