Managing Director of Operations

Job Summary/Basic Function:

The Managing Director of Operations will oversee the department/division’s strategic vision and lead business decisions to drive growth. The Managing Director of Operations will oversee the Network for Microelectronics Education Partnership (NNME) and Pacific Intermountain Network for Education in Semiconductors (PINES) initiative and provide strategic leadership and operational oversight for a complex, multi-partner milestone contract valued at approximately $5 million annually. This position is responsible for managing consortium operations, coordinating activities among 23 university and semiconductor industry partners, overseeing budgets and compliance requirements, and ensuring successful completion of program milestones and deliverables. The Managing Director of Operations serves as the primary liaison among institutional leadership, funding agencies, and external stakeholders while supporting collaboration, operational continuity, and long-term program sustainability. The ideal candidate will possess strong leadership, project management, financial oversight, and relationship-building skills with experience managing large-scale programs, contracts, or consortium initiatives in higher education, research, workforce development, or industry partnerships.

This position will be in person with 1-2 days remote/hybrid schedule. This is a temporary position with an expected duration through July 2027.

This position is not eligible for visa sponsorship.

Department Overview:

The Microelectronics Education and Research Center (MERC) is the hub for microelectronics innovation, entrepreneurship, and workforce development in Idaho. Organized within Boise State’s College of Engineering, MERC centralizes and coordinates opportunities for all students in essential career preparation and unique research opportunities alongside expert faculty.

Several workforce development grants have become the signature programs for MERC coming from state, federal, and other funding sources. The goals of each is to bolster microelectronics career pathways for students across the region through K-12 outreach and recruiting, curriculum updates across the university and with other institutions, development of new experiential learning programs, and through external partnerships. The workforce development grants currently housed within MERC establish Boise State as a nationwide leader in semiconductor education and research, while significantly enhancing opportunities for the next generation of professionals entering the workforce.

Level Scope:

Directs through subordinate Managers multiple large and complex critical programs impacting broad constituencies across major portions of campus. Identifies objectives, manages very significant human, financial, and physical resources, and functions with an extremely high degree of autonomy. Accountable for formulating and administering policies and programs for major functions. Operational or program results can affect overall campus wide performance and reputation. Directs through subordinate Managers the development of strategic goals and objectives to achieve accountability and stewardship of university resources in a manner consistent with campus and system wide objectives and initiatives.

Essential Functions:

• Identify, recruit, train, and develop a talented team of employees who can lead critical departments and manage strategic plans and functions
• Create or implement strategic plans to actualize the University’s objectives
• Monitor department operations and ensure employees and business practices comply with regulatory and legal requirements
• Develop the organizational culture and promote transparency and collaboration throughout the department/division
• Develop partnerships with internal and external stakeholders relevant to the department/division and university
• Identify potential risks and opportunities within the department/division to protect business interests
• Represent the department/division at social events in ways that strengthen the brand and communicate the University’s message
• Collaborate closely with a variety of stakeholders, both internal and external, on all aspects of projects
• Direct and manage the daily operations of the NNME PINES milestone contract valued at approximately $5 million annually, ensuring successful execution of all program goals, deliverables, and contractual obligations.
• Coordinate and oversee project activities among 23 university, research, and semiconductor industry partners to ensure alignment with consortium objectives, timelines, and performance milestones.
• Develop, implement, and monitor strategic project plans, workstreams, timelines, and reporting structures to support operational continuity and timely c