Senior Manager, Strategy & Operations

Job Summary/Basic Function:
The Senior Manager, Strategy & Operations is responsible for the ongoing improvement of the Gordon Institute’s operations by managing our annual strategic initiatives, communications, organizational structure and personnel.

CHARACTERISTIC DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

Strategic initiatives:

• Oversee the end-to-end execution of strategic projects/initiatives
• Develop project plans for strategic projects/initiatives
• Forecast resource allocation for strategic projects/initiatives
• Manage communication with internal/external stakeholders regarding strategic projects/initiatives
• Create communications plan for strategic projects/initiatives
• Oversee execution of the communications plan

Communications:

• Develop strategic communications plan
• Oversee website and social media
• Develop templates for blast email communications
• Oversee the creation and maintenance of the archives for Institute's records

Organizational Structure & Personnel:

• Manage interview calendar/scheduling
• Submit requisitions for new hires (includes work studies)
• Create onboarding guide for new hires
• Oversee training for new hires
• Onboard new hires
• Develop and implement Performance Review Process

Monitor & Improve current operations:

• In collaboration with the Institute Director, develop annual Institute goals
• Develop key performance indicators
• Create strategies for addressing performance needs

Administration and Budget Management:

• Develop and promote policies that ensure positive productive interactions between core administrative staff and efficient workflow;
• Delegate tasks to core staff, setting meeting agendas and monitor daily operations;
• Monitor staff and student payroll, timesheets and financial aid awards;
• Negotiate contracts, honorariums and agreements for vendors and consultants;
• Work closely with the Institute Director on its affiliated faculty research agenda (i.e., TC Faculty Affiliates, Research Faculty, Visiting Faculty, Post-Doctoral Fellows, Research Affiliates).
• Serving as a departmental liaison across the College
• Oversee the annual operating budget and supervising the Budget Manager
• Oversee accounts payable, receivable and office suite coordination
• Generate the Annual Report to the Provost.

Budget Management:

• Work closely with the Institute Director on fund development initiatives
• Provide on-going training and supervision of the Budget Manager.

Special Events/Project Development and Management:

• The Director of Operations & Strategic Initiatives is responsible for ensuring Institute Special Events and Projects are developed and executed in an efficient and timely manner. Such tasks include:
• Aid in the development and coordination of the Annual Gordon Lecture, the Speaker Series, GIAS Socials and other scheduled events.
• Oversee special events and projects both virtually and in person.
• Supervise special event/project staff and Program Coordinator

Provide leadership and direction for the development and implementation of GIAS Graduate Fellows, Research Fellows, W.E.B. DuBois Scholars, and Research Assistance. Responsibilities include:

• Provide semester-based research involvement, advisement, and support to GIAS-affiliated students
• Manage the selection and hiring of graduate students and assign them to appropriate work opportunities

Supervisory Responsibility:

• Directly supervises 4 full-time employees (i.e., Budget Manager, Program Coordinator, Research Associate, & Communications Specialist), and 4 or more part-time student employees.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Master’s degree from an accredited institution in education or related field.
• 5-10 year’s experience in mid-level higher education operations, or research centers/institutes.
• 3-5 years of special events experience.
• Progressive experience in leading, directing, and supervising diversity, equity, and inclusion programs, initiatives, or offices.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Master's degree or equivalent
• Progressive leadership experience in diversity equity and inclusion benchmarks.
• 10-15 years of sponsored research project administration.
• Previous supervision of graduate or full-time staff.
• Significant experience working w