Director or Associate Director of Operations, SSHP

Located in Boston’s historic Fenway area, Simmons University has a strong tradition of empowering women and challenging traditional gender roles. Simmons was founded for equality 125 years ago as one of the first higher education institutions dedicated to helping women become leaders. Today, our university continues to grow and evolve and now offers Boston’s only women’s undergraduate program and graduate programs open to all. 

You’re joining our community at an especially exciting time as we continue to innovate for the future. Simmons recently launched a six-school academic structure that leverages our expert faculty and longstanding expertise in professions that make our communities stronger. In addition, we continue to highlight our high-value education proposition that is delivering greater ROI to students and putting them on the fast track to career growth and success. You’ll find that people who work here truly believe in our mission of preparing students to become social justice-oriented leaders who excel in their professions and their communities. This commitment and pride make for a dynamic workplace.

As a university that values diversity, equity, and inclusion, Simmons encourages applications from all under-represented groups. Simmons is committed to creating, developing, promoting, and enhancing inclusive hiring practices–at all levels, for all positions–ensuring diverse talent pools and the delivery of a consistent positive candidate experience. Simmons is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to continuing to develop a more diverse faculty, staff, student body, and curriculum.

JOB SUMMARY

Reporting to the Dean of the School of Sciences and Health Professions (SSHP), the Director or Associate Director of Operations serves as the School's senior administrative and operational leader. The Director/Associate Director acts as a strategic thought partner to the Dean and a key member of the SSHP Leadership Team, providing leadership for the School’s operational strategy, administrative infrastructure, and service delivery.

The Director/Associate Director is responsible for ensuring that SSHP’s systems, workflows, staffing structures, budget/resource strategy, and administrative processes support the School’s academic mission and strategic priorities. This role leads the SSHP Operations Team; oversees School-wide operational planning, budget stewardship, and process improvement; and serves as a principal liaison to key University partners. The Director/Associate Director is expected to foster a collaborative, inclusive, service-oriented, and accountable work environment while ensuring operational effectiveness, compliance, and continuous improvement.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform these essential functions.

Strategic Leadership and School Operations

• Serve as a strategic thought partner to the SSHP Dean on School operations, priorities, and resource planning

• Set and advance the School’s operational strategy in alignment with the priorities of the Dean and the University

• Serve as a member of the SSHP Leadership Team and contribute to School-wide planning, implementation, and decision-making

• Represent the School in University-wide operational projects, such as those involving the Provost’s Office, Human Resources, Workday team, Commencement, etc. 

• Serve as a key liaison coordinating general academic space planning in the School, in collaboration with Facilities, Public Safety, and other campus partners 

• In collaboration with the Dean and Assistant Director of Operations, oversee the academic scheduling, course staffing, and hiring processes, and ensure that academic systems and documentation are accurate

Supervision and Personnel

• Lead by action and example, demonstrating a commitment to Simmons University’s culture, values, goals, and vision 

• Supervise the SSHP Operations Team (including the Assistant Director of Operations, Finance & Data Manager, and Administrative Operations Coordinator) while establishing performance expectations, goals, and development plans

• Foster a collaborative, responsive, and accountable team culture grounded in service excellence and inclusion while encouraging professional and personal growth

• Ensure that the Operations Team is performing efficiently and effectively while