Director of Operations and Special Projects
Director of Operations and Special Projects
Posted on :
27-05-2025
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1 Vacancy
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Job Description
30% - Leadership and Strategy
Disclaimer
The University of Kansas prohibits discrimination on the basis of race color ethnicity religion sex national origin age ancestry disability status as a veteran sexual orientation marital status parental status gender identity gender expression and genetic information in the universitys programs and activities. Retaliation is also prohibited by university policy. The following person has been designated to handle inquiries regarding the nondiscrimination policies and is the Title IX coordinator for all KU and KUMC campuses: Associate Vice Chancellor for Civil Rights and Title IX Room 1082 Dole Human Development Center 1000 Sunnyside Avenue Lawrence KSTTY.
Work Schedule
M-F 8-5
Contact Information to Applicants
Theresa Woolley
Position Overview
Reporting directly to and serving at the pleasure of the Vice Chancellor for Research (VCR) the Director of Operations and Special Projects (DOSP) serves as the VCRs principal liaison both internally and externally. This role ensures the operational efficiency of the KU Office of Research (KUOR) leads process improvement efforts and aligns operational functions with KUORs strategic goals.
The DOSP plays a critical role in advancing the VCRs vision and priorities by coordinating strategic operations tracking key initiatives and projects and fostering alignment across the KUOR leadership team and staff. The DOSP maintains frequent communication with the VCR to remain informed of evolving priorities enabling them to provide informed counsel and when authorized act or communicate on the VCRs behalf.
Working independently and exercising sound judgment discretion and decision-making the DOSP provides comprehensive support to the VCR across a wide range of operational areas including human resources IT compliance facilities and strategic initiatives. The DOSP also coordinates communications and logistics for internal and external stakeholders to promote transparency collaboration and institutional alignment. The role requires building and sustaining strong partnerships with university offices.
This is a full-time in-office position with occasional responsibilities that may extend beyond standard working hours. The role demands a high level of confidentiality professionalism and attention to detail.
Additional Candidate Instruction
In addition to the online application the following documents are required in order to be considered for this position:
- Lead the execution of strategic initiatives across the Office of Research from concept and planning through implementation evaluation and logistics to promote collaboration and efficiency.
- Serve as a key advisor to the VCR and leadership team offering strategic advice on wide ranging issues and providing guidance on navigating unexpected challenges or opportunities.
- Represent the VCR in responding to routine inquiries and requests; partner with communications staff to develop materials promoting KUOR priorities and achievements.
- Collect and analyze stakeholder feedback to guide continuous improvement of strategic initiatives. Design and implement process improvement initiatives that enhance operational efficiency and resource utilization.
- Research and apply innovative strategies and best practices to optimize organizational performance.
- Develop and implement operational policies and best practices to improve productivity support university-wide priorities and ensure alignment with institutional goals.
- Lead and manage new initiatives programs or projects as directed by the VCR.
- Manage complex projects involving organizational change and multiple stakeholders.
- Partner with the VCR and executive assistant to align scheduling with strategic priorities; ensure the VCR is fully prepared for meetings events and engagements by providing relevant materials and briefings.
- Review and coordinate the VCRs calendar and commitments to maintain alignment with key goals and project timelines.
- Prepare and maintain reports correspondence records and digital tracking systems to support informed decision-making and accountability.
- Take on special assignments from the VCR or senior leadership ensuring timely and high-quality execution.
- Manages the Research Data Reporting and System Support team consisting of the Data Analytics & Integrity group and the System/Functional Administration group.
- Coordinates the implementation maintenance and integrity of complex information-gathering reporting and analysis and workflow/communication systems that support organizational services.
- Ensures the integration of these reporting and system teams with central KU data and IT offices.
- Serve as primary liaison between KUOR Research Data Reporting and System Support team AIRE and KUIT.
- Manage staffing processes by coordinating with the HR liaison to post vacancies screen applications conduct interviews and facilitate hiring and onboarding activities.
- Coordinate and liaise with Faculty Affairs to manage faculty appointment review and promotion processes.
- Coordinate and liaise with Facilities to schedule and manage research facilities meetings and projects.
- Foster a high-performing collaborative team environment through mentorship coaching and effective leadership.
- Collaborate with the VCR to establish goals policies and service standards for administrative support.
- Ensure accurate and up-to-date position descriptions; address performance issues and administer disciplinary actions as necessary.
- Monitor and continuously improve workflows and processes to enhance operational efficiency and service quality.
- Support emerging priorities and special projects as directed by the VCR demonstrating flexibility and responsiveness to organizational needs to ensure the success and continuity of KUOR operations.
Disclaimer
The University of Kansas prohibits discrimination on the basis of race color ethnicity religion sex national origin age ancestry disability status as a veteran sexual orientation marital status parental status gender identity gender expression and genetic information in the universitys programs and activities. Retaliation is also prohibited by university policy. The following person has been designated to handle inquiries regarding the nondiscrimination policies and is the Title IX coordinator for all KU and KUMC campuses: Associate Vice Chancellor for Civil Rights and Title IX Room 1082 Dole Human Development Center 1000 Sunnyside Avenue Lawrence KSTTY.
Work Schedule
M-F 8-5
Contact Information to Applicants
Theresa Woolley
- Masters degree and 5 years of related experience OR Bachelors degree and 7 years of related experience in project management or academic leadership.
- Five years of progressive leadership responsibility as demonstrated through career progression history interview and references.
- One year experience with project management and reporting.
- One year supervisory experience.
- Excellent writing and communication skills as evidenced in application materials and confirmed by references.
- Experience in handling sensitive and confidential information with discretion and integrity as evidenced by past positions or references.
- Project management certification.
- JD or other professional terminal degree.
- Experience in a leadership role in higher education administration as evidenced by previous work history.
- Previous experience in data interpretation and collection as evidenced by application materials.
- Previous work experience that required strategic thinking and problem-solving skills.
- Previous work experience managingmultiple priorities and tasks simultaneously.
- Previous work experience that required interpersonal and communication skills with the ability to build key relationships and communicate effectively with all levels of the organization and stakeholders.
Position Overview
Reporting directly to and serving at the pleasure of the Vice Chancellor for Research (VCR) the Director of Operations and Special Projects (DOSP) serves as the VCRs principal liaison both internally and externally. This role ensures the operational efficiency of the KU Office of Research (KUOR) leads process improvement efforts and aligns operational functions with KUORs strategic goals.
The DOSP plays a critical role in advancing the VCRs vision and priorities by coordinating strategic operations tracking key initiatives and projects and fostering alignment across the KUOR leadership team and staff. The DOSP maintains frequent communication with the VCR to remain informed of evolving priorities enabling them to provide informed counsel and when authorized act or communicate on the VCRs behalf.
Working independently and exercising sound judgment discretion and decision-making the DOSP provides comprehensive support to the VCR across a wide range of operational areas including human resources IT compliance facilities and strategic initiatives. The DOSP also coordinates communications and logistics for internal and external stakeholders to promote transparency collaboration and institutional alignment. The role requires building and sustaining strong partnerships with university offices.
This is a full-time in-office position with occasional responsibilities that may extend beyond standard working hours. The role demands a high level of confidentiality professionalism and attention to detail.
Additional Candidate Instruction
In addition to the online application the following documents are required in order to be considered for this position:
- resume
- cover letter
- list of three professional references
- This position is on-site.
Required Experience:
Director
Employment Type
Contract
Key Skills
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