Program Operations Specialist, Consulting & Business Development Center

Job Description

The Michael G. Foster School of Business at the University of Washington is one of the nations top-ranked public business schools. Foster serves more than 2500 students across a broad portfolio of programs including multiple top-20 MBA programs seven specialty masters degrees an undergraduate business program two undergraduate minors and a PhD program. Located on the Seattle campus Foster benefits from strong ties to the global business community. The school is supported by more than 55000 engaged alumni and a collaborative community of faculty and staff dedicated to advancing business education research and student success.

The Foster School of Business has an exciting opening for a Program Operations Specialist to join their team.

The Consulting and Business Development Center (CBDC) seeks a dynamic and detail-oriented professional to lead program innovation and execution across its portfolio of student consulting and community-facing initiatives. This role ensures that:

• Experiential learning opportunities for Foster School of Business and University of Washington students continue to advance skill and knowledge development
• Programs serving businesses in underserved communities evolve through the integration of cutting-edge strategies and best practices
• Strategic partnerships are strengthened to support long-term program sustainability

CBDC is the nations largest university-based center focused on advancing insights and fostering growth for socially and economically disadvantaged businesses. This role plays a key part in expanding and sustaining that national leadership.

About the Center

CBDC delivers high-impact programs that engage undergraduate and MBA students in consulting projects with small businesses nonprofits and organizations in underserved communities across Washington State.

Through faculty-led programming and hands-on learning the Center accelerates student career readiness while strengthening the management capacity of diverse businesses. CBDC is recognized as a national model for experiential business education.

What You Will Do:

I. Program Management & Execution (60%)

• Lead day-to-day operations of core CBDC programs including:
  • Liberty Project
  • Business Technology Consulting Program (BTCP)
  • Tribal Gaming & Hospitality Management (TGHM) Program
  • Tribal Enterprise Financial Management Program
• Implement program strategies deliverables and timelines in collaboration with the Director of Washington State Programs
• Coordinate with faculty to schedule course sessions presentations seminars and workshops
• Manage contract deliverables including City of Seattle Liberty Project requirements (e.g. Task 5)
• Support program evaluation including pre- and post-program assessments to measure impact and effectiveness
• Continuously assess and improve program design delivery and outcomes

II. Recruitment & Partnership Development (30%)

• Recruit and engage undergraduate and graduate students across UW programs
• Identify recruit and manage volunteers including mentors advisors and competition judges
• Secure participation from small businesses and nonprofit organizations to meet program and funding requirements
• Build and maintain partnerships with key stakeholders including:
  • Rotary Club of Seattle
  • Professional advisors
  • Alumni and Advisory Board members
  • Community organizations and business networks
• Expand outreach efforts to increase program impact and visibility

III. Budget & Financial Management (5%)

• Develop manage and monitor program budgets
• Ensure alignment with funding requirements and financial sustainability goals

IV. Fundraising & External Relations (5%)

• Support fundraising and donor stewardship efforts in collaboration with CBDC leadership
• Identify and secure sponsorships for programs and signature events (e.g. Impact Awards)
• Prepare reports and updates for funders and stakeholders
• Represent CBDC through presentations to business leaders nonprofit executives civic leaders and elected officials

Supervisory Responsibilities

• This position supervises several student assistants working on business and nonprofit consulting projects.
• Partner closely with the Director of Washington State Programs to execute strategic priorities
• Collaborate with CBDC staff faculty and university partners to ensure seamless program delivery

Minimum Qualifications

Bachelors Degree plus a minimum of 2 years experience in business communications education economics ethnic studies or related fields.

Equivalent education and/or experience may substitute for minimum qualifications except when there are legal requirements such as a license certification and/or registration.

Desired Qualifications

• Prior experience in working with students and/or small businesses is also desirable.
• Experience working in programs or roles where flexibility and responsiveness were key to success.
• Strong project and program management skills
• Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment
• Excellent communication and stakeholder engagement skills
• Experience working with diverse communities and cross-sector partners
• Analytical mindset with a focus on continuous improvement

Working Conditions

The center is a team-oriented environment where we have shared goals and individual accountability in contributing to reaching those goals. Work is fast-paced and highly variable with significant room for professional growth and development. Travel (primarily outside of Washington to assist in the Centers national programs) and evening and weekend work on occasion will be required.

Compensation Benefits and Position Details

Pay Range Minimum:

Pay Range Maximum:

Other Compensation:

Benefits:

Temporary or Regular

FTE (Full-Time Equivalent):

Union/Bargaining Unit:

About the UW

Working at the University of Washington provides a unique opportunity to change lives on our campuses in our state and around the world.

UW employees bring their boundless energy creative problem-solving skills and dedication to building stronger minds and a healthier return they enjoy outstanding benefits opportunities for professional growth and the chance to work in an environment known for its diversity intellectual excitement artistic pursuits and natural beauty.

Our Commitment

The University of Washington is committed to fostering an inclusive respectful and welcoming community for all. As an equal opportunity employer the University considers applicants for employment without regard to race color creed religion national origin citizenship sex pregnancy age marital status sexual orientation gender identity or expression genetic information disability or veteran status consistent with UW Executive Order No. 81.

To request disability accommodation in the application process contact the Disability Services Office at or .

Applicants considered for this position will be required to disclose if they are the subject of any substantiated findings or current investigations related to sexual misconduct at their current employment and past employment. Disclosure is required under Washington state law.