SET Director of Operations

Job Description

The University of Washington Tacoma is an anchor institution that is deeply invested in its local communities and in student success. As one of three campuses of a world-class university UW Tacoma is dedicated to interdisciplinary and innovative teaching and scholarship and to engaging the community in mutually beneficial partnerships. UW Tacomas commitment to access and diversity is central to an environment where students staff faculty and South Sound residents find abundant opportunities for intellectual personal and professional growth. More information about UW Tacoma and its strategic plan can be found here.

The School of Engineering and Technology (SET)has an outstanding opportunity for a Director of Operations.

The SET Director of Operations fulfills a critical staff role in providing professional administrative operational and executive management services to the Dean and unit. As such the Director has a comprehensive range of administrative and operational responsibilities including but not limited to: strategic and financial planning; department and research budget development and management; supervision of staff; personnel functions; compliance and risk management; information technology management; oversight for payroll purchasing project support and other administrative functions.

A primary role of the Director is to develop a highly capable administrative team to:

• carry out the administrative operations of the academic unit as well as the mission of the University
• advise the Dean and other unit and UWT leadership on strategic and tactical direction
• build credible relationships with faculty staff and students that will facilitate an effective organization and support members of the Leadership team.

The Director of Operations reports directly to the Dean and will work with the Dean to build credible collaborative relationships with leadership across multiple University of Washington Tacoma (UWT) units the greater University of Washington (UW) community and the South Sound region.

DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES

Leadership/Strategic Planning and Initiatives:

Provides support to the Deanand faculty leadersin strategic planning and implementation for SET and is responsible for assessment oversight in support of periodic program reviews position represents the Deanatmeetings asassigned andrepresents SET on various campus committees.

Financial Management:

Manages SETfinancial resources and apply sound ethical and fiduciary practices to ensure compliance and track financial performance. This position will also provide fiscalyearbudget projections supportingunit operationsgrant applications andfacultycontract negotiations.

• Understanding and appropriately utilizingSETsmultiple sources of income including tuition state-derived budgetsfederal grants gift and endowed accountsscholarship fundsindustry foundation and other sponsored contracts and agreements.
• Interpreting policies and regulations concerning theunits financial activities; ensuring compliance with the Universitys policies and proceduresas well as guidelines from the Federal government State and other project sponsors.
• Development and implementation of internal financial systems budget tools andcontrols to ensure the integrity of all financial transactionssafeguard assets and resources and satisfy auditing requirements.
• ProjectingSETunitrevenue and expenses and developing budget models to guide theDeanSET and UWT leadership as required.
• Planning organizing and directing theunits financial support staff and operation including the planning budgeting and accounting functions includingassigning directing and reviewing staff who maintainvariousunitbudgets/accounts.

Administration andOperations:

Administratesunitoperations to ensure day-to-day and cyclic requirements; plans resources monitors program activities; oversees facilities/space planning and related activities; prepares reports; terminatesor continues programs; plans or coordinates marketing documents or activities.

• Coordinating various general administrative activities necessary to theunits day-to-day operations with particular emphasis on understanding individual facultymembers administrative needs andunit programmaticoperations in designing cost-effective efficient solutions.
• Understanding and integrating the cyclic operational responsibilities of UWTacomaintounitplanning policies and procedures.
• Provide ongoing oversight and management of industry partnerships and the schools Advisory Board including membership outreach and logistical planning for quarterly board meetings.
• Actively source and promote internship opportunities for SET students by cultivating and maintaining a comprehensive list of local industry recruiters HR partners and stakeholders.
• Reviewing andliaising with Finance and Administrationconcerning space assignment to staff andfaculty coordinating physical moves or relocating offices and personnel.
• Developing written material for long-range space planning including major renovation projects; collaborating with theDeanand working with Finance and Administration when appropriate to develop business plans and proposals to support requests for additional space.
• Overseesthe use of facilities to ensure effective efficient and safe operations and preservation of resources.
• Working in partnership with internal staff and in consultation with theSETDeanand appropriateUWT andprogram entities coordinatingmanagement and maintenance oftheSETwebsite and linksincluding all aspects ofunitfunctions: outreach activities research enterprises facultybio-sketchesand publications educational and training programs and graduate/alumni updates.

Human Resource Management:

Applies effective current human resource practices to develop a competent administrative team culture of excellence. WithinUWTguidelinesfunctions as the senior administration official the human resources processes and proceduresfor Operationsstaff following University of Washington policy and procedures.

• Interpreting federal State UW and other local laws and agreements intounitpolicies and procedures.
• Articulating appropriate workplace behavior and fostering compliance identifying concerns or problems and utilizing appropriate resources to assist in resolution.
• Review and management ofpay policies againstpublished trends/benchmarks and UWTpolicies/directives.
• Determining and implementing unit staffing requirements and filling these positions based on appropriate classifications; reclassifying staff positions as appropriate.
• Giving/receiving feedback to improve staff and organizational performance.

Compliance and Risk Management:

Promotes compliance and manages risk perUWpolicies and other oversight bodies to ensure operations and resources align with mission and requirements.

• Interpreting and integrating Federal State and industry laws or policies on corporate compliance to mitigate risk to theunitand individual faculty or staff.
• Implementing currentsecurity protocols related to IT equipment email communication phone orother communication and proper handling disposal or destruction of information and documents; ensuring all faculty and staff complete required training modules.
• Ensuring that all spaces rooms laboratories have appropriate security measures in place to safeguard information physical resources and staff.

Information Technology labs grants:

Manages or oversees the units information technology requirements including academic business educational and research informationneedsincorporating and utilizing the existing Information Technology architecture. Works collaboratively with Program Chairs to manage or oversee the units lab staff. Supports theSETDeanandResearch Centers and works collaboratively with theOffice of Research to manage the units grant/contracts staff.

• Ensure that a viable and secure Information Technology architecture is in place and educate faculty and staff on the importance of and compliance with a configuration management plan and policy.
• Assess the units short-term/long-term Information Technology (IT) needs and IT needs of specific faculty labs or centers.
• Working in partnership withinternal staff andProgram Chairs to ensure that lab equipment is maintained appropriately. Ensure that equipment is replaced in a timely manner.
• Ensure that Course/lab fees are adequate. Ensure that course/lab fee proposals are written and submitted in a timely manner.
• Work with internal staff and Office of Research to support theSET Dean and Research Centers and works collaboratively with theOffice of Research to manage the units research resources including grant and contract processes capital equipment physical plant and compliance issues where appropriate.
• Interfacing with UWT research administration ininteractions with theUWOffices of Sponsored Programs and Grant and Contract Accounting as appropriate.
• With UWT research administration overseeSETfiscal aspectsofprojects or programsbudgets or extensions of existing budgets andfiles; accounting for sponsored funds andbudgetsasrequired; oversight ofprocuring budgeted equipment and supplies assisting in the preparation of periodic reports and responding to fiscal queries fromfaculty UWT research administration sponsor managers/teams.

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS

A Bachelors degree in Accounting Business Administration Public Administration or related fields and at least five years of progressively responsible management experience is required preferably gained in a complex business or academic environment through the daily administration of an academic or business unit including routine business operations and activities.

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

Additional Requirements:

• Demonstrated experience in change management and process improvement.
• Demonstrated experience in the following critical knowledge and skills areas: Financial Management Operations Management Human Resource Management Compliance and Risk Management Personnel Management and Facilities Management.
• Strategic and problem-solving experience with superior planning organizational and strong financial management skills are critical.
• Proven ability to define issues strategically plan options and define solutions; implement changes within targeted time frames.
• Financial and analytical experience in budget development financial contracts etc.
• Familiarity with grant and contract writing submissions and fiscal oversight of research projects.
• Familiarity with information systems regulatory compliance issues and business operations.
• Exceptional interpersonal and communication skills; demonstrated open honest and objective manner with the ability to relate effectively with constituents and shareholders.
• Demonstrated ability to maintain harmonious working relationships across multiple constituencies and effectively address complex and sensitive administrative issues.
• Demonstrated skills in team development personnel management and policy implementation.
• Demonstrated experience working with large highly structured personnel systems.

DESIRED REQUIREMENTS

• Masters degree in Accounting Business or Public Administration Organizational Development or other related fields.
• 5 years of direct management experience in higher education administration and finance operations.
• Experience with University of Washington business systems and procedures (budget human resources payroll purchasing) or similar systems.
• Experience in performing sophisticated financial analyses using personal computer software.
• Functional understanding of grant and contract administration.

Application Requirement

This recruitment requires a cover letter. Your application will not be considered unless you attach a cover letter.

Your cover letter should outline your interest in the position highlight relevant experience or qualifications and explain how you would add value to the team or organization. It must be specific to this role.

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.