Director of Institute Operations for the Harkin Institute - 998097

$55,000 - $62,000/Yr

Drake University - Des Moines, IA

Full-time - Mid Level

Remote - Des Moines, IA

Educational Services

About the position

The Harkin Institute for Public Policy & Citizen Engagement, located at Drake University, is seeking a full-time Director of Operations. This role is pivotal in managing the operations of the Institute, which focuses on key issues such as labor and employment, people with disabilities, retirement security, and wellness and nutrition. The Director of Operations will collaborate closely with the Executive Director, Senator Tom Harkin, and various stakeholders within the university and the community. This position requires a motivated and independent professional who thrives in a collaborative environment. The Director will be responsible for budget management, event coordination, travel arrangements, and overseeing student workers. The ideal candidate will possess excellent interpersonal and organizational skills, enabling them to engage effectively with faculty, staff, students, and visitors to the Institute. This is a full-time, 12-month appointment, and the successful candidate will be expected to work a flexible schedule, including some evenings and weekends, as well as occasional travel. Key responsibilities include supporting the Executive Director in evaluating and recommending programs, managing the Institute's budget and purchasing processes, coordinating events, serving as the Director-In-Charge in the Executive Director's absence, and assisting with grant research and applications. The Director will also oversee student worker programs and perform other duties as assigned. This position offers a salary range of $55,000 - $62,000, commensurate with qualifications, and includes a comprehensive benefits package, including generous time off and tuition waivers for employees and their dependents.

Responsibilities

• Support the Executive Director and other Institute staff in researching, evaluating, and recommending programs, projects, and initiatives.
• Manage and oversee the Institute's purchasing, budget, and budgeting process.
• Coordinate, plan, and implement Institute programming, lectures, and events.
• Serve as Director-In-Charge when the Executive Director is out of the office/traveling.
• Serve as liaison for external partners, such as Senator Harkin, National Advisory Council, and donors.
• Assist Institute staff in researching grant opportunities and completing grant applications.
• Collaborate with and strategically support the Director and other Institute leaders in managing Institute relationships.
• Hire, train, and supervise the student 'chief-of-staff' and oversee all student worker and student intern programs and projects.
• Perform other duties, as assigned.

Requirements

• Bachelor's Degree
• Excellent oral and written communication skills
• Problem solving skills and high attention to detail
• Proficiency with Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, etc.
• Experience with budget management
• Willingness to work a flexible work schedule, including some evenings and weekends, when necessary, and to travel on occasion.

Nice-to-haves

• Experience working in higher education, research, and/or not-for-profit organizations
• Experience with event management and making travel arrangements
• Prior supervisory experience

Benefits

• Comprehensive benefits package including generous time off provisions
• Tuition waiver for Drake employees, their spouses, and eligible dependents
• Participation in tuition exchange programs for dependent children
• Potential for a hybrid work arrangement after successful onboarding and satisfactory performance