Manager, Strategic Operations, Daniels College of Business

About the position

The Manager of Strategic Operations is a key and highly visible member of the Dean of the Daniels College of Business executive staff. Under general supervision from the Dean, manages complex, cross-functional projects and initiatives and provides assistance and support to the Dean on matters that are sensitive and complex and require a high level of independence, analytical skill, and initiative in execution and implementation. May represent the Dean in discussions with other Deans, Associate Deans, the Office of the Provost, donors, faculty, and staff. Works closely with senior university administrators, campus departments, advisory boards, community leaders, donors, and various other Daniel's stakeholders to assist with the Dean's initiatives. Coordinates the Dean's planning and operating activities and ensures the timely flow of information with the utmost professionalism and discretion.

Responsibilities

• Report to the Dean and function as Dean's leadership partner.
• Coach and mentor administrative support staff in handling difficult and sensitive situations and ensure smooth daily operations.
• Offer strategic leadership and guidance to the administrative support team, ensuring alignment with the Dean's vision, operational objectives, and long-term institutional goals.
• Coordinate and liaise with other senior administrative and academic officials on all matters of interest to the Dean.
• Represent the Dean's perspectives throughout a broad range of programs, committees, meetings, and complex issues.
• Identify issues that require cross-functional input and participate in the evaluation, analysis, and coordination of analysis, strategies, decisions, and outcomes.
• Support the execution of key initiatives and strategic projects, tracking progress and ensuring follow-through.
• Oversee the strategic planning, coordination, and execution of faculty meetings, high-level events, and conferences.
• Utilize strategic judgment and autonomy to identify and escalate critical information or issues to the Dean for decision-making.
• Independently manage the administration of standing committees that advise the Dean.
• Deliver high-level executive support to the Dean of the Daniels College of Business.
• Coordinate calendar management, ensuring strategic prioritization of the Dean's time.
• Draft, review, and manage emails, memos, reports, and presentations on behalf of the Dean.
• Organize and prepare materials for meetings, committees, and board engagements.
• Manage travel arrangements, expense reports, and administrative logistics for the Dean and leadership team.
• Develop correspondence for the Dean's signature.
• Act as a liaison between the Dean's office and faculty, staff, students, and external partners.
• Partner with the finance team to ensure that key projects have the resources needed to be successful.
• Draft and distribute internal communications, announcements, and policy updates.
• Support engagement efforts with alumni, corporate partners, and donors through event coordination and outreach.
• Handle sensitive and confidential information with professionalism and discretion.
• Represent the Dean at University and community events.
• Maintain current understanding of Dean's priorities to coordinate the department's activities.
• Address questions and investigate issues that may occur within the day-to-day functions of the office.
• Support faculty and staff onboarding and operational needs in partnership with department leaders.
• Identify critical issues, ensure they are addressed promptly, and drive resolution through effective follow-up and coordination.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree
• 5+ years of experience in executive support, administration, or operations, preferably in higher education.
• Strong organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite, calendar management tools, and administrative software.

Nice-to-haves

• Master's degree in Business Administration, Higher Education Administration, or a related field.
• 8+ years of progressively responsible experience in executive support, senior-level administration, or operations, ideally within higher education or similar complex organizational environments.
• Experience with strategic planning and cross-functional collaboration to drive institutional goals and initiatives.
• Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook), project management tools, and administrative software (e.g., CRM systems, scheduling platforms).

Benefits

• Medical
• Dental
• Retirement
• Paid time off
• Tuition benefit
• ECO pass