Operations and Special Projects Manager, Office of Strategic Marketing and Communications

$58,000 - $68,000/Yr

Soka University Of America - Aliso Viejo, CA

Full-time - Mid Level

Aliso Viejo, CA

Educational Services

About the position

The Operations and Special Projects Manager at Soka University of America plays a crucial role in driving operational excellence and project management within the Office of Strategic Marketing and Communications. This position is responsible for overseeing project management, operational efficiency, and resource allocation to ensure the successful execution of marketing and communication initiatives across the university. The ideal candidate will balance strategic thinking with hands-on operational management, optimizing departmental performance and supporting strategic goals.

Responsibilities

• Develop and manage project plans and timelines for marketing campaigns, events, and initiatives.
• Coordinate with creative, web, communications, media, and community relations teams to execute integrated campaigns.
• Oversee production and implementation of print materials, digital content, events, and other collateral.
• Assist in managing logistics for major SUA events, including Founders Art Gallery exhibitions and the Summer at Soka series.
• Track project progress and metrics, adjusting plans as needed.
• Ensure marketing projects are completed on time and within budget.
• Design and implement systems for content production, asset management, and work intake.
• Propose and implement new systems or technologies to improve department operation.
• Create dashboards, reports, and presentations on marketing analytics.
• Develop and monitor department KPIs and benchmarks.
• Identify operational challenges and implement innovative solutions to enhance departmental efficiency.
• Foster effective communication and collaboration with other college departments, especially Admission, Development, Faculty, and Student Affairs.
• Serve as main point of contact for internal marketing requests and information.
• Facilitate meetings and maintain open communication channels.
• Gather insights from stakeholders to inform marketing strategy and priorities.
• Resolve cross-departmental operational issues and conflicts as they arise.
• Align Marketing & Communications efforts with broader institutional goals.
• Assist Executive Director in recruiting, hiring, and onboarding new marketing team members.
• Investigate and implement coaching and development opportunities for the team.
• Promote collaboration and knowledge sharing within the team.
• Supervise and mentor administrative student workers.
• Provide direct administrative support as needed, including scheduling appointments, maintaining filing systems and office spaces, and updating contact databases.
• Assist Executive Director in creating and managing annual budgets for the department.
• Manage Workday finance processes for the department.
• Review and approve invoices, purchase orders, and expense reports.
• Identify opportunities to reduce costs and increase efficiency.
• Ensure marketing campaigns adhere to budget requirements.
• Provide regular budget updates and financial reports.
• Negotiate and manage vendor contracts, ensuring high-quality and cost-effective services.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Marketing, Communications, Business Administration, or related field; or equivalent combination of education and relevant work experience.
• 5+ years of experience in marketing operations or project management, preferably in higher education.
• Strong project management skills with experience in managing complex, multi-stakeholder projects.
• Proven track record in budget management and financial decision-making.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
• Proficiency in project management tools, financial management software, and marketing analytics platforms.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Experience with event management and logistics.

Benefits

• Full-time position with a salary range of $58,000 - $68,000 per year.