Position Overview The Operations Manager has primary responsibility for the oversight and implementation of administrative (day-to-day) operations for the Center for Advanced Studies in Child Welfare (CASCW), including the statewide Child Welfare Training Academy (MNCWTA), within the School of Social Work (SSW). Reporting to the Senior Executive Director, this position provides strategic support to leadership, working to align the budget, human resources, data systems, research-related operations, facilities, technology, and other operational areas with the centerâ™s strategic goals, while working within school, college, and University policies and procedures.
The University of Minnesota encourages a healthy work life balance for employees. CEHD is committed to an excellent employee experience, offering a flexible work environment that meets the needs of students, staff, faculty, and the communities we serve. Flexible work arrangements may include flexibility in schedule and/or work location. Please note that 100% remote work requires approval prior to offer.
This position works closely with the SSW and Centerâ™s leadership team to ensure efficient and effective achievement of center mission activities and endeavors. The Operations Managerâ™s work is integrated within and across the four pillars of the center, including professional education, outreach and policy, research and evaluation, and training partnerships. The level of this position requires knowledge and understanding of complex budgets, multidisciplinary research and practice partnerships, and state agency to state agency cooperated projects. Their understanding of University practices and processes, as well as sound judgment, ability to prioritize complex and multi-layered projects, and autonomous decision-making skills, are essential to this position.
Skills and competencies for a successful candidate include:
Effectively communicate and interact with a diverse group of stakeholders
Demonstrate a service-focused approach to understand circumstances, expectations, and needs
Strong interpersonal skills, emotional maturity, and ability to be diplomatic and clear
Proven skills to adapt well in the face of ambiguity or change
Be accountable, results-driven, and proactive
The budgeted salary range for this position is $65,000-$81,000. Final salary offers are dependent on the candidate's experience, skills, and internal equity within the department. This position is fully funded by sponsored funds.
Job Responsibilities Strategic Planning Support and Operations (55%)
As a member of the CASCW leadership team, work with the Directors and CASCW leadership team to determine upcoming and future priorities.
Provide information and guidance to the Directors on all areas of policy, as well as challenges and opportunities for improvement within the day-to-day operations of the center.
Develop new initiatives and realign existing processes and systems in collaboration with SSW to better serve CASCW and its constituents.
Identify opportunities for innovation and continuous improvement projects within the center.
Serve as a key administrative liaison to the SSW and College of Education and Human Development (CEHD), and partner with the school and collegeâ™s administrative units in areas of finance, human resources, facilities, and technology.
Ongoing project management development for processes of the state-wide training academy.
Anticipate, respond and work to resolve administrative problems.
Partner with SSW Department Administrator to review, plan, and manage space allocations including updating furniture, and office assignments, research and conference areas.
Provide administrative support to the Senior Executive Director, including but not limited to calendar management, travel coordination, special project tracking utilizing project management software etc.
Financial Planning and Grants Management (30%)
Partner with the CEHD Office of Research and Policy (ORP) grant coordinator on the initial phase of grant submissions. Submit preliminary budgets and budget justifications for the initial phase of grant submission
Partner with SSW and CEHD Financial Services Office (FSO) finance professional to oversee forecasting, budgeting, and purchasing to ensure good stewardship of funds.
Manage the budget of all revenue sources (grants, external sales, gifts, etc.), to ensure spending is in line with the intended purposes of the funding.
Coordinate with the ORP grant coordinator and FSO finance professional and SSW Department Administrator regarding the center reporting, training, policymaking, and process improvement.
Provide budgetary oversight and coordination for center events.
Serve as main contact for center purchasing to ensure compliance for sponsored and non-sponsored funding and adherence to University policy.
Human Resources & Supervision (15%)
Work with the SSWs Department Administrator and/or HR Liaison in matters of hiring, organizational change, processes, and other HR related activities.
Ensure that all SSW HR processes and documentation are completed for the center by established deadlines.
Ensure alignment with and adherence to University, CEHD, and SSW Human Resource (HR) policies and practices for University employee groups including Faculty, Academic
Professional and Administrative (P&A), Civil Service, Union-represented Staff, Graduate Assistant, and Student.
Serve as a resource for employees and managers in the center on HR questions. Consult and partner with SSW or CEHD HR as needed.
Oversee development, implementation, and delivery of new employee orientations within the center.
Provide recruitment consultation and budgetary analysis for new hires.
Supervise, manage workload, coach, and develop up to 3.0 FTE staff. Provide oversight and supervision to ensure accuracy and minimal errors.
Assist with training and onboarding of administrative staff
Ensure accountability for project activities with administrative staff through regular meetings and communication.
Other duties as assigned.
Participate in monthly CASCW All-Staff Meetings, Director/leadership meetings and bi-weekly administrative meetings.
Participate in monthly SSW Council meetings and SSW committee meetings, as assigned.
Required Qualifications
BA/BS plus at least 4 years of related administrative experience in an office or administrative setting or a combination of related education and work experience to equal eight years
Demonstrated commitment to advocating for an inclusive environment for all backgrounds and identities
Proficiency using Microsoft Office Suite
Experience with managing complex budgets and project management
Preferred Qualifications
Demonstrated ability to function effectively and collaboratively with multiple stakeholder groups within a dynamic organization
Ability to correctly interpret and implement policies and procedures in all tasks and all areas of operation within a complex unit
Ability to use sound judgment, take initiative, work independently
A high level of organizational and analytical skills, with the capacity to balance and manage many projects and related details
Ability to create and manage operational planning and control systems across all operational areas within the center
The University of Minnesota, founded in the belief that all people are enriched by understanding, is dedicated to the advancement of learning and the search for truth; to the sharing of this knowledge through education for a diverse community; and to the application of this knowledge to benefit the people of the state, the nation, and the world.