Program Operations Coordinator

Pay Range: Targeted salary: $45,600 annually, based on experience


Benefits Eligible: Yes


Work Schedule: Monday - Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.


Travel: Not required


Position Introduction:


The Native Nations Center for Tribal Policy Research (NNCTPR) at the University of Oklahoma invites applications for the position of Program Operations Coordinator. The Native Nations Center is building a premier research service dedicated to providing objective, nonpartisan policy research and responsive decision-support for Tribal Nations. The Center, housed within the Office of Tribal Relations in the Office of the President, conducts original policy research and analysis on issues of tribal governance, tribal sovereignty, and federal Indian law and policy. Working closely with the Center's research team, this position plays a key role in supporting policy research, coordinating programs for tribal leaders, and helping advance the Center's mission of providing trusted, nonpartisan decision-support to Tribal Nations.

The Program Operations Coordinator will serve as the Center's primary administrative point of contact and will coordinate research requests, publication workflows, program logistics, and administrative operations. This position is ideal for someone who enjoys building responsive operations, coordinating complex initiatives, and supporting the delivery of objective policy research and services to Tribal Nations. The Program Operations Coordinator will report to the Director of the Native Nations Center and will support the Center's programming, publications, research requests, and administrative operations.


Summary :

This position coordinates the administrative, operational, and programmatic functions of the Native Nations Center for Tribal Policy Research, a nonpartisan policy research institute within the University of Oklahoma's Office of Tribal Relations. The role supports the Center's research mission by facilitating responsive engagement with tribal governments and partner organizations, supporting the Center's research service and orientation programs for elected tribal officials, ensuring professional and timely communication, and coordinating administrative operations in accordance with university policies.


Key Responsibilities :

Research Services and External Coordination

• Serve as the primary administrative point of contact for tribal governments, elected officials, partner organizations, and other stakeholders seeking information about the Center's research, programs, and services.
• Coordinate the intake, routing, tracking, and follow-up of requests for research, program information, and other Center services, ensuring inquiries are directed to the appropriate Center staff, university office, or partner organization and receive timely follow-up.
• Coordinate external communications and scheduling with tribal governments, partner organizations, and university stakeholders to support Center activities and research services.
• Maintain records of research requests, external inquiries, and stakeholder contacts to support responsive service and continuity of engagement.
• Develop and maintain administrative procedures that promote efficient coordination of research requests, external communications, and Center services.

Administrative and Financial Operations

• Coordinate purchasing, travel, reimbursements, procurement, and other financial transactions in accordance with university policies and procedures.
• Maintain confidential financial, administrative, and departmental records, ensuring accuracy, organization, and compliance with university requirements.
• Coordinate calendars, meeting schedules, and administrative support activities for Center operations.
• Monitor office supply inventories, coordinate vendor services, and assist with budget tracking and financial documentation, including working with the Shared Business Services Center.
• Serve as the primary administrative liaison with university business, finance, human resources, facilities, and other administrative offices to support Center operations.

Information and Publication Coordination

• Coordinate the release of Center publications by maintaining website content or working with university web services to ensure timely publication.
• Coordinate publication release activities, including website updates, distribution lists, and approved social media postings.
• Maintain the Center's website by updating publications, program information, and other approved content in accordance with university standards.
• Coordinate with university marketing, communications, and web services to support publication releases and other public-facing information.
• Maintain publication records, mailing lists, and other digital information resources supporting Center operations.

Program Logistics and Operational Coordination

• Coordinate logistical support, communications, and outreach for the Center's orientation programs, research briefings, meetings, webinars, and other Center-sponsored activities, including room reservations, travel arrangements, meeting materials, and on-site coordination.
• Coordinate speaker recruitment logistics, participant communications, registration, travel, and other operational requirements supporting Center programs and initiatives.
• Coordinate preparation and distribution of program materials, participant resources, evaluations, and post-program communications.
• Manage scheduling and lending of the Center's tribal flag collection and coordinate use of shared meeting spaces and other Center resources.
• Develop and maintain operational procedures, checklists, timelines, and documentation that promote consistency, continuity, and efficient coordination of recurring Center programs.

Skills :

• Excellent organizational and time management skills with the ability to coordinate multiple priorities, projects, and deadlines simultaneously.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills with the ability to communicate professionally, courteously, and responsively with Tribal Nations, partner organizations, university leadership, faculty, staff, and the public.
• Strong customer service and interpersonal skills with a demonstrated commitment to responsiveness, follow-through, and relationship building.
• Ability to exercise sound judgment, solve routine administrative problems, maintain confidentiality, and appropriately route inquiries while working independently within established procedures.
• Ability to coordinate complex meetings, orientation programs, events, travel, and other logistical activities with attention to detail.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, Outlook, PowerPoint) and the ability to learn university administrative, financial, and web content management systems.
• Ability to maintain accurate records and coordinate administrative, financial, and operational processes in accordance with university policies.
• Ability to establish and maintain productive working relationships with Tribal Nations, university departments, partner organizations, vendors, and other external stakeholders.
• Ability to adapt to changing priorities in a fast-paced, collaborative, and mission-driven environment.
• Knowledge of, or ability to learn, the mission of the Native Nations Center, university administrative procedures, and principles for working professionally and respectfully with Tribal Nations.

Please include:
Resume
Cover Letter


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Required Education:

• Bachelors Degree
• 3 years of experience in office management, administrative coordination, or related roles

Equivalency/Substitution : Experience or a combination of education & related experience can be considered in lieu of degree. A one-to-one ratio is used to determine the number of years of experience required in place of a degree.


Department Preferences:

• Bachelor's degree in public administration, business administration, communications, organizational leadership, nonprofit management, or a related field
• Experience supporting executive leadership, policy research organizations, higher education, nonprofit, governmental, or similarly mission-driven organizations
• Experience coordinating complex programs, meetings, or events involving multiple internal and external stakeholders
• Experience working with Tribal Nations or tribal organizations, or demonstrated experience supporting respectful government-to-government or community engagement
• Experience with university administrative systems, website content management, procurement, travel coordination, or financial processes.

Hiring Contingent Upon a Background Check: Yes

Norman Campus: If you are selected as a finalist for a position that supports the Norman Campus, you will be subject to The University of Oklahoma Norman Campus Tuberculosis Testing policy .


Why You Belong at the University of Oklahoma: The University of Oklahoma values our community's unique talents, perspectives, and experiences. At OU, we aspire to harness our innovation, creativity, and collaboration for the advancement of people everywhere. You Belong Here!

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement: The University, in compliance with all applicable federal and state laws and regulations, does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, marital status, genetic information, gender identity/expression (consistent with applicable law), age (40 or older), religion, disability, political beliefs, or status as a veteran in any of its policies, practices, or procedures. This includes but is not limited to admissions, employment, housing, financial aid, and educational services.