Director of Operations

The Director of Operations works within the K-12 Office to drive alignment, accountability, and execution across the office. This role is responsible for enhancing operational efficiency, managing strategic initiatives, coordinating communication across departments, and helping to ensure that the leadership team (the K-12 Office’s Directors) remains focused on top organizational priorities. Key Responsibilities Strategic Planning & Execution Collaborate with the leadership team to drive development and execution of strategic plans. Facilitate the translation of high‑level strategies into actionable goals and ensure progress is tracked. Operational Oversight Streamline and optimize internal operations and processes. Monitor progress on cross‑functional initiatives, ensuring timely and effective execution. Communications & Culture Facilitate timely, consistent, and strategically aligned communications on behalf of the VP and leadership team. Catalyze a collaborative and mission‑aligned culture by providing continuity across projects guided by the AVP’s strategic intent. Support change management initiatives and culture‑building efforts. Special Projects & Research Lead high‑impact special projects on behalf of the AVP. Direct research, synthesize data, and provide actionable insights for decision‑making. Specific Tasks Drive the budget development process and oversee and manage the budget and requisition processes. Drive the effective, consistent use of BBCRM to support our work as an Office and our 2030 influence goals. Drive the effective implementation of Monday.com and transition from Asana. With the AVP and Office of Continuous Improvement, plan critical topics of discussion for PPM and support the coordination and running of the triannual meetings. Facilitate regular leadership meetings, set agendas, and follow up on action items. Direct and oversee communications and activities to drive Office integration. Assess Office processes; as needed develop, align, organize, and enforce processes. Support the development and posting of job positions and interviewing and assessing candidates. Oversee hospitable onboarding that orients new team members to our Office, provides them with all necessary resources, and prepares them to effectively engage in their work. Support the development of the Org Chart and the alignment of assigned roles and duties across the Office. Maintain awareness of the key activities of the Office and the College and ensure those are communicated to the Office, including through the Office shared calendar. Identify and assign work locations (i.e., desks) – Facility use, desk assignments. Supervise various staff members, including the Office Manager. Ensure GRAs and Summer/Temporary Student Workers are properly oriented to our work, introduced to our office, and effectively tasked to support our work. Serve as a representative of Hillsdale College at education conferences and other events. Give presentations on the work of the K-12 Education Office at Hillsdale College events in town and across the country. Participate in the filming of videos for the K-12 Education Office’s online library of resources for schools. Visit Hillsdale’s affiliated K-12 schools on occasion to observe and give presentations to faculty and parents. Required Qualifications Education and Experience This position requires a bachelor’s degree and a minimum of five years’ experience in leadership, project management, or other related experience that demonstrates a capacity for this work. Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities Strong project management skills and competency overseeing budgets. Outstanding interpersonal skills in support of developing the culture of the office and in strengthening ties with the rest of the College. Ability to learn, follow, and lead others in office procedures. Proficiency in basic Microsoft applications. Ability to master and effectively use office‑specific software applications (Box, Monday, etc.). Excellent oral and written communication skills with the ability to give and to follow oral and written instructions. Supporting a fluid, high‑impact work environment, requiring interpersonal and professional savvy. Logical, consistent organization and keen attention to detail. Use of discretion and maintaining strict confidentiality. Other Skills Preferred Experience Background in strategic planning and organizational operations. Experience working with and coordinating organizational‑level activities including HR, technical support, legal, and event planning. Knowledge of school operational and governance structures. Physical Demands Personal Characteristics The K-12 Education Office interacts routinely with College staff, visitors, and donors. A neat appearance and a pleasant relationship that is supportive of the College mission are essential. This relationship needs to be supportive and professional while maintaining confidentiality as needed. Code of Commitment Be a good representative of Hillsdale College to promote the liberal arts, the College’s original Articles of Association, and operating principles stated in the Staff Code of Commitment. The Mission Statement should be considered in all aspects of the position. #J-18808-Ljbffr