Operations Project Managers

Position Details Job Title: Associate Director of the Center for Civic Discourse and Debate Career Progression Track: P00 FLSA Code: Administrative Patient Sensitive Job Code: No Standard Hours per Week: 40 Employment Type: Full Time Shift: Day Location: Campus, Salt Lake City, UT Pay Rate Range: $70,000 to $90,000 Close Date: 07/27/2026 Job Summary The Center for Civic Discourse & Debate is seeking a creative and strategic Associate Director to help implement and achieve its ambitious goals as operations begin on the University of Utah campus. Working closely with the Center’s director and leadership team, this position will play a critical role in implementing the Center’s strategic vision. The Associate Director will ensure that the Center’s objectives are executed consistently and communicated clearly across a range of audiences. The successful candidate will be a highly capable, relationship‑driven professional with a strong focus on advancing the Center’s mission. This individual will support planning and management of internal operations and Center programming from initiation through delivery. Responsibilities include gathering input and data from stakeholders to evaluate objectives, define project scope, and establish clear deliverables. This position is well suited for a professional who finds deep satisfaction in strategic execution and organizational discipline. Candidates who excel at coordination and enjoy maintaining a clear organizational identity while navigating complex professional relationships are encouraged to apply. The Center for Civic Discourse & Debate serves as a non‑partisan hub dedicated to transforming disagreement into productive dialogue through a rigorous four‑pillar approach. By combining academic research in argumentation with “Debate Across the Curriculum” teaching models, the Center equips students and faculty with portable skills in advocacy and deliberation. The Center also provides professional conflict resolution training and extensive community programming to foster productive disagreement. Grounded in process expertise rather than ideological advocacy, the Center maintains strict nonpartisanship to ensure that academic rigor translates directly into practical community impact. Beginning operations in summer of 2026, The Center for Civic Discourse & Debate is a program within the Colleges of Liberal Arts and Sciences (LAS). LAS unites staff teams, strategy, operations and campus innovation across the Colleges of Humanities, Social and Behavioral Sciences, and Science. Responsibilities Gather input and data from stakeholders to evaluate objectives, define project scope, and establish clear deliverables. Translate high‑level organizational goals into actionable project plans, maintaining flexibility to pivot resources and priorities rapidly in response to shifting circumstances. Serve as a primary ambassador for the Center’s activities, advocating strongly for the Center’s mission and unique framing to external stakeholders while correcting misconceptions and ensuring the Center’s identity is consistently represented. Establish and maintain high‑value relationships with internal and external partners, including strategic outreach to and integration of student cohorts and faculty contributors into the Center’s ongoing projects. Maintain operational agility and a high level of comfort with shifting priorities. Coordinate efforts with internal departments to support the successful completion of projects and keep leadership informed of key developments and potential issues related to timelines, budgets, or outcomes. Minimum Qualifications A bachelor’s degree (or equivalency) with four years of directly related work experience, or a master’s degree (or equivalency) with two years of directly related work experience. One year of higher education may be substituted for one year of directly related work experience. Proven experience in staff‑based project management, business operations, or non‑profit leadership. Exceptional interpersonal skills to ensure that stakeholders—faculty, university leadership, community partners—are consistently supported and that their experience with the Center is seamless. Strong communication skills and comfort with working within a defined brand/strategic framework. Understanding of approaches to argumentation, debate, dialogue, conflict resolution, and related fields. Ability to manage multiple work streams and address emergent organizational needs. Equal Employment Opportunity Statement Consistent with state and federal law, the University of Utah does not discriminate based upon race, ethnicity, color, religion, national origin, age, disability, sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, gender expression, pregnancy, pregnancy‑related conditions, genetic information, or protected veteran’s status. The University does not discriminate on the basis of sex in the education program or activity that it operates. Inquiries about the application of Title IX and its regulations may be referred to the Title IX Coordinator, the Department of Education, the Office for Civil Rights, or both. To request a reasonable accommodation for a disability or if you or someone you know has experienced discrimination or sexual misconduct—including sexual harassment—contact the Director/Title IX Coordinator in the Office of Equal Opportunity and Title IX (OEO). More information, including the Director/Title IX Coordinator’s office address, electronic mail address, and telephone number can be located at the University of Utah Non‑Discrimination page. Online reports may be submitted at The public safety report is available at #J-18808-Ljbffr