Operations Lead

Job Summary The Operations Project Manager II plans and executes operational projects that support the strategic priorities and day-to-day operations of the Goff Strategic Leadership Institute. Working from project initiation through implementation, this position gathers information from stakeholders, defines project objectives and deliverables, coordinates activities across functional areas, and ensures projects are completed on schedule and aligned with Institute priorities. In addition to managing operational projects, this role develops and improves processes, maintains operational systems and data, and supports data-informed decision making that enables the Institute to scale its impact. The position works closely with Institute staff and university partners to coordinate operations, monitor project progress, identify opportunities for continuous improvement, and communicate key issues that may impact project outcomes. As a member of a growing and entrepreneurial team, this position helps build the operational infrastructure, systems, and processes that support the Institute’s continued growth while contributing to an exceptional experience for students, faculty, partners, and other stakeholders. Responsibilities Project & Operations Management Plan, coordinate, and execute operational projects from initiation through implementation. Define project objectives, scope, deliverables, timelines, and resource needs. Coordinate project activities across multiple functional areas and stakeholders. Monitor project progress and communicate risks, challenges, and recommendations. Support implementation of new operational initiatives and continuous process improvements. Operational Systems & Process Improvement Develop, document, and improve operational processes that increase efficiency, consistency, and scalability. Create structure and standard operating procedures to support a growing organization. Manage operational workflows and administrative systems supporting Institute programs. Identify opportunities to streamline processes and improve the student and stakeholder experience. Data & Analytics Maintain accurate operational and program data across Institute systems. Work with University Data Teams to prepare reports, dashboards, and analyses to support operational and strategic decision making. Monitor data quality and ensure integrity across multiple platforms. Support assessment, reporting, and continuous improvement efforts. Student & Program Operations Coordinate program application, admissions, and related operational processes. Support program logistics and operational execution for Institute initiatives. Manage shared communications, including operational email accounts and inquiries. Coordinate documentation, records, and administrative support for Institute programs. Collaboration Partner with faculty, staff, and university departments to ensure successful project execution. Build collaborative relationships to support Institute initiatives. Contribute ideas that strengthen operations and support the Institute’s long‑term growth. Minimum Qualifications EQUIVALENCY STATEMENT : 1 year of higher education can be substituted for 1 year of directly related work experience (Example: bachelor’s degree = 4 years of directly related work experience). Requires a bachelor’s (or equivalency) + 4 years or a master’s (or equivalency) + 2 years of directly related work experience. Microsoft Office Suite proficiency (particularly Excel) Preferences Exceptional attention to detail and organizational skills. Strong process improvement mindset with the ability to create structure in evolving environments. Analytical thinking and comfort working with data to inform decisions. Initiative and proactive problem solving. Ability to manage multiple priorities with minimal supervision. Strong written and verbal communication skills. Collaborative approach and commitment to excellent customer service. Curiosity, creativity, and a desire to continuously improve operations. Ability to lead through influence and take ownership regardless of formal authority. Preferred Experience Salesforce and/or CRM systems, Tableau or other data visualization platforms, Canvas or learning management systems, Project management and collaboration tools. Additional Information The University is a participating employer with Utah Retirement Systems (“URS”). Eligible new hires with prior URS service may elect to enroll in URS if they make the election before they become eligible for retirement (usually the first day of work). Contact Human Resources at View phone number on click.appcast.io for information. Individuals who previously retired and are receiving monthly retirement benefits from URS are subject to URS’ post‑retirement rules and restrictions. Please contact Utah Retirement Systems at View phone number on click.appcast.io or View phone number on click.appcast.io or University Human Resource Management at View phone number on click.appcast.io if you have questions regarding the post‑retirement rules. This position may require the successful completion of a criminal background check and/or drug screen. The University of Utah values candidates who have experience working in settings with students and possess a strong commitment to improving access to higher education. Veterans’ preference is extended to qualified applicants, upon request and consistent with University policy and Utah state law. Upon request, reasonable accommodations in the application process will be provided to individuals with disabilities. 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, as required by Title IX and 34 CFR part 106. The requirement not to discriminate in education programs or activities extends to admission and employment. Inquiries about the application of Title IX and its regulations may be referred to the Title IX Coordinator, to the Department of Education, 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, you may 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 This report includes statistics about criminal offenses, hate crimes, arrests and referrals for disciplinary action, and Violence Against Women Act offenses. They also provide information about safety and security‑related services offered by the University of Utah. A paper copy can be obtained by request at the Department of Public Safety located at 1658 East 500 South. As per University of Utah policy 5-108: Transfer of Benefits Eligible Staff Members , a new hire to the University of Utah who is still serving a 12 month probationary period will not be hired into another University of Utah job (a transfer) until the successful completion of the probationary period. #J-18808-Ljbffr