Department:

Challenger Center

Requested Start Date:

April 1, 2026

Normal Work Schedule:

8:00 am – 4:30 pm Monday-Friday, some evenings and weekend or evening work for special projects, meetings, events, etc.

Job Summary:

The Operations Specialist is responsible for day-to-day operations of the Challenger Learning Center of Northeast Alabama. This role requires a blend of leadership, analytical, and process-oriented skills to drive efficiency, productivity, and ultimately, achieve the organization’s mission. Duties include scheduling, budget management and oversight, coordination/collaboration with key stakeholders, and the first point of contact with individuals interested in the Center’s STEM programming. The Operations Specialist will work independently from a home office and at the Challenger Learning Center site.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Provide operational leadership to develop, implement, and refine operational policies, procedures, and strategies to achieve the organization’s mission and goals.
• Oversee the efficient allocation and management of resources, including personnel, technology, and finances.
• Analyze and identify areas for improvement within existing operational processes to increase efficiency and productivity.
• Responsible for recruiting school systems, businesses, civic groups, and to participate in STEM programming for all age groups.
• Collaborate with staff and external partners/stakeholders to ensure coordination and communication within the organization.
• Ensure adherence to relevant laws, regulations, and ethical standards, as well as implementing safety protocols and managing risks.
• Lead, manage, motivate, and develop a high-performing operations team, fostering a culture of accountability and continuous improvement.
• Monitor operational budgets, analyze financial data, identify cost-saving opportunities, and contribute to sound financial planning.
• Cultivate relationships with internal and external stakeholders, including employees, partners, donors, and the community to grow donor base and retain existing donors.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Required Minimum Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in a related field
• Educational attainment or comparable work experience in business administration, operations management, project management
• Must be able to travel by personal car and air and
• Possess a valid Alabama driver’s license with proof of insurance.
• Must be able to successfully pass a Motor Vehicle Report

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience in an education setting
• Non-profit experience

Required Documents:

1. Cover Letter
2. Resume

Employee Benefits:

JSU strives to provide a great quality of life to our employees through an attractive, competitive benefits package for our full-time faculty and staff. These benefits enhance your salary as a JSU employee and are part of your total compensation package.  Benefits include:

• Retirement Plans
  • Alabama Teacher’s Retirement System (TRS)
  • RSA-1 Deferred Compensation
  • 403-B Retirement Annuity (TIAA)
• Health Insurance
  • Medical (PEEHIP)
  • Optional plans:  vision, dental, flexible spending plan, dependent care, cancer and hospital indemnity
• Long-term disability and life insurance
• Tuition assistance
• Paid and unpaid leave
• Employee Assistance Program
• Prescription assistance

For additional information regarding benefits, please visit our website.

Clery Notice: In compliance with the Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Crime Statistics Act,  https://clerycenter.org/policy-resources/the-clery-act/ the Jacksonville State University Police provide information on crimes statistics, crime prevention, law enforcement, crime reporting, and other related issues for the past three calendar years. The JSU Annual Campus Security and Fire Report is available online at: https://www.jsu.edu/police/docs/cleryannualreport.pdf

Equal Employment Opportunity: Jax State is an Equal Employment and Equal Opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, age, genetic information, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.