Position Summary

The Manager of Strategic Operations is a key and highly visible member of the Dean of the Daniels College of Business executive staff. Under general supervision from the Dean, manages complex, cross-functional projects and initiatives and provides assistance and support to the Dean on matters that are sensitive and complex and require a high level of independence, analytical skill, and initiative in execution and implementation. May represent the Dean in discussions with other Deans, Associate Deans, the Office of the Provost, donors, faculty, and staff. Works closely with senior university administrators, campus departments, advisory boards, community leaders, donors, and various other Daniel’s stakeholders to assist with the Dean’s initiatives. Coordinates the Dean’s planning and operating activities and ensures the timely flow of information with the utmost professionalism and discretion.

Essential Functions

Strategic Leadership and Planning Responsibilities

• Report to the Dean and function as Dean’s leadership partner. Coach and mentored administrative support staff in handling difficult and sensitive situations and ensure smooth daily operations.
• Offer strategic leadership and guidance to the administrative support team, ensuring alignment with the Dean’s vision, operational objectives, and long-term institutional goals.
• Coordinate and liaise with other senior administrative and academic officials on all matters of interest to the Dean.
• Represent the Dean’s perspectives throughout a broad range of programs, committees, meetings, and complex issues.
• Identify issues that require cross-functional input and participate in the evaluation, analysis, and coordination of analysis, strategies, decisions, and outcomes.
• Support the execution of key initiatives and strategic projects, tracking progress and ensuring follow-through.
• Oversee the strategic planning, coordination, and execution of faculty meetings, high-level events, and conferences.
• Utilize strategic judgment and autonomy to identify and escalate critical information or issues to the Dean for decision-making.

Executive Management

• Independently manage the administration of standing committees that advise the Dean; oversee special committees or programs reporting to the Dean; develop/update committee charges, advise and make recommendations or formation of new committees and restructuring of existing committees, and evaluate the effectiveness of committees.
• Deliver high-level executive support to the Dean of the Daniels College of Business, overseeing the management of schedules, meetings, and strategic correspondence to ensure seamless operations.
• Coordinate calendar management, ensuring strategic prioritization of the Dean’s time.
• Draft, review, and manage emails, memos, reports, and presentations on behalf of the Dean.
• Organize and prepare materials for meetings, committees, and board engagements.
• Manage travel arrangements, expense reports, and administrative logistics for the Dean and leadership team.
• Other administrative support responsibilities as assigned by the Dean.

Communication & Public Relations Duties

• Develop correspondence for the Dean’s signature. Partner with internal and external units to oversee and review draft copy for speaking engagements, presentations, and executive level documents, as well as briefing papers and reports.
• Act as a liaison between the Dean’s office and faculty, staff, students, and external partners.
• Partner with the finance team to ensure that key projects have the resources needed to be successful and initiate, lead, and/or monitor projects to successful completion.
• Draft and distribute internal communications, announcements, and policy updates.
• Support engagement efforts with alumni, corporate partners, and donors through event coordination and outreach.
• Handle sensitive and confidential information with professionalism and discretion.
• Represent the Dean at University and community events.

Dean’s Office Operational Responsibilities

• Maintains current understanding of Dean’s priorities in order to coordinate the department's activities according to urgency and need, manages the Dean’s email communications, oversees the management of complex calendar and travel schedule.
• Addresses questions and investigates issues that may occur within the day-to-day functions of the office.
• Support faculty and staff, onboarding and operational needs in partnership with department leaders.
• Identify critical issues, ensure they are addressed promptly, and drive resolution through effective follow-up and coordination.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Attention to Detail & Organization – Ability to manage complex tasks and maintain accuracy.
• Professionalism & Discretion – Comfortable handling sensitive information with integrity.
• Time Management & Prioritization – Skilled at balancing competing priorities effectively.
• Strategic Planning and Organizational Development – Understanding of strategic planning processes, particularly in academic or large organizational settings, to align goals and initiatives.
• Higher Education Administration – Familiarity with the structure, operations, and challenges within higher education institutions, including faculty governance, student services, and academic administration.
• Ability to work independently, handle confidential information, and problem-solve
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to engage with senior stakeholders.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree
• 5+ years of experience in executive support, administration, or operations, preferably in higher education.
• Strong organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite, calendar management tools, and administrative software.

Preferred Qualifications

• Master’s degree in Business Administration, Higher Education Administration, or a related field.
• 8+ years of progressively responsible experience in executive support, senior-level administration, or operations, ideally within higher education or similar complex organizational environments.
• Experience with strategic planning and cross-functional collaboration to drive institutional goals and initiatives.
• Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook), project management tools, and administrative software (e.g., CRM systems, scheduling platforms).

Working Environment

• Standard office environment.
• Unexpected interruptions occur often and stress level is moderate to high.
• Noise level is quiet to moderate.

Physical Activities

• Ability to work in front of a computer for extended periods of time.
• Occasionally required to move about the office/campus.

Work Schedule
Monday - Friday, 8:00 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.

Application Deadline
For consideration, please submit your application materials by 4:00 p.m. (MST) May 1, 2025.

Special Instructions
Candidates must apply online through jobs.du.edu to be considered. Only applications submitted online will be accepted.

Salary Grade Number:
The salary grade for the position is 10.

Salary Range:
The salary range for this position is $64,000-$74,000.

The University of Denver has provided a compensation range that represents its good faith estimate of what the University may pay for the position at the time of posting. The University may ultimately pay more or less than the posted compensation range. The salary offered to the selected candidate will be determined based on factors such as the qualifications of the selected candidate, departmental budget availability, internal salary equity considerations, and available market information, but not based on a candidate’s sex or any other protected status.

Benefits:
The University of Denver offers excellent benefits, including medical, dental, retirement, paid time off, tuition benefit and ECO pass. The University of Denver is a private institution that empowers students who want to make a difference. Learn more about the University of Denver.

Please include the following documents with your application:
1. Resume
2. Cover Letter

The University of Denver is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex (including sex stereotypes, sex characteristics, sexual orientation, gender identity, and gender expression), marital, family, or parental status, pregnancy or related conditions, national origin, disability, or status as a protected veteran. The University of Denver does not discriminate and prohibits discrimination on the basis of race, color, national origin, ancestry, age, religion, creed, disability, sex (including sex stereotypes, sex characteristics, sexual orientation, gender identity, and gender expression), marital family, and parental status, pregnancy, genetic information, military enlistment, or veteran status, and any other class of individuals protected from discrimination under federal, state, or local law, regulation, or ordinance in any of the University’s educational programs and activities, and in the employment (including application for employment) and admissions (including application for admission) context, as required by Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972; the Americans with Disabilities Act; Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973; Title VI and VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964; the Age Discrimination Act of 1975; the Age Discrimination in Employment Act of 1967; the Equal Pay Act; the Colorado Equal Pay for Equal Work Act; the Colorado Protecting Opportunities and Worker's Rights ("POWR") Act; and any other federal, state, and local laws, regulations, or ordinances that prohibit discrimination, harassment, and/or retaliation. For more information, please see the University of Denver's Non‑Discrimination‑Statement.

All offers of employment are contingent upon satisfactory completion of a criminal history background check.