The Managing Director of Operations will oversee the department/division’s strategic vision and lead business decisions to drive growth. The Managing Director of Operations will oversee the Network for Microelectronics Education Partnership (NNME) and Pacific Intermountain Network for Education in Semiconductors (PINES) initiative and provide strategic leadership and operational oversight for a complex, multi-partner milestone contract valued at approximately $5 million annually. This position is responsible for managing consortium operations, coordinating activities among 23 university and semiconductor industry partners, overseeing budgets and compliance requirements, and ensuring successful completion of program milestones and deliverables. The Managing Director of Operations serves as the primary liaison among institutional leadership, funding agencies, and external stakeholders while supporting collaboration, operational continuity, and long-term program sustainability. The ideal candidate will possess strong leadership, project management, financial oversight, and relationship-building skills with experience managing large-scale programs, contracts, or consortium initiatives in higher education, research, workforce development, or industry partnerships.

This position will be in person with 1-2 days remote/hybrid schedule. This is a temporary position with an expected duration through July 2027.

This position is not eligible for visa sponsorship.

The Microelectronics Education and Research Center (MERC) is the hub for microelectronics innovation, entrepreneurship, and workforce development in Idaho. Organized within Boise State’s College of Engineering, MERC centralizes and coordinates opportunities for all students in essential career preparation and unique research opportunities alongside expert faculty.

Several workforce development grants have become the signature programs for MERC coming from state, federal, and other funding sources. The goals of each is to bolster microelectronics career pathways for students across the region through K-12 outreach and recruiting, curriculum updates across the university and with other institutions, development of new experiential learning programs, and through external partnerships. The workforce development grants currently housed within MERC establish Boise State as a nationwide leader in semiconductor education and research, while significantly enhancing opportunities for the next generation of professionals entering the workforce.

Directs through subordinate Managers multiple large and complex critical programs impacting broad constituencies across major portions of campus. Identifies objectives, manages very significant human, financial, and physical resources, and functions with an extremely high degree of autonomy. Accountable for formulating and administering policies and programs for major functions. Operational or program results can affect overall campus wide performance and reputation. Directs through subordinate Managers the development of strategic goals and objectives to achieve accountability and stewardship of university resources in a manner consistent with campus and system wide objectives and initiatives.

• Identify, recruit, train, and develop a talented team of employees who can lead critical departments and manage strategic plans and functions
• Create or implement strategic plans to actualize the University’s objectives
• Monitor department operations and ensure employees and business practices comply with regulatory and legal requirements
• Develop the organizational culture and promote transparency and collaboration throughout the department/division
• Develop partnerships with internal and external stakeholders relevant to the department/division and university
• Identify potential risks and opportunities within the department/division to protect business interests
• Represent the department/division at social events in ways that strengthen the brand and communicate the University’s message
• Collaborate closely with a variety of stakeholders, both internal and external, on all aspects of projects
• Direct and manage the daily operations of the NNME PINES milestone contract valued at approximately $5 million annually, ensuring successful execution of all program goals, deliverables, and contractual obligations.
• Coordinate and oversee project activities among 23 university, research, and semiconductor industry partners to ensure alignment with consortium objectives, timelines, and performance milestones.
• Develop, implement, and monitor strategic project plans, workstreams, timelines, and reporting structures to support operational continuity and timely completion of milestones.
• Serve as the primary liaison between consortium leadership, funding agencies, industry stakeholders, and institutional partners to facilitate communication, collaboration, and issue resolution.
• Monitor program performance metrics, compliance requirements, and milestone progress to ensure adherence to sponsor expectations and funding requirements.
• Manage and oversee complex program budgets, expenditures, forecasting, and resource allocation in collaboration with university financial and grant administration offices.
• Prepare and submit detailed progress reports, sponsor updates, presentations, and executive summaries for leadership, funding entities, and external stakeholders.
• Lead coordination of consortium meetings, workshops, strategic planning sessions, and partner engagement activities to strengthen collaboration and support program objectives.
• Identify operational risks, compliance concerns, and project barriers, while developing and implementing mitigation strategies to maintain program success and continuity.
• Supervise and provide leadership to program staff, project coordinators, and support personnel involved in contract operations and consortium activities.
• Establish and improve operational processes, communication systems, and project management practices that support efficient administration of a large, multi-partner initiative.
• Support long-term sustainability efforts and future funding opportunities by ensuring successful partner collaboration, milestone achievement, and positive sponsor relations.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

• Excellent understanding of finance-related performance standards
• Proven ability to develop and execute financial strategies
• Excellent written and verbal communication
• Demonstrated knowledge of university and regulatory best practices
• Organization and leadership skills
• Experience in the microelectronic/semiconductor industry, and/or higher education, and/or workforce development
• Analyze data and make budget and enrollment forecasts
• Supervisory responsibilities 
• Strong professional and customer service focus
• Experience in proposal development, including adherence to sponsor guidelines and solicitation requirements and sponsored project administration
• Knowledge of promotion and recruiting practices
• Ability to professionally present and market programs 
• Experience directing a large program and managing multiple priorities

Bachelor’s Degree or equivalent plus 10 years experience including 6 managerial

Preferred Qualifications:

• Master’s degree in business administration, engineering, higher education administration, public administration, or a related field.
• Minimum of six (6) years of progressively responsible experience managing large-scale federally funded, industry-sponsored, or multi-institutional programs or contracts.
• Demonstrated experience overseeing complex contracts, grants, or cooperative agreements
• Proven success coordinating and managing cross-functional collaborations among higher education institutions, government agencies, nonprofit organizations, and industry partners.
• Experience leading milestone-driven initiatives with responsibility for deliverables, reporting, compliance, timelines, and budget oversight. 
• Strong knowledge of project management methodologies, strategic planning, and operational execution within large consortium environments.
• Experience supervising professional staff, student employees, contractors, and/or interdisciplinary project teams.
• Demonstrated ability to manage multiple priorities and task streams in a fast-paced and highly collaborative environment.
• Experience developing and maintaining relationships with external stakeholders, including semiconductor industry partners, research organizations, and funding agencies.
• Strong financial management experience, including budget forecasting, resource allocation, and fiscal monitoring for complex programs.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including preparation of executive-level reports, presentations, and sponsor updates.
• Familiarity with higher education systems, research administration, workforce development initiatives, or semiconductor-related programs preferred.
• Demonstrated ability to navigate organizational change, resolve complex problems, and implement process improvements that support program success.
• Experience supporting initiatives that involve workforce development, STEM education, semiconductor ecosystems, or regional innovation partnerships preferred.

• Resume
• Cover Letter
• Contact information for three professional references, collected as part of the application form

Nestled along the Boise River and steps from the state capitol, Boise State University fosters a vibrant and welcoming academic environment that fuels student and employee success. We’re a trailblazing institution, nationally recognized for our innovative spirit and commitment to positive impact on Idaho and beyond.

Boise State is proud to be recognized by Forbes as the only Idaho employer listed in the top 100 of all national midsize and large employers. We’re building a thriving community of faculty and staff whose unique skills, experiences, and perspectives come together to create a rich and rewarding academic experience. Applications from all backgrounds are welcomed.

Learn more about Boise State and living in Idaho’s Treasure Valley at https://www.boisestate.edu/about/