Job Description:

Special Instructions to Applicants : All interested applicants must attach a cover letter and a resume in the Supporting Documents section of the application in a PDF format . Please note that the applicant tracking system does not convert attachments in Word format successfully.

Position Summary:

The Senior Associate Director of Operations plays a pivotal role in advancing the mission of the Liu Idea Lab for Innovation & Entrepreneurship at Rice University. This dynamic leadership position is responsible for overseeing and optimizing the Lab's operational functions, ensuring seamless integration of programs, resources, and initiatives. The incumbent will collaborate closely with senior leadership, faculty, and external partners to drive innovation, foster an entrepreneurial ecosystem, and amplify the Lab's impact. The Senior Associate Director of Operations not only owns Lilie's process for how we work, and keeps close tabs on how the team is adopting our process and values but coaches and develops the team to help accomplish our goals for continued success and excellence. Lilie is the beating heart of entrepreneurship, innovation, venture capital, and research commercialization for the whole Rice University campus. Our Center combines over 50 for-credit, experiential courses every year with a suite of programs, resources, competitions, and accelerators to help entrepreneurs and innovators at every stage of their journey. Our mission is to serve Rice University students, faculty, and alumni from all majors and degree programs in helping them go from idea to real-world impact. We've been ranked as the #1 Graduate Entrepreneurship program in the country for the last 4 years in a row, but need your help to aim even higher in the future.

Ideal Candidate Statement:

This role demands a strategic thinker with exceptional organizational acumen, a proven track ecord in operations management, and a passion for empowering the next generation of innovators.

Workplace Requirements

This position is a full-time position within a hybrid work environment, combining both in-office and remote work to provide flexibility and support collaboration. (minimum 4 days in the office per week). Per Rice policy 440 , work arrangements may be subject to change."

Annual Hiring Range : Minimum of $95,900, with hiring salary commensurate with experience and qualifications.

*Exempt (salaried) positions under FLSA are not eligible for overtime.

Minimum Requirements:

• Bachelor's degree
  
  
  • In lieu of the education requirement, additional related experience, above and beyond what is required, on an equivalent year-for-year basis may be substituted
  
  
• 4 years of professional related experience
  
  
  • In lieu of the experience requirement, additional related education, above and beyond what is required, on an equivalent year-for-year basis may be substituted
  
  
• Skills
  
  
  • Ability to develop complex and/or multiple program partnerships and funding sources
  • Knowledge of managing budgets and developing financial plans
  • Ability to develop and initiate new strategies
  • Excellent verbal and written communication skills
  • Ability to work well under pressure and manage projects simultaneously
  • Excellent organizational and time management skills
  • Excellent knowledge of Microsoft Office Suite
  • Excellent data analysis skills
  • Ability to work independently and as part of a team to meet expected deadlines and schedules
  • Adept at problem solving, creating contingency plans and handing issues
  • Excellent client service orientation
  • Ability to lead and motivate others
  • Strategic skills to craft and implement project plans
  • Excellent attention to detail
  
  

Preferences:

• Demonstrated ability to manage financial, organizational, and staff resources
• Professional work experience in higher education, specifically working as a staff member in the graduate education academic space
• Team-oriented and able to work well in a collaborative environment with a balance between self-motivation and working independently with minimal supervision.
• Ability to navigate change and work effectively in a matrixed and fast-paced environment.

Essential Functions:

• Leads the development and implementation of major program(s) managed.
• Collaborates with faculty and/or staff leadership to design programs and establish long-range of strategic and operational plans.
• Identifies and implements program changes to ensure alignment with mission and program effectiveness.
• Oversees the operations, administration and operational plans with in the department.
• Develops and implements strategies related to outreach, events, communications, development, partnerships, and fundraising/funding.
• Devises and manages financial and budgetary plans for the program(s), approves and monitors expenditures.
• Directs staff and provides leadership to achieve the goals and vision of the organization.
• Responsible for hiring and retaining staff, career coaching, professional development and accountable for the performance of direct reports.
• May develop multi-year business plans.
• Identifies and resolves strategic issues of substantial significance that affect the overall functioning beyond the immediate unit, consulting and advising senior leadership.
• Makes decisions that establish objectives for the overall direction/operation of a
• significant organization
• Evaluates the effectiveness of the organizational structure and programs to ensure success, development of employees, and appropriate use of staff resources
• Advises senior management on programmatic and policy development.
• Performs all other duties that are assigned.

Rice University HR | Benefits: https://knowledgecafe.rice.edu/benefits-overview

Rice Mission and Values: Mission and Values | Rice University

Rice University is an Equal Opportunity Employer committed to diversity at all levels. It considers for employment qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national or ethnic origin, genetic information, disability, or protected veteran status.

About Us

Boasting a 300-acre tree-lined campus in Houston, Rice University is ranked among the nation's top 20 universities by U.S. News & World Report. Rice has a 6-to-1 undergraduate student-to-faculty ratio, and a residential college system, which supports students intellectually, emotionally and culturally through social events, intramural sports, student plays, lectures series, courses and student government. Developing close-knit, diverse college communities is a strong campus tradition, which is why Rice is highly ranked for best quality of life and best value among private universities.

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