"Assistant Director Digital Futures Operations"

Next Lives at the University of Cincinnati

Founded in 1819, the University of Cincinnati ranks among the nation’s best urban public research universities. Home to more than 53,600 students, 12,000 faculty and staff, and over 360,000 living alumni, UC, a Carnegie 1 institution, combines research prowess with a physical setting The New York Times has called “the most ambitious campus design program in the country.” UC's momentum has never been stronger as the anchor of the Cincinnati Innovation District, the oldest cooperative education (co-op) program in the country with students earning $94 million annually through paid experiences, an academic health system, and as a member of the Big 12 Conference. The university contributes $10.6 billion in economic impact to the city and $22.7 billion to the state of Ohio. At UC, next is all of us. Learn more at uc.edu.

UC is a mission-driven organization where we are committed to student success and positively transforming the community through scholarship and service. We thrive on innovation, making an impact, and fostering an environment where staff and faculty are key contributors to UC’s success.

About Digital Futures Operations (DF Ops)

The Digital Futures Operations (DF Ops) department is a vital unit within the University of Cincinnati’s Office of Research. We are dedicated to supporting the mission and daily functions of the Digital Futures (DF) building – UC’s premier interdisciplinary research facility. DF Ops ensures seamless facility management, fosters a collaborative research environment, and provides comprehensive support to faculty, staff, students, and external partners.

Job Overview

The Assistant Director Digital Futures Operations position is responsible for overseeing daily operations and strategic initiatives of the DF building. This position plays a pivotal role in ensuring the safe, compliant, and effective operation of a complex environment that supports cutting-edge research, collaboration, and community engagement. The Assistant Director provides operational leadership in research facility management, safety and compliance, resource allocation, and user support. The role collaborates closely with faculty, staff, students, and external partners to facilitate research activities, manage shared spaces and equipment, and uphold the highest standards of service and operational excellence. This position is a fully on-site position.

Essential Functions

• Assist with the management and oversight of Digital Futures (DF) building operations, including setting goals, monitoring performance to achieve strategic objectives, and facilitating interdisciplinary research programs.
• Assist with the management and supervision of core research facilities and shared laboratory environments, including coordinating procurement of research instrumentation and equipment installation and maintenance, allocating resources, and ensuring compliance with all safety and regulatory standards.
• Implement DF building operations internal policies and procedures to improve usage of DF facilities, increase internal and external business partnerships, and enhance the experience of DF visitors, research labs, and building residents; ensure that all programs and services comply with university, state, and federal regulations.
• Develop and implement standard operating procedures (SOPs) for research facility use and safety to promote efficient and secure operations.
• Evaluate the effectiveness of DF facility operations, customer service initiatives, and recommendations for enhancements that meet the needs of residents. Ensure consistency with the mission of the Office of Research and the University. Identify facility needs and recommend responsive and proactive solutions to enhance the DF experience.
• Assist with and make recommendations in the preparation of annual operating budget for the DF building operations; submit purchase requests for approval; monitor expenses; assist with expense and budget reports.
• Coordinate facility access, provide user training, and monitor resource utilization to support research activities and optimize facility performance.
• Manage conference and event related activity in DF, collaborations with Conference & Event Services, and internally hosted meetings, events, activities, and academic conferences, including recommending and monitoring budget and staffing levels for conference and event support activities.
• Provide direct and/or indirect supervision to exempt and non-exempt staff (i.e., hiring/firing, performance evaluations, disciplinary action, approve time off, etc.).
• Perform related duties based on departmental need. This job description can be changed at any time.

Required Education

• Bachelor's Degree
• Nine (9) years of relevant education, experience and/or other specialized training can fulfill minimum education and experience requirements

Required Experience

Five (5) years of relevant experience and knowledge of digital technologies, including supervisory/lead experience.

Additional Qualifications Considered

• Experience fostering collaborative relationships with faculty, staff, students, and external partners to advance research goals.
• Familiarity with budget management, procurement, and reporting related to research laboratories, core facilities, or service center operations.
• Demonstrated discretion and sound judgment in handling sensitive or confidential information, including personnel, research, and institutional matters.

Physical Requirements/Work Environment

• Office environment/no specific unusual physical or environmental demands.

Application Process Information

A resume and cover letter are required as part of the application process. Attach these documents before submitting your application.

Compensation and Benefits

UC offers an exceptional benefits package designed to support your well-being, financial security, and work-life balance. (UC Benefits Link) Highlights include:

Salary/Hourly Pay Rate Information:

Comprehensive Tuition Remission

UC provides tuition remission for you and your eligible dependents, covering tuition costs for nearly all undergraduate and graduate programs offered by the university.

Robust Retirement Plans

As a UC employee, you won’t contribute to Social Security (except Medicare). Instead, you’ll choose between state pension plans (OPERS, STRS) or an Alternative Retirement Plan (ARP), with UC contributing 14–18% of your salary based on position.

Real Work-Life Balance

UC prioritizes work-life balance with a generous time-off policy, including:

Vacation and sick time

11 paid holidays and additional end-of-year paid time off (Winter Season Days)

6 weeks of paid parental leave for new parents

Additional Benefits Include:

• Competitive salary based on experience
• Comprehensive health coverage (medical, dental, vision, prescription)
• Flexible spending accounts & wellness programs
• Professional development & mentorship opportunities

To learn more about why UC is a great place to work, please visit our careers page at https://www.uc.edu/careers.html