Director of Operations (Program Management Specialist)

Job Summary

Department Specific Responsibilities

• Serves as the senior operational and program management professional for the dean's office.
• Responsible for the planning, coordination, and execution of complex administrative and academic initiatives.
• Operates at the Indiana University Program Management Specialist level.
• Applies advanced project management, data analysis, and workflow optimization to ensure institutional priorities are delivered on time, within scope, and in alignment with university and school objectives.
• Functions as the primary operational liaison to the dean's office, proactively managing executive workflows, scheduling, information readiness, and decision-support systems.
• Oversees the dean's office's portfolio of work including accreditation processes, annual reporting, and cross-unit initiatives while serving as the front door to the dean's suite.
• Operates with a high degree of autonomy and is responsible for addressing complex, non-routine operational challenges.
• Evaluates multiple variables, balances competing priorities, and develops solutions that have a direct impact on the effectiveness of the dean's office and the school's strategic objectives.
• Works of this position directly supports the Dean's leadership effectiveness and the successful execution of school-level priorities. Decisions and recommendations influence resource allocation, timeline adherence, and institutional credibility with internal and external stakeholders.
• Leads and coordinates multiple concurrent programs and projects of moderate to high complexity in support of the dean's office and school-level priorities.
• Develops and maintains detailed project plans, timelines, milestones, and dependency tracking for initiatives such as accreditation cycles, annual reports, and strategic initiatives.
• Monitors progress, identifies risks, and implements mitigation strategies to ensure successful completion of projects within established parameters.
• Serves as a central point of coordination across academic units, administrative offices, and external stakeholders to ensure alignment and timely execution.
• Manages the dean's office's portfolio of administrative and strategic initiatives, maintaining visibility into priorities, deadlines, and deliverables.
• Designs and maintains systems to track incoming requests, commitments, and action items, ensuring effective triage, accountability, and follow-through.
• Aligns operational work with school and university strategic priorities, ensuring resources and efforts are focused on mission-critical objectives.
• Provides proactive executive workflow and calendar management for the dean's office, moving beyond transactional scheduling to strategically allocate time based on priorities and impact.
• Ensures all meetings are supported with appropriate agendas, briefing materials, and background information prepared in advance.
• Anticipates information needs and prepares the Dean's Office to engage effectively with internal and external stakeholders.
• Develops and maintains dashboards, reports, and visualizations to support executive decision-making related to enrollment, budget, faculty metrics, and operational performance.
• Synthesizes complex data and institutional reports into concise briefing memos and actionable recommendations.
• Collaborates with school and university data partners to ensure accuracy, consistency, and appropriate use of data systems.
• Identifies opportunities to streamline administrative processes through workflow redesign, automation, and use of enterprise technologies.
• Implements tools and systems that improve efficiency, transparency, and consistency across the dean's office.
• Documents processes, institutional knowledge, and decision history to support continuity and operational resilience.
• Serves as a trusted representative of the dean's office, exercising discretion and professionalism in all interactions.
• Facilitates communication among senior leadership, faculty, staff, and external partners to support shared understanding and coordinated action.
• Prepares written and verbal communications on behalf of the dean's office as assigned.

General Responsibilities

• Manages and administers assigned institutional programs and initiatives that advance organizational capabilities, strategic priorities, and university objectives.
• Develops and implements program plans, resources, communications, and operating procedures to support achievement of program goals and consistent delivery of program services.
• Evaluates program performance using qualitative and quantitative data; identifies trends, risks, and improvement opportunities; and recommends solutions to enhance effectiveness and outcomes.
• Exercises independent judgment in interpreting program guidelines, resolving moderately complex issues, and determining appropriate actions within established program parameters.
• Partners with stakeholders across departments and functional areas to coordinate program activities, align priorities, and support achievement of shared objectives.
• Researches emerging practices, industry trends, and organizational needs and recommends program enhancements, resources, and approaches that strengthen program impact and effectiveness.
• Develops reports, presentations, and recommendations to communicate program progress, outcomes, risks, and opportunities to leadership and stakeholders.
• Leads or coordinates assigned program initiatives and special efforts, monitoring implementation progress and recommending adjustments to improve results.

Qualifications

Combinations of related education and experience may be considered. Education beyond the minimum required may be substituted for work experience. Work experience beyond the minimum required may be substituted for education.

EDUCATION

Required

• Bachelor's degree (preferably in business administration, public administration, higher education administration, or related field.)

Preferred

• Master's degree in a related discipline.

WORK EXPERIENCE

Required

• 2 years in related field.

Preferred

• 3 years of experience in program or project management, operations, or administrative leadership roles.
• Experience in higher education administration or a large, complex organization.
• Experience with data visualization, dashboards, and executive reporting tools.
• Familiarity with accreditation processes, strategic planning, or institutional reporting.
• Demonstrated experience with process improvement, workflow automation, or change management initiatives.

SKILLS

Required

• Proficient written and verbal communication skills.
• Maintains a high degree of professionalism.
• Demonstrates time management and priority setting skills.
• Demonstrates a high commitment to quality.
• Possesses flexibility to work in a fast paced, dynamic environment.
• Seeks to acquire knowledge in area of specialty.
• Highly thorough and dependable.
• Demonstrates a high level of accuracy, even under pressure.

Preferred

• Demonstrates experience managing multiple projects simultaneously with competing priorities and deadlines.
• Proficiency with enterprise productivity and project management tools (e.g., Microsoft 365 platforms).
• Strong analytical, organizational, and written communication skills.
• Demonstrated ability to exercise independent judgment, maintain confidentiality, and work with senior leadership.
• Ability to hav a high degree of discretion and independent judgment.
• Technical proficiency in enterprise platforms to support evidence-based decision-making and efficient operations.

Working Conditions / Demands

This role requires the ability to effectively communicate and to operate a computer and other standard office productivity equipment. The position involves sedentary work as well as periods of time moving around an office environment and the campus. The person in this role must be able to perform the essential functions with or without an accommodation.

Work Location

Luddy School of Informatics, Computing, and Engineering

Indiana University, Bloomington

Benefits Overview

For full-time staff employees, Indiana University offers a wide array of benefits including:

• Comprehensive medical and dental insurance
• Health savings account with generous IU contributions
• Healthcare and dependent care flexible spending accounts
• Basic group life insurance paid by IU
• Voluntary supplemental life, long-term disability, critical illness, and supplemental accidental death & dismemberment insurance
• Base retirement plan with generous IU contributions, subject to vesting
• Voluntary supplemental retirement plan options
• Tuition subsidy for employees and family members taking IU courses
• 10 paid holidays plus a paid winter break each year
• Generous paid time off plans
• Paid leave for new parents and IU-sponsored volunteer events
• Employee assistance program (EAP)

Learn more about our benefits by reviewing the IU Benefit Programs Brochure.

Job Classification

Career Level: Career

FLSA: Exempt

Job Function: General Administration

Job Family: Program Management

Click here to learn more about Indiana University's Job Framework.

Equal Employment Opportunity

Indiana University is an equal opportunity employer and provider of ADA services and prohibits discrimination in hiring. See Indiana University Notice of Non-Discrimination here which includes contact information.

Contact Us

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Telephone: 812-856-1234