Operations Manager and Special Assistant to the EVP for Strategy and Chief Administrative Officer

The Operations Manager and Special Assistant to the EVP for Strategy and Chief Administrative Officer provides high-level, confidential support to the EVP while coordinating operational and project-based work across the President's Office and Strategy & Operations Division.

This role serves as a trusted partner to the EVP, developing a deep understanding of the EVP's priorities, work, and leadership approach in order to anticipate needs, support decision-making, and ensure alignment across initiatives. The position combines strategic executive support with hands-on coordination of projects, events, and operations, and is designed for someone who can manage details while maintaining a clear view of broader institutional priorities.

This is a high-trust role in a fast-paced environment that requires sound judgment, discretion, and the ability to manage multiple priorities simultaneously. It is best suited for someone who is proactive, engaged, and eager to contribute -- not simply execute tasks -- and who is energized by working closely with leadership to advance priorities in support of Barnard's mission to empower women.

Duties & Responsibilities:

Strategic Support, Alignment & Communication

• Develop a strong understanding of the EVP's portfolio, priorities, and leadership approach to proactively anticipate needs and support decision-making
• Identify opportunities to improve alignment across divisional and institutional priorities and help ensure follow-through on key initiatives
• Serve as an extension of the EVP in tracking priorities, reinforcing direction, and ensuring clarity across stakeholders
• Monitor progress across key priorities and flag risks, delays, or gaps in execution
• Lead and coordinate divisional communication and connection efforts, including divisional meetings, internal communications, and engagement tools
• Support the development and dissemination of communications through channels such as divisional updates, newsletters, and internal platforms
• Ensure information is effectively shared across the division, connecting workstreams and improving visibility into priorities and progress

Executive Support for the Executive Vice President for Strategy and Chief Administrative Officer

• Manage the EVP's calendar as a strategic tool, aligning time with College & divisional priorities
• Evaluate and prioritize requests for the EVP's time, exercising independent judgment
• Anticipate needs, identify conflicts, and proactively resolve scheduling challenges
• Prepare briefing materials, presentations, and background information for meetings
• Track key follow-ups and ensure continuity across meetings, decisions, and commitments
• Draft and manage communications on behalf of the EVP
• Prepare presentations, reports, and materials to support strategic initiatives and executive decision-making

Financial & Administrative Management

• Process and track invoices, purchase orders, expense reimbursements, and membership payments
• Manage and monitor office budgets and spending to ensure fiscal responsibility
• Manage P-card transactions and expense reporting

Meeting and Event Management

• Support planning and execution of Board of Trustees meetings and presidential events
• Collaborate with partners and coordinate logistics, materials, and follow-up for senior leadership engagements
• Partner with the President's Office team to ensure seamless execution of high-profile meetings and events

Division Connection and Other Executive Support

• Provide administrative and operational support to members of the Strategy & Operations Division as needed
• Coordinate and support divisional projects, including developing timelines, tracking deliverables, and ensuring follow-through
• Support cross-functional coordination across areas including Human Resources, Information Technology, Facilities, and Community Safety
• Assist in translating priorities into organized workflows and actionable next steps
• Facilitate communication and coordination across teams
• Assist with divisional planning efforts and cross-functional initiatives
• Support day-to-day operations of the President's Office, including supplies, logistics, and administrative coordination
• Manage budgets, invoices, expense reports, and financial tracking related to the office and division
• Provide limited front desk/back-up support as needed to ensure continuity of operations (approximately 5% of time)
• Assist with cross-functional initiatives and strategic planning efforts
• Maintain department documents such as department handbook, staff contact lists, and others as needed
• Any additional duties as assigned

What This Role Is

• A high-trust role anchored in direct support of the EVP
• A connector across operational areas of the College
• A driver of organization, follow-through, and execution
• A role for someone comfortable operating across both detail and context

What This Role Is Not

• A front desk or reception-focused position
• A purely task-based administrative role
• A general support role for multiple independent executives

Skills, Qualifications & Requirements:

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Exceptional organizational skills and attention to detail
• Strong judgment and ability to manage competing priorities
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills
• Ability to handle confidential and sensitive information with discretion
• Professional, welcoming demeanor with strong interpersonal skills
• Ability to work independently while collaborating across teams
• Proficiency in Google Suite, Microsoft Office, and virtual meeting platforms
• Ability to occasionally work evenings or weekends to support events or meetings.

Required Qualification Summary:

• Bachelor's degree
• 5-7+ years of experience supporting senior leaders or managing operations
• Demonstrated ability to operate in a fast-paced, high-accountability environment

Preferred Qualification Summary:

• Experience in higher education or similarly complex institutional settings
• Experience supporting executive-level operations, governance, or project management
• Familiarity with enterprise systems such as Workday

This job is an on-site, in-person role 5 days a week that requires face-to-face interaction with many constituents.

Salary Range: $88,000 - $93,000 annually