Operations Manager, StarTUp - (260000PJ)

Operations Manager coordinates the day-to-day business, building, and administrative operations of the Towson University StarTUp. Responsibilities include contracts, procurement, accounts payable and receivable, space management, building access, technology support, and program and event logistics. The Operations Manager creates a welcoming and professional environment for coworkers, resident ventures, clients, partners, and visitors. This position requires strong organizational skills, attention to detail, technological proficiency, and a commitment to excellent customer service. The successful candidate will contribute to a highly collaborative team while independently managing assigned responsibilities and fostering an environment that promotes entrepreneurship and innovation.

Responsibilities and Duties

Building and Space Operations:

Manage the daily operations of StarTUp, ensuring that the building and coworking space are welcoming, functional, and accessible.
Implement and oversee operational systems, processes, and procedures that support StarTUp’s goals and activities.
Coordinate building access and security, including keys, operating hours, automatic door schedules, and electronic card access.
Serve as the primary contact for facilities, maintenance work orders, housekeeping services, and other building-related needs.
Manage space reservations, visitor inquiries, tours, catering coordination, and related administrative functions.
Provide reception services and assist clients and visitors with building amenities, coworking lockers, monitors, conference-room systems, and other technology.

Programs, Events, and Community Engagement:

Serve as the logistical lead for all StarTUp programs and events, managing planning, timelines, setup, execution, and post-event follow-up.
Coordinate event logistics, including space setup, technology, catering, vendor needs, and guest support.
Manage the onboarding and operational needs of resident ventures in coordination with the Executive Director.
Build and maintain relationships with coworkers, entrepreneurs, resident ventures, ecosystem partners, and members of the business and campus community.

Business and Administrative Operations:

Coordinate invoicing, payments, and other financial activities with the division’s Administration and Finance team, ensuring compliance with university policies and procedures.
Process accounts payable, procurement, and disbursement transactions through STRATUS and TU Foundation systems, including honoraria, reimbursements, credit card payments, faculty stipends, and program-related stipends.
Prepare building-use contracts and support the review and execution process.
Maintain organized records and provide document-management and general administrative support.
Assist with data entry, record maintenance, and reporting in Salesforce and other departmental systems.

Technology and Workflow Support:

Support building technology for guests, coworkers, resident ventures, and organizations using the coworking and conference spaces.
Manage and support departmental workflow and communication platforms, such as Trello, Slack, Zoom, and Salesforce.
Identify opportunities to improve operational systems, technology, and administrative processes.

Other Responsibilities:

Perform other duties as assigned. The omission of a specific responsibility does not preclude the supervisor from assigning duties that are reasonably related to the position.

Qualifications and Skills

Minimum Qualifications:

Bachelor’s Degree required.
At least two years of progressively responsible experience in operations, business administration, facilities, financial administration, event management, or a related field.
Experience managing multiple operational responsibilities in a fast-paced, customer-focused environment, including financial, procurement, or accounts payable transactions.

Skills Required:

Strong organizational and time-management skills, with demonstrated ability to manage multiple priorities, meet deadlines, and maintain attention to detail.
Demonstrated ability to independently manage day-to-day responsibilities, exercise sound judgment, and resolve operational issues in a timely manner.
Strong interpersonal and customer service skills with the ability to work effectively with coworkers, students, entrepreneurs, business and community partners, vendors, and visitors.
Proven ability to work collaboratively as part of a team while independently managing assigned responsibilities.
Strong written and verbal communication skills.
Demonstrated ability to maintain accurate records, documentation, and administrative processes.
Ability to coordinate multiple logistical requirements associated with facilities, meetings, programs, and events.
Technological proficiency and demonstrated ability to learn and support administrative, financial, scheduling, CRM, communication, and workplace technology systems.
Ability to identify opportunities to improve operational processes, systems, and workflows.
Demonstrated discretion, professionalism, and ability to maintain confidential information.
Ability to understand and follow university policies, procedures, and requirements related to financial transactions, procurement, contracts, facilities, and business operations.

Preferred Qualifications:

Experience supporting operations for a coworking, innovation, conference, event, or other multi-user facility.
Experience coordinating programs or events involving space, technology, catering, vendors, and guest services.
Experience with enterprise financial, procurement, CRM, scheduling, or workflow systems such as STRATUS, Salesforce, Airtable, Trello, or comparable platforms.
Experience coordinating contracts, facility-use agreements, reservations, or vendor relationships.
Demonstrated interest in entrepreneurship, innovation, community engagement, or economic development.

Salary and Benefits
Salary of $65,000 annually and full University benefits that include 22 days of annual leave, up to 17 holidays, personal and sick days; excellent health, life, and retirement plans; and tuition remission. To learn more about our benefits, click here . TU also offers a variety of great perks and discounts, which can be found here .
This position will be open for a minimum of 14 days. A cover letter and resume with your online application is required.