Director of Operations, ASU CA Center (Los Angeles Based)

83848BR

Off-Campus: Los Angeles

Director

Job Description

Arizona State University (ASU) is hiring a Director of Operations to plan, organize and direct the operations of the ASU California Center to ensure that ASU programs in California have a location from which to provide academic and public programming for students, alumni and the community as well as a place from which to collaborate with nonprofit, education and civic partners. 

The Director of Operations is responsible for ensuring the ASU California Center functions in accordance with established priorities, strategies and goals. This includes maintaining an environment which supports the success and growth of the programs based in California, including new and existing programs seeking to establish a presence in California. This is accomplished through an outcomes and customer-focused approach.  

The ASU California Center is home to more than 15 ASU departments and educational partners and more than 400 students sharing approximately 80,000 sq. ft. of flexible use space consisting of open workspace, classrooms, multimedia studios, meeting and event space. The Director of Operations manages the shared use of the space among building users which includes academic programs, initiatives, public programs, educational partners and administrative support units.  

The Director of Operations manages a team of full-time staff and part-time student employees to provide a high-level of customer service in lobby operations, meetings and events, tours, and operational support to the academic and public programs at the ASU California Center. The Director of Operations is responsible for understanding program and building user needs for operating successfully onsite and for coordinating those support needs with the technology, facilities and events teams. 

The ASU California Center is a fast-paced, dynamic, collaborative environment which requires a flexible schedule to support evening and weekend programming. Successful candidates will be adaptable, solutions-focused problem solvers who can achieve objectives despite obstacles. Excellent communication skills and customer service skills are essential. 

**This position is based in Los Angeles, CA**

Full-Time/Part-Time

Full-Time

Grant Funded Position

This is not a grant funded position and is not contingent on future grant funding.

Salary Range

$100,000 – $110,000 per year; DOE

Close Date

22-September-2022

Essential Duties

• Serve as the subject matter expert on the ASU California Center including its programs, people, and the facility
• Manage and facilitate use of the space along with the related policies and support mechanisms such as determining facility access levels, booking space, and coordination of services
• Provide space management including classroom scheduling
• Direct event operations and staff
• Direct the operations of the building lobby in collaboration with the Facilities and Operational Manager for security support matters
• Direct the building tour program, train student and staff tour guides, and lead building tours
• Coordinate program support needs with the Facilities and Operational Manager including security services, custodial services, building maintenance requests and furniture set ups
• Advise on building maintenance standards and provides feedback to ensure standards are maintained
• Operationalize new projects and initiatives including planning for and implementing support for new programs and partners at the ASU California Center
• Participate in the hiring, training, retention and evaluation of direct reports
• Provide mentorship and ongoing feedback through standard check-ins and quarterly development conversations
• Adapt to quickly changing priorities and maintain flexibility to accommodate evolving program needs
• Resolve problems and/or issues affecting building operations; utilize an outcomes-focused approach to identify and implement solutions
• Direct measures to improve the effectiveness and efficiency of building operations
• Develop and maintain effective working relationships with building users and programs as well as Arizona-based business and support units
• Ensure a high level of customer service is provided to building users
• Prepare a variety of administrative reports
• Understand the unique needs of each program and identify areas where they may need additional support
• Collaborate with key internal and external stakeholders to execute strategic initiatives
• Liaise with Arizona campus business and support units to advance solutions
• Identify and implement methods and tools to continually improve operations efficiency
• Oversee purchasing of building supplies and equipment
• Maintain the ASU in California website content
• Monitor budget expenditures

Minimum Qualifications

Bachelor’s degree in a field appropriate to the area of assignment AND eight (8) years of related administrative experience, which includes five (5) years of supervisory experience; OR, Twelve (12) years of related administrative experience, which includes five (5) years of supervisory experience; OR, Any equivalent combination of education and/or experience from which comparable knowledge, skills and abilities have been achieved.

Desired Qualifications

• Experience managing operations of a program, location/space, large-scale events or a start-up
• Evidence of effective communication and interpersonal skills
• Ability to anticipate and resolve real and potential problems
• Experience adapting to changing needs in a dynamic environment with tight deadlines
• Ability to be self-motivated
• Evidence of an outcomes focused approach to “make it work” despite obstacles
• Skill in effective managing, supervising and evaluating assigned staff
• Skill in problem-solving and decision-making
• Skill in planning, analyzing and coordinating activities and establishing priorities
• Ability to interface with diverse customer groups with an emphasis on customer service
• Ability to communicate both internally and externally across all management levels and build sustaining relationships
• Ability to engage effectively with senior level executives and VIP visitors and provide support
• Proficient in Microsoft Office (Outlook, Word, Excel, PowerPoint), Zoom, Google Docs, Dropbox
• Knowledge of space management and/or event management software

Working Environment

• Activities are performed in an environmentally controlled office setting subject to extended periods of sitting, keyboarding and manipulating a computer mouse; required to stand for varying lengths of time and walk moderate distances to perform work.
• Frequent bending, reaching, lifting, pushing and pulling up to 25 pounds.
• Regular activities require ability to quickly change priorities, which may include and/or are subject to resolution of conflicts.
• May be required to perform tasks in the field within and/or across University campuses.
• Ability to clearly communicate to perform essential functions.

Department Statement

In California, where Arizona State University has been deeply connected for many years working with educational, nonprofit, and business partners, the university has a new home—the ASU California Center in downtown Los Angeles at the historic Herald Examiner building. Recently opened, the ASU California Center features some of ASU’s top-ranked and accredited undergraduate and graduate degree programs, innovative transdisciplinary opportunities, and engaging public programming. Learn more at california.asu.edu

ASU Statement

Arizona State University is a new model for American higher education, an unprecedented combination of academic excellence, entrepreneurial energy and broad access. This New American University is a single, unified institution comprising four differentiated campuses positively impacting the economic, social, cultural and environmental health of the communities it serves. Its research is inspired by real world application blurring the boundaries that traditionally separate academic disciplines. ASU serves more than 100,000 students in metropolitan Phoenix, Arizona, the nation’s fifth largest city. ASU champions intellectual and cultural diversity, and welcomes students from all fifty states and more than one hundred nations across the globe.

ASU is a tobacco-free university. For details visit https://wellness.asu.edu/explore-wellness/body/alcohol-and-drugs/tobacco

Arizona State University is a VEVRAA Federal Contractor and an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, protected veteran status, or any other basis protected by law.

Notice of Availability of the ASU Annual Security and Fire Safety Report
In compliance with federal law, ASU prepares an annual report on campus security and fire safety programs and resources. ASU’s Annual Security and Fire Safety Report is available online at https://www.asu.edu/police/PDFs/ASU-Clery-Report.pdf. You may request a hard copy of the report by contacting the ASU Police Department at 480-965-3456.

Relocation Assistance – For information about schools, housing child resources, neighborhoods, hospitals, community events, and taxes, visit https://cfo.asu.edu/az-resources .

Employment Verification Statement

ASU conducts pre-employment screening which may include verification of work history, academic credentials, licenses, and certifications.

Background Check Statement

ASU conducts pre-employment screening for all positions which includes a criminal background check, verification of work history, academic credentials, licenses, and certifications. Employment is contingent upon successful passing of the background check.

Instructions to Apply

Application deadline is 3:00PM Arizona time on the date indicated.

Please include all employment information in month/year format (e.g., 6/88 to 8/94), job title, job duties and name of employer for each position.

Resume should clearly illustrate how prior knowledge and experience meets the Minimum and Desired qualifications of this position.

ASU does not pay for travel expenses associated with interviews, unless otherwise indicated.

Only electronic applications are accepted for this position.

IMPORTANT NOTE: What is the meaning of “equivalent combination” in the minimum qualifications? It means one year of higher education or 24 credit hours, is equal to one year of experience. For example, a four year Bachelor’s degree is equal to four years of experience.