Director of Operations – Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering

The Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering (MAE) at the University of Virginia seeks a Director of Operations to manage the administrative functions of the department.  MAE is a thriving program of undergraduate and graduate students, faculty, and staff with a commitment to exploration, innovation, and engineering excellence.  The Director of Operations is responsible, either personally, collaboratively, or through delegation of responsibilities, for directing and managing the daily operations of the department, which include the administrative, financial, human resources, and educational operations in support of the department’s educational and research missions. The Director of Operations works collaboratively with the department chair and faculty to address operational concerns, resolve issues, and advocate for departmental priorities and initiatives. They supervise a team of employees in carrying out these responsibilities and are the primary liaison between the department and the broader university administration, including the School of Engineering and Applied Science (SEAS).

Reporting to the department chair, the Director of Operations will regularly consult with departmental leadership on a variety of complex or highly impactful issues.  A successful candidate must operate proactively, strategically, and independently under the direction of the department chair and in line with the strategic aims of MAE.  Candidates are strongly encouraged to submit a cover letter detailing how their experience and qualifications align with the following.

Responsibilities:

• Develops and assists in the implementation of short and long-term strategic goals (including administrative, financial, staffing, and space) which align with department goals in partnership with the department chair and departmental leadership.
• Serves on the department senior leadership team, is an active advisor to this group and works to carry out business operations with direction from this team.
• Collaborates with Engineering and University partners such as Graduate and Undergraduate Programs, Human Resources, Finance, Information Technology and Facilities Management.
• Formulates, improves and ensures departmental procedures are in place in accordance with School of Engineering and University policies and governmental regulations.
• Serves as senior fiscal officer for the department: responsible for the accuracy of the department’s financial reports and financial information.  Also responsible for ensuring that fiscal activities are compliant with school and university financial policies and guidelines and that appropriate internal controls are in place.
• In collaboration with MAE leadership, develops the annual budget in alignment with the department strategic plan.  Oversees the financials and manages expenditures within the approved budget.
• Hires, mentors, and manages performance of department staff.  Develops and implements staffing plans to appropriately resource priority programs.

• Ensures completion of workflows such as faculty and staff merit increases, faculty promotion and tenure, faculty, staff and student hiring and onboarding, and annual evaluations,
• Collaborates with Graduate and Undergraduate Programs, Human Resources, Finance, Information Technology and Facilities Management partners across Engineering and University.
• Promotes the efficient use of space within the department by providing feedback and recommendations to the department chair regarding the use of space, potential reassignment, relinquishment, or redesign of space to accommodate current and future needs.
• Responsible for responding to space surveys and managing the safety and cleanliness of department space.
• Oversees the IT needs of the department and ensures appropriate support from partner groups.

• Remains up to date on emergency preparedness activities in the School and the University.
• In addition to the above job responsibilities, other duties may be assigned.

Qualifications:

• A Bachelor’s degree is required. A Master’s degree is preferred. Relevant exempt level experience may substitute for a degree.
• Four years of increasingly responsible management and administrative duties is required.
• At least two years of supervisory and management experience with a team is required. Four years of supervisory and management experience is preferred.
• Experience in academic administration or as a department manager in a higher education setting is preferred.
• A demonstrated history of managing and coordinating multiple priorities and projects across academic and business areas are required.
• Proficiency with Outlook, Microsoft Office, Zoom, and Adobe Acrobat is required.
• Proficiency with Workday HR and Financials, Student Information Systems, Box, building access, MPA or similar programs experience is preferred.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills are required.

This position will remain open until filled.  This is an Exempt level, benefited position. This position will not sponsor applicants for work visas. The University will perform background checks on all new hires prior to employment.  For questions about the position or the application process, please contact Daniel Strong, Senior Recruiter at das6zb@virginia.edu

How to Apply:

Applications that do not contain all of the required documents will not receive full consideration, please note that multiple documents can be uploaded in the box.

Process for External Applicants: Please apply through Workday , and search for ‘R0041039′. Complete an application online and attach a cover letter, CV/resume, and contact information for three references (name, email address, telephone number, and address).

Process for Internal UVA Applicants: Please apply through your Workday Home page, search “Find Jobs,” and search for ‘R0041039.’ Complete an application online and attach a cover letter, CV/resume, and contact information for three references (name, email address, telephone number, and address). 

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS
Education: Bachelor’s degree
Experience: Four years of increasingly responsible management and administrative responsibility is required. Two years of supervisory experience is required. Relevant exempt level experience may substitute for a degree.
PHYSICAL DEMANDS
This is primarily a sedentary job involving extensive use of desktop computers. The job does occasionally require traveling some distance to attend meetings, and programs.

COVID Vaccination Requirement and Guidelines

Please visit the UVA COVID-19 Job Requirements and Guidelines  webpage prior to applying for current information regarding vaccination requirements and guidelines for employment at UVA.

The University of Virginia, i ncluding the UVA Health System which represents the UVA Medical Center, Schools of Medicine and Nursing, UVA Physician’s Group and the Claude Moore Health Sciences Library, are fundamentally committed to the diversity of our faculty and staff.  We believe diversity is excellence expressing itself through every person’s perspectives and lived experiences.  We are equal opportunity and affirmative action employers. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, color, disability, gender identity or expression, marital status, national or ethnic origin, political affiliation, race, religion, sex (including pregnancy), sexual orientation, veteran status, and family medical or genetic information.