Senior Manager (Executive Operations & Strategic Partnerships)

Agency

Department

The Senior Manager, Executive Operations & Strategic Partnerships will serve as a critical member of the Office of the Vice President for Research & Innovation (R&I), providing special assistance to the Vice President with executive operations, executing strategic projects, managing key internal and external partnerships, overseeing priority projects, and ensuring the operational efficiency of the division. This role combines executive-level advisory support, project leadership, and administrative coordination to enhance the division’s responsiveness, alignment with institutional goals, and long-term impact. The incumbent will act as a strategic liaison across internal departments, faculty relationships, and external stakeholders. They will manage a portfolio of special initiatives, support the implementation of R&I’s strategic goals, and provide day-to-day oversight of select operations and communications on behalf of the Vice President.

The suitable candidate must be a strategic thinker, highly organized, and detail-oriented, discreet and trustworthy, proactive and resourceful, emotionally intelligent, an excellent communicator both written and verbal, diplomatic and collaborative, possess strong executive presence, adaptable and resilient, and mission-driven with a strong service orientation. Additional valuable characteristics include being technologically savvy, policy literate, and having the potential to mentor junior staff or interns.

This position may pay more than the salary listed above depending on the qualifications and experience of the selected candidate.  

Responsibilities:

Executive Support

• Serve as a trusted member and operational extension of the Vice President, helping prioritize time, decisions, and stakeholder engagements.

• Coordinate and prepare high-level briefings, presentations, and executive communications.

• Manage the Vice President’s priority agenda, proactively identifying issues, aligning actions, and ensuring follow-up.

• Represent or accompany the Vice President in internal meetings and external engagements, as appropriate.

Project and Program Management

• Oversee and coordinate complex projects from initiation through completion, ensuring timely delivery, resource alignment, and stakeholder engagement.

• Draft and manage project charters, timelines, and outcome reports for internal and external dissemination.

• Provide project support to key committees or task forces, including R&I strategic planning, inter-college collaborations, and industry engagements.

Communication and Liaison

• Serve as a liaison between the R&I Division and other university offices on behalf of the Vice President.

• Coordinate information flow to and from the Vice President, ensuring timely responses and clarity in communication.

• Prepare written materials for reports, talking points, and public remarks with a level of oversight of the Communications team.

Strategic and Operational Leadership

• Lead and track the execution of cross-divisional projects aligned with the university’s research strategy.

• Facilitate alignment between research administration operations, faculty development, and strategic partnerships.

• Support implementation and progress monitoring of strategic plans, and other division-wide goals.

• Manage a division-wide dashboard of key initiatives, milestones, and performance metrics.

Personnel and Administrative Oversight

• Support division-wide coordination, including staff affairs, policies, and trainings offered.

• Manage and delegate administrative and logistical tasks to ensure seamless office operations.

• Assist in organizing key events, retreats, and leadership meetings.

• Perform other duties as assigned.

Required Education and Experience

• Bachelor's degree

• Seven years of related experience in higher education administration, executive support, project management, or strategic planning.

 Preferred Qualifications.

• Master’s Degree

• Proven ability to manage high-stakes projects and lead cross-functional teams.

• Strong writing, organizational, and analytical skills.

• Experience with university research infrastructure or innovation environments preferred.

All positions are security-sensitive. Applicants are subject to a criminal history investigation, and employment is contingent upon the institution’s verification of credentials and/or other information required by the institution’s procedures, including the completion of the criminal history check.

Equal Opportunity/Veterans/Disability Employer.