Director of Operations

Eastern Washington University, United States

Updated: 19 days ago
Location: Cheney, WASHINGTON
Deadline: 26 Apr 2024

Posting Details
Posting Details


Position Title Director of Operations
Posting Number 2024035EP

Position Information


Classification Title Head of Operations
Working Title Director of Operations
Classification Code 1004
RCW Exemption Criteria 05 - Administrative Assistant
EWU Position Number E99191
CUPA Code
FLSA Exempt - Administrative
Bargaining Unit None
% Full Time 100
Salary / Wage Range AE - EXEM
Salary Information
The salary for this position is $117,500.
Anticipated Start Date 08/01/2024
Term of Appointment 12 months
Location Cheney
County Spokane
Project Description
Project Duration
Background Check Yes - Both
Responsible HR User Saundra Godin
Responsible HR User Email address [email protected]

Position Details


Job Summary
We are currently seeking skilled and team-oriented applicants for the following position:
Reporting directly to the Vice President for Student Affairs (VPSA), the Director of Operations assists the VPSA in the fulfillment of a wide variety of complex and highly sensitive executive and administrative duties.
The scope and complexity of these duties require an individual whose primary knowledge, skills, and abilities include the exercise of personal initiative, independent judgment, proficiency in the basics of project management, and a substantial knowledge of Student Affairs paradigms. Experience and understanding of the organizational processes of the academy is essential.
Responsible for a broad and complex set of assignments, coordinates special projects and reports, and provides leadership and support. Acts independently within functional and organizational guidelines and interprets University policy.
Consults with executive management and administration on divisional strategy and accomplishing divisional objectives, as well as advises executive management on critical and sensitive issues. Represents the VPSA and the Division of Student Affairs to various campus constituents, assigned committees, and required off campus constituents. Other duties as assigned
Possesses a complete knowledge of the University’s mission and strategic priorities, and the views and philosophy of the VPSA. This knowledge will serve as the baseline upon which the incumbent will fulfill all assigned tasks and responsibilities.
The Director of Operations for the Division of Student Affairs at Eastern Washington University will provide leadership in communications, assessment, budget management, and operations support for the executive leadership of the division. This role involves shaping strategic decisions, coordinating communications from various centers and units, managing the division’s budget, and overseeing day-to-day operations.
Provides leadership in the areas of division-wide projects, the divisional strategic planning process, divisional communications, and public relations efforts, as well as the pursuit of scholarly and research endeavors under the direction of the VPSA.
Advises the VPSA on budget. Serves as the principal budget officer for the Division of Student Affairs including developing division budget policies and practices that are consistent with Eastern Washington University, state, and federal requirements.
Coordinates, prepares, and submits required reports to the VPSA and other appropriate University officials. The position also works collaboratively with division managers and budget officers in other divisions. Has broadly delegated authority for administrative functions and is expected to exercise significant judgment in the development and implementation of divisional administrative policies and procedures relating to fiscal issues.
Eastern Washington University is committed to increasing the diversity of its faculty, staff, students, and academic program offerings and to strengthening sensitivity to diversity throughout the institution. Eastern Washington University is an affirmative action/equal opportunity employer, and applications from members of historically underrepresented groups are especially encouraged.
In addition to salary, the university offers a comprehensive benefits package including health insurance, life and disability insurance and retirement. In addition, EWU offers generous vacation and sick leave accruals, 12 paid holidays per year and fringe benefits, such as tuition waiver for employees and eligible family members, discounted EWU sports tickets, full access to our campus workout facilities at a minimum fee and free transportation through STA buses. For additional information regarding insurance benefits please see our Benefits page:
https://inside.ewu.edu/hr/benefits/insurance/ .
EWU expands opportunities for personal transformation through excellence in learning.
About Eastern Washington University
Eastern Washington University, a regional, comprehensive public university with an enrollment of over 10,000 students, is one of six state-funded four-year institutions of higher education in Washington, each governed by its own board of trustees. EWU’s 300-acre main campus is located in Cheney, a community of 12,000 residents 16 miles southwest of Washington’s second largest city, Spokane. Eastern also offers programs in downtown Spokane at the innovative, energy-efficient Catalyst building, the SIERR building which is a hub for research, development and advancement of health sciences, and at Riverpoint, a campus shared with Washington State University. In addition, EWU programs can be found at select locations throughout the state, aligned with the needs of the community. Eastern contributes to the vitality of the region and the state through its wide array of bachelor’s and master’s degrees in over 100 fields of study, as well as applied doctorates in physical therapy and educational leadership, offering accessible pathways to career success and personal development to students of all socioeconomic and cultural backgrounds.
Eastern Washington University has been recognized for its commitment to helping undergraduate students learn, grow and succeed by Colleges of Distinction , a nationally trusted resource guide for college-bound students. The honor recognizes Eastern as a ’22-’23 College of Distinction (CoD).
Money magazine recently named EWU as one of its Best Colleges in America 2023 .
Tribal Land Acknowledgement
Eastern Washington University resides within the traditional homelands of the Spokane People and other tribes who are connected through their shared history of this region. This land holds their cultural DNA and it is their Ancestors who are here and bring forth the knowledge of this place—the knowledge that comes from the land.
Diversity Statement
EWU does not discriminate in its programs and activities on the basis of race, color, creed, religion, national origin, citizenship or immigration status, sex, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity/expression, genetic information, age, marital status, families with children, protected veteran or military status, HIV or hepatitis C, status as a mother breastfeeding her child, or the presence of any sensory, mental, or physical disability or the use of a trained guide dog or service animal by a person with a disability, as provided for and to the extent required by state and federal laws.
Conditions of Employment
This position, during the course of university employment will be involved in the receipt of, or accountability for, university funds or other items of value, as well as the unsupervised access with the developmentally disabled, vulnerable adults or children under the age of 16. The offer of employment is contingent upon successful completion and passing of a background check prior to beginning employment.
All new employees must comply with EWU Immunization Policy 602-02 and provide proof of immunity or vaccination to MMR before beginning work at EWU. Waivers for the immunization requirements are available for medical or sincerely held religious beliefs.
This is an Administrative Exempt position and is covered by EWU Policy 406- 01, Exempt Employment
https://inside.ewu.edu/policies/knowledge-base/ewu-406-01-exempt-employment/
Upon hire you must complete required DEI, Hazing, Harassment and Title IX training, and other federal, state & university mandated trainings. You can access the online training at https://inside.ewu.edu/hr/training-resources/ or complete the training in person or via Zoom. In person and Zoom training opportunities will be posted on InsideEWU and are listed on Human Resources’ https://inside.ewu.edu/hr/training-resources/ .
Physical Demands
Contact Saundra Godin in Human Resource Services at [email protected] to obtain a copy of the Essential Functions Analysis which will describe conditions of employment, such as physical demands.
Pre-Placement Physical No
Hearing Test No
Medical Monitoring Post Hire No
Protective Equipment
University, local, regional and state mandates for public and personal protection should be followed as needed.
Required Qualifications
  • Master’s degree from an accredited academic institution in a related field.
  • Five (5) years demonstrated, professional work experience in organizational communications.
  • Five (5) years of experience in an office-setting providing confidential complex administrative leadership.
  • Three (3) years of experience with various types of student-affairs related assessment activities
  • Three (3) years demonstrated, professional work experience with budgets.
  • Exceptional interpersonal and communication skills.
  • Demonstrated ability to effectively develop and execute communications to a broad and diverse audience.
  • Proficiency in professional written and verbal communication.
  • Strong computer skills, including experience with web content organization, data analysis, and mastery of MS Office Suite.
  • Demonstrated commitment to fostering an inclusive environment built upon cultural humility, respect for diversity and social justice.
  • Demonstrated organizational and analytical skills.
  • Experience resolving complaints and dealing with sensitive matters.
  • Ability to carry out assignments independently and exercise good judgement.
  • Experience working in a higher education setting.
Preferred Qualifications
  • Doctoral degree from an accredited academic institution in a related field.
  • Eight (8) years progressive responsibility in professional communications.
  • Five (5) years of experience with various types of student-affairs related assessment activities.
  • Five (5) years progressive responsibility in professional budgeting.
  • Eight (8) years of experience in a higher education setting providing complex confidential administrative leadership.
  • Experience with Ellucian Banner and PeopleAdmin.
Other Skills and Abilities
Work Schedule Type Regular
Work Schedule
Monday-Friday 8am-5pm with occasional evenings and weekends.
Posting Date 04/05/2024
Open Until Further Notice No
Closing Date 04/26/2024
Screening to Begin 04/29/2024
Special Instructions to Applicants
It is strongly recommended that you print a copy of these instructions and the position posting before you begin to complete the online application, as the instructions will not be viewable once you begin the application process.
Required documentation includes all of the items listed below.
1. Attach a detailed cover letter in which you explain how you meet each of the required qualifications [and preferred qualifications, if applicable]. It is preferred that you provide that information in a bulleted list or within a table within your cover letter.
2. Attach a chronological resume including work history and major duties, education, and any specialized training or skills related to the position. List at least 3 professional references including: names, titles, organization name, phone numbers, email addresses, and connection to you (these can be identical to the references listed on the application).
3. Complete the online application form and respond to the online questions, if applicable.
4. Diversity Response – As an equal opportunity employer with a multicultural staff and student population, we are interested in how your qualifications prepare you to work with diverse faculty, staff, and student populations representing various cultures and backgrounds that may be different from your own. You will be asked to attach a diversity response as part of the online application process: Please describe how you will apply an approach that is supportive to the diverse needs, including universal access, of our students, faculty, staff, and the public.
Application Types Accepted Application

Job Duties


% of Time 30
Responsibility / Duty
Communications Operations (30%)
  • Manage internal and external communications; ensure consistency of message; respond to questions and concerns that come to the VPSA’s office.
  • Develop and manage print, digital, and social media communications for the Division of Student Affairs.
  • Coordinate with directors within the division and across campus to ensure effective communication to students and families.
  • Shape strategic decisions for the division’s communications.
  • Revise and/or formulate policies and promote their implementation.
  • Ensure that the VPSA is informed of the operations of the division and any problems which arise.
  • Draft communications for the VPSA, as needed.
Essential Function Indicator Yes
% of Time 30
Responsibility / Duty
Budget Operations (30%)
  • Manage the budget of the division with the support of the Student Accounting team.
  • Coordinate and execute the annual budget process for Student Affairs.
  • Maintain budget accounting and reporting systems.
  • Work directly with budgets and prepare necessary updates to databases for balancing accounts.
  • Provide budget guidance and recommendations to the Vice President and Associate Vice Presidents.
  • Coordinate and support S&A Fee Allocation process.
  • Ensure leaders within Student Affairs adhere to allocated budgets.
  • Collaborate with other budget officers across campus to meet annual budget expectations.
  • Evaluate overall performance by gathering, analyzing, and interpreting data and metrics.
  • Liaison with department heads to develop financial plans and ensure division-wide compliance.
  • Manage procurement and resource allocation.
Essential Function Indicator Yes
% of Time 40
Responsibility / Duty
Leadership & Supervision (40%)
  • Serve as executive support to the Student Affairs Leadership Team.
  • Develop and initiate general administrative policies and procedures.
  • Track divisional projects and facilitate their timely completion.
  • Coordinate and edit the annual divisional report for Student Affairs.
  • Assist the VPSA with administrative responsibilities for chairing teams, committees task forces, and workgroups.
  • Serve as point of contact for triaging student issues in the Student Affairs/Student Life Suite.
  • Respond to inquiries and complaints, assisting students and others in accessing appropriate information.
  • Plan and orchestrate divisional events, coordinating logistics and collaborating with relevant teams.
  • Design and lead divisional committees including, but not limited to, Professional Development and Assessment. Creates annual assessment plans for the division and provides professional development to divisional staff and managers on co-curricular assessment activities and publishing results to a wide range of constituents.
  • Lead divisional Strategic Planning efforts.
  • Plan and monitor day-to-day operations of division to ensure smooth progress.
  • Maintain records and necessary reports for efficient operation of division and compliance with federal, state, and local requirements.
  • Determine staffing needs including selection, supervision, staff development and evaluation of all Student Accounting staff.
Essential Function Indicator Yes

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