About Us

Are you ready to join a community leading in innovative teaching and learning? Kennesaw State University is one of the 50 largest public institutions in the country. With our growing enrollment and global reach, we are enjoying increased prominence among Georgia's colleges. We offer more than 150 undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral degrees to over 43,000 students. Our entrepreneurial spirit, high-impact research, and Division I athletics also draw students from throughout the region and from 92 countries across the globe. Our university's vibrant culture, career opportunities, mission and values and rich benefits make us an employer of choice. We are part of the University System of Georgia . Kennesaw State will exemplify the power and promise of a student-centered, research-driven university. Our institutional values are student-inspired, promise-fulfilling, true to ourselves, elevational, open and impact-generating. In addition, we support the University System of Georgia core values of accountability, excellence, integrity and respect. We are searching for talented people to join Kennesaw State University. Come to KSU and find your passion.

Location

Our Kennesaw campus is located at 1000 Chastain Road NW, Kennesaw, GA 30144.

Job Summary

The Director of Administration and Operations plays a pivotal role in overseeing and optimizing the day-to-day activities of the Office of Research to ensure efficiency, productivity, and adherence to strategic goals. This leadership position is responsible for developing and implementing operational policies, procedures, and initiatives that align with the overall business objectives. This role involves strategic planning, resource allocation, and collaboration with key stakeholders to achieve operational excellence and support the overall mission of the Office of Research. It also focuses on managing and developing a high-performing team, fostering a culture of accountability, and contributing to the long-term growth and success of the organization.

Responsibilities

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:
1. Provides oversight and management of facilities for the Office of Research, including building maintenance, space allocation and usage, and capital projects.
2. Advises the VP and leadership team on long-range goals and strategic planning initiatives, departmental policies and procedures development, planning, and allocation of resources.
3. Monitors project progress and provide regular status updates to key stakeholders and leaders. To the greatest extent feasible, ensures project is implemented per plan, on time, and within budget.
4. Lead and motivate cross-functional teams in the operations unit, including budget staff, facilities maintenance team, and communications. Foster a culture of collaboration and high performance while providing guidance and support ensuring coordination across all functions.
5. Maximizes efficiency and productivity through extensive process analysis and interdepartmental collaboration
6. Establish and ensure stability and sustainability of department budgets in compliance with university policy and procedures. Monitor expenses and identify opportunities for cost-saving.
7. Analyzes current operational processes and performance, recommending solutions for improvement when necessary
8. Oversees department marketing, strategic advertising, design, and internal and external relations.
9. Responsible for the management of assigned staff such as, performance management, hiring, training, time management, etc.
10. Develops, implements, and monitors day-to-day operational systems and processes that provide visibility into goals, progress, and obstacles for our key initiatives
11. Communicate and explain new directives, policies, or procedures to managers; for major changes, meet with entire operations staff to explain changes, answer questions, and maintain morale.
12. Optimizes resource allocation to maximize productivity and efficiency and oversees inventory management, procurement, and vendor relationships.
13. Facilitates high-level administrative processes between the Office of Research and campus stakeholders.
14. Identify potential risks and implement strategies to mitigate them, ensuring compliance with all University, BOR, USG, state, and federal policies, rules, and regulations.

Required Qualifications

Educational Requirements
Bachelor's degree from an accredited institution of higher education

Required Experience
Eight (8) years of relevant work experience, including supervisory and budget management

Preferred Qualifications

Additional Preferred Qualifications
Professional certification relevant to position

Preferred Educational Qualifications
Advanced degree from an accredited institution of higher education

Preferred Experience
Experience working in Higher Education, preferably in a Research University

Proposed Salary

The budgeted salary range is $119,280 to $130,000. Offers are based on relevant experience.

Comprehensive benefits to include Medical, Dental, Vision, 13 paid holidays, vacation, generous retirement plans, tuition waiver, wellness options, and much more! Visit hr.kennesaw.edu/benefits.

Knowledge, Skills, & Abilities

ABILITIES
Able to meet with various constituencies and communicate professionally and effectively.
Able to coordinate across multiple domains of responsibility in support of the overall mission of the department.
Able to supervise several individuals directly but also coordinate and synthesize work and outcomes across multiple domains.
Able to provide motivation and direction to the Office of Research teams and staff by effectively handling and delegating responsibilities.
Able to build and maintain relationships with a variety of constituents.
Able to work independently and collaboratively.
Able to handle multiple tasks or projects at one-time meeting assigned deadlines.
Demonstrated ability to develop and implement process improvements and drive operational efficiency.

KNOWLEDGE
Knowledge of accounting, budgeting, and financial principles
Knowledge of federal, state, USG, and university policies, guidelines, rules, and regulations

SKILLS
Excellent budget, process, analytical, and problem-solving abilities.
Excellent interpersonal, initiative, teamwork, problem-solving, independent judgment, organization, communication (verbal and written), time management, project management, and presentation skills.
Proficient with computer applications and programs associated with the position (i.e., Microsoft Office suite)
Strong attention to detail and follow-up skills.
Strong customer service skills and phone and e-mail etiquette

USG Core Values

The University System of Georgia is comprised of our 26 institutions of higher education and learning as well as the System Office. Our USG Statement of Core Values are Integrity, Excellence, Accountability, and Respect. These values serve as the foundation for all that we do as an organization, and each USG community member is responsible for demonstrating and upholding these standards. More details on the USG Statement of Core Values and Code of Conduct are available in USG Board Policy 8.2.18.1.2 and can be found on-line at https://www.usg.edu/policymanual/section8/C224/#p8.2.18_personnel_conduct .

Additionally, USG supports Freedom of Expression as stated in Board Policy 6.5 Freedom of Expression and Academic Freedom found on-line at https://www.usg.edu/policymanual/section6/C2653 .

Equal Employment Opportunity

Kennesaw State University is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer. The University is committed to maintaining a fair and respectful environment for living, work and study. To that end, and in accordance with federal and state law, Board of Regents policy, and University policy, the University prohibits harassment of or discrimination against any person because of race, color, sex (including sexual harassment, pregnancy, and medical conditions related to pregnancy), sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, ethnicity or national origin, religion, age, genetic information, disability, or veteran or military status by any member of the KSU Community on campus, in connection with a University program or activity, or in a manner that creates a hostile environment for members of the KSU community.

For additional information on this policy, or to file a complaint under the provisions of this policy, students, employees, applicants for employment or admission or other third parties should contact the Office of Institutional Equity at English Building, Suite 225, eeo@kennesaw.edu

Other Information

This is a supervisory position.
This position has financial responsibilities.
This position will not be required to drive.
This role is considered a position of trust.
This position requires a purchasing card (P-Card).
This position may travel 1% - 24% of the time

Background Check

• Credit Report
• Standard Enhanced
• Education

Per the University System of Georgia background check policy, all final candidates will be required to consent to a criminal background investigation. Final candidates may be asked to disclose criminal record history during the initial screening process and prior to a conditional offer of employment. Applicants for positions of trust with screening
results which confirm a disqualifying criminal history will be immediately disqualified from employment eligibility.

All applicants are required to include professional references as part of their application process. Some positions may require additional job-based screenings such as motor vehicle report, credit check, pre-employment drug screening and/or verification of academic credentials.

https://www.usg.edu/hr/assets/hr/hrap_manual/HRAP_Background_Investigation_Employment.pdf