VSEC Director of Operations

Job Description

The Director of Operations will provide executive-level operational leadership and management for VSEC. In partnership with the Center Director and senior leadership, the incumbent will establish a roadmap with outlined strategies to advance the center's efforts under the Education and Industry Partnership Pillars, through partnerships and outreach coordination. In addition, the Director of Operations will oversee daily operations, financial planning and budget oversight, administrative infrastructure, human resources and staffing, project and grant administration, facilities and space management, and internal continuous improvement. This role will ensure that VSEC's administrative practices, systems and processes are aligned with Vanderbilt University policies, support the interdisciplinary and translational mission of the center, and enable growth, collaboration and impact.

About the Work Unit:
The Vanderbilt Center for Sustainability, Energy and Climate (VSEC) advances rigorous, high-level research, educational opportunities, entrepreneurship, and partnerships in sustainability, energy and climate. It brings together Vanderbilt University's expertise in engineering, science, law, policy, education and other disciplines to investigate major challenges such as energy integration; resource sustainability; climate change mitigation and adaptation; and systems risk, reliability and resilience VSEC embodies Vanderbilt's "radical collaboration" approach to create solutions that make real impact. Within this context, the Director of Operations will be a key leader ensuring that the center's operational, administrative, financial and programmatic functions are running smoothly, strategically and in support of its research, education and outreach mission.

Key Functions and Expected Performance:
• Operational Leadership & Strategy
1. Collaborate with the Center Director and leadership team to develop, implement and monitor the operational strategy and annual plan for VSEC, aligned with the center's mission and objectives.
2. Collaborate with the Center Director and leadership team to outline a roadmap and strategic initiatives towards advancing the center's missions on innovative engagement and global outreach.
3. Translate strategic goals into operational plans and ensure effective execution across functional areas.
4. Identify opportunities for operational improvement, efficiency, cost savings, and innovation.

• Workflow and Partnership Coordination
1. Improve workflows and ensure effective coordination of activities across a complex, diverse, and evolving network of internal and external partners.
2. Develop operational systems that promote communication, accountability, and synergy across interdisciplinary teams, schools, and external collaborators.

• Event and Program Execution
1. Oversee the planning and execution of high-profile events, symposia, and strategic initiatives, ensuring alignment with the center's mission and Vanderbilt's brand standards.
2. Prioritize tasks, delegate responsibilities, and integrate various program elements for seamless execution.
3. Continuously adapt strategies to manage increasing program complexity, expand operational frameworks, and integrate new initiatives as the center grows.

• Initiative Management and Branding
1. Ensure the successful completion of major center initiatives with meticulous attention to detail, branding, marketing, and stakeholder engagement.
2. Collaborate with communications and marketing teams to elevate the visibility of the center's work through cohesive branding and strategic storytelling.

• Financial and Budget Oversight
1. Establish and manage transparent and comprehensive budget plans to track spending, revenue, and fund utilization across programs and initiatives.
2. Ensure responsible financial stewardship, compliance with university financial policies, and efficient use of resources to support strategic priorities.

• Strategic Initiative Alignment
1. Monitor progress of strategic initiatives, ensuring milestones are met and risks are proactively managed.
2. Collaborate with internal and external experts to drive execution, remove barriers, and ensure that projects achieve intended outcomes and impact.

• Leadership Collaboration and Transition Management
1. Work closely with university leadership to meet expectations during key transitions, including the establishment and scaling of the center.
2. Provide strategic operational leadership that supports the center's growth, stability, and integration within Vanderbilt's broader institutional ecosystem.

• Administration & Human Resources
1. Oversee the center's administrative staff; recruit, hire, train, supervise and evaluate professional and support staff.
2. Foster a collaborative, inclusive, service-oriented workplace culture that aligns with Vanderbilt's values.

• Program and Partnership Support
1. Work with research, education, outreach and entrepreneurship leaders to ensure operational support for center programs (e.g., curricular initiatives, student activities, global engagement).
2. Serve as liaison for external partnerships, industry, community, national labs and other institutions, supporting contractual/logistical arrangements, MOUs, event coordination and collaboration infrastructure.
3. Assist with metrics tracking, reporting impact, dashboards and continuous improvement of center operations.

• Communications & Stakeholder Relations
1. Collaborate with communications/marketing staff to facilitate operational support for the center's external and internal communications (e.g., website, events, newsletters).
2. Serve as operational point of contact for campus partners (schools, departments, offices), industry, government and community stakeholders involved with VSEC.
3. Represent the center operationally in relevant university committees and working groups.

Supervisory Relationships:
This position does have supervisory responsibility, this position reports administratively and functionally to the Director of VSEC

Education and Certifications:
• Bachelor's Degree is necessary
• Masters is preferred

Experience and Skills:
• Minimum of 5 years of experience in operations, administrative management, financial management, grant/contract administration or related roles-preferably in a research, academic or interdisciplinary setting.
• University/College background - Engineering preferred
• Strong Organizational skills
• Strong critical thinking/ problem solving skills
• Experience working with senior leadership
• Experience working in a higher education/ academic setting preferred
• Financial background including the review of budgets
• Proficient in Microsoft office, adobe, and have database experience
• Comfort with new technological systems. Adapts easily to changes in technology and process
• Ability to work on multiple projects simultaneously
• Professional and pleasant attitude with considerable tact, diplomacy, and judgment in interactions with students, faculty, and staff

About Us

At Vanderbilt University , our work - regardless of title or role - is in service to an important and noble mission in which every member of our community serves in advancing knowledge and transforming lives on a daily basis. Located in Nashville, Tennessee, on a 330+ acre campus and arboretum dating back to 1873, Vanderbilt is proud to have been named as one of "America's Best Large Employers" as well as a top employer in Tennessee and the Nashville metropolitan area by Forbes for several years running. We welcome those who are interested in learning and growing professionally with an employer that strives to create, foster and sustain opportunities as an employer of choice.

We understand you have a choice when choosing where to work and pursue a career. We understand you are unique and have a story. We want to hear it. We encourage you to apply today so that you might become a part of our story.

Vanderbilt University is an equal-opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or status as a protected veteran, or any other characteristic protected by law.

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