Assistant Director, Operations

Arizona State University

Global Security Initiative

Campus: Tempe

72395BR

 

Job Description

The Global Security Initiative seeks an Assistant Director of Operations to help oversee the day-to-day operations of the organization. The person in this role will work closely with GSI leadership to ensure GSI remains an effective, efficient organization while continuing its growth trajectory.

Under the supervision of the Director of Operations, this new role will be responsible for ensuring projects across the organization are executed and administered successfully, owning and overseeing complex operational tasks, serving as GSI’s primary point of contact for human resources issues, directly supervising project management and operations staff, developing new processes and procedures, and working closely with GSI leadership to support strategic planning and external engagements.

The ideal candidate will be a proactive problem-solver, someone who takes ownership of assignments and tasks and sees them through to completion, and who is comfortable making decisions and taking responsibility for them. GSI is a fast-moving organization, and the ideal candidate is someone who will thrive in that atmosphere and feel comfortable navigating shifting priorities and competing demands on their time.

 

Salary Range

$63,706.50 - $88,000 per year; DOE

 

Close Date

15-october-2021

 

Essential Duties

• Translates leadership vision and goals into actionable plans and then drives those plans to successful completion
• Work closely with center support staff and center leadership as appropriate to ensure the successful administration of research and educational projects.
• Directly supervises project support staff across GSI and its centers, serving as a mentor, troubleshooting challenges as they arise, and ensuring the centers have the administrative and operational support they need.
• Serves as GSI’s primary point of contact with Knowledge Enterprise Human Resources. Coordinates and oversees human resources-related tasks across the organization. Develops new procedures for collecting and reviewing requests before submittal. Works with the Director of Operations to determine priorities and address sensitive HR issues as they come up.
• Working with center support staff, oversee all stages of the event life cycle for GSI and affiliated centers. Directly plans and executes GSI-level events and ensures center-level events are planned and executed successfully.
• Support GSI efforts to broaden diversity in security and defense research and education within GSI and throughout the university.
• Plan, design, and execute projects as assigned by leadership.
• Regularly communicate with crucial partner units across the university.
• Own and manage GSI’s affiliate invitation and renewal processes, with administrative or operational staff support as assigned.
• Work closely with stakeholders, partners, and leadership to scope project efforts, strategy, budget, and results.
• Establish and monitor office administration procedures, coordinate equipment purchasing, implement and review operational policies and procedures, maintain organizational processes.
• Support staff, facilitate essential internal communications, and considerable improvement to workflow. Serve as a go-to resource for GSI staff on concerns or issues.
• Build relationships with internal and external contacts to facilitate partnerships.

 

Minimum Qualifications

Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration, Public Administration, Finance, Accounting or closely related field AND five (5) years experience in financial operations, which includes one year of supervisory experience; OR, any equivalent combination of education and/or experience from which comparable knowledge, skills and abilities have been achieved.

 

Desired Qualifications

• At least three years of experience supervising, coaching and mentoring employees.
• Experience supervising, coaching, and mentoring employees
• Ability to manage multiple responsibilities and projects at the same time
• Judgment to determine priorities and which tasks require immediate attention and which can wait. Ability to quickly shift priorities as needed
• Demonstrates attention to detail, efficiency, and organization skills
• Knowledge of project management logistics, practices, templates, and guidelines.
• Proven diplomatic skills. Ability to communicate across all levels of the organization clearly and respectfully
• Skilled at building strong professional relationships through collaboration and influence without authority
• Professional written and verbal communication; flexible communication style based on context and audience
• Experience planning, scheduling, and managing task assignments
• Skilled at quick problem solving, innovative solutions, and adaptability
• Some experience administering sponsored awards (contracts, cooperative agreements, grants), particularly from the federal government
• Ability to learn the broad department research strategy and how it integrates into Center activities and growth opportunities

 

Working Environment

Activities are primarily performed in a regular, climate-controlled office setting subject to extended periods of being stationary and moving between office spaces. Position requires the use of a computer (desktop and/or laptop). Ability to clearly communicate in English, read, write, and use a diversity of technologies to communicate with the broader team. Regular review of completed tasks.

 

Department Statement

For the sixth year in a row, ASU has been named the most innovative school in the nation, recognizing the university's culture of groundbreaking research and partnerships, as well as its commitment to helping students thrive in college and beyond. U.S. News and World Report have named ASU as the most innovative university in all six years the category has existed.

ASU Knowledge Enterprise advances research, innovation, strategic partnerships, entrepreneurship, and international development. Our success arises from solutions-focused, interdisciplinary research; an entrepreneurial approach that is embedded in every school and department; and a commitment to transform society in a positive way. http://research.asu.edu/

 

The Global Security Initiative (GSI) is a university-wide hub for security-focused interdisciplinary research. We produce mission-relevant approaches and decision support tools to address some of the world’s most complicated and vexing security challenges. 

 

GSI is home to the Center for Cybersecurity and Digital Forensics, the Center for Human, Artificial Intelligence, and Robotic Teaming, the Center for Accelerating Operational Efficiency (A Dept. of Homeland Security Center of Excellence), the Center for Narrative, Disinformation and Strategic Influence, and ASU’s Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) Working Group. GSI also conducts educational programming aimed at enhancing the pipeline of science, technology, engineering and math talent for national security.

 

GSI serves as ASU’s primary interface with the Department of Defense, the U.S. Intelligence Community, and the Department of Homeland Security.

 

ASU Statement

Arizona State University is a new model for American higher education, an unprecedented combination of academic excellence, entrepreneurial energy and broad access. This New American University is a single, unified institution comprising four differentiated campuses positively impacting the economic, social, cultural and environmental health of the communities it serves. Its research is inspired by real world application blurring the boundaries that traditionally separate academic disciplines. ASU serves more than 100,000 students in metropolitan Phoenix, Arizona, the nation's fifth largest city. ASU champions intellectual and cultural diversity, and welcomes students from all fifty states and more than one hundred nations across the globe.

 

ASU is a tobacco-free university. For details visit https://wellness.asu.edu/explore-wellness/body/alcohol-and-drugs/tobacco

 

Arizona State University is a VEVRAA Federal Contractor and an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, protected veteran status, or any other basis protected by law.

 

Notice of Availability of the ASU Annual Security and Fire Safety Report

In compliance with federal law, ASU prepares an annual report on campus security and fire safety programs and resources. ASU’s Annual Security and Fire Safety Report is available online at https://www.asu.edu/police/PDFs/ASU-Clery-Report.pdf. You may request a hard copy of the report by contacting the ASU Police Department at 480-965-3456.

 

Relocation Assistance – For information about schools, housing child resources, neighborhoods, hospitals, community events, and taxes, visit https://cfo.asu.edu/relocation-services.

 

ASU conducts pre-employment screening which may include verification of work history, academic credentials, licenses, and certifications.

 

Background Check Statement

ASU conducts pre-employment screening for all positions which includes a criminal background check, verification of work history, academic credentials, licenses, and certifications. Employment is contingent upon successful passing of the background check.

 

Instructions to Apply

Application deadline is 3:00PM Arizona time on the date indicated.

 

Please include all employment information in month/year format (e.g., 6/88 to 8/94), job title, job duties and name of employer for each position.

 

Resume should clearly illustrate how prior knowledge and experience meets the Minimum and Desired qualifications of this position.

 

ASU does not pay for travel expenses associated with interviews, unless otherwise indicated.

 

Only electronic applications are accepted for this position.

 

IMPORTANT NOTE: What is the meaning of “equivalent combination” in the minimum qualifications? It means one year of higher education or 24 credit hours, is equal to one year of experience. For example, a four year Bachelor’s degree is equal to four years of experience.

 

To apply please go to www.asu.edu/asujobs/ see Req Id#72395BR