Operations Manager
Job Description
The Ted and Karyn Hume Center for National Security and Technology leads Virginia Tech's research, education, and outreach programs focused on the challenges of cybersecurity, autonomy, and resilience for the national security community. Education programs provide mentorship, internships, scholarships, and seek to address key challenges in qualified US citizens entering federal and industry service. Current research initiatives include machine learning and artificial intelligence, assured and secure communications, space and undersea missions, and 5G security. The Hume Center is a University research center that reports to the Vice President for Research and Innovation, and has a research portfolio with over $16 million of annual research expenditures and currently employs approximately 50 faculty and staff with the expectation of hiring 10 to 15 additional employees in the next 18 months.
This Operations Manager position is responsible for overseeing business operations, resources, and facilities for the Center. This position is responsible for implementing operational efficiency solutions, as well as strategic and transactional finance operations, to include budgeting, planning, and management of the Center’s operations.
Financial management oversight responsibilities include:
(1) oversee the planning and execution of the Center's finances, including doing financial strategic planning and forecasting, tracking spending, and supervising the Center's fiscal staff;
(2) ensure Center compliance with university policies and procedures, and support reporting and audit requirements;
(3) assist with human resources functions to include labor planning, employment contracts, and graduate research assistantships;
(4) oversee accounts payable processes to include purchasing and travel;
(5) work closely with the Center's principal investigators and program managers for business operations associated with sponsored programs;
(6) act as approver and auditor for the Center's funds;
(7) ensure the availability of sufficient funds to sustain and grow Center operations through close oversight of noncontract spending;
(8) manage the budget for operations including equipment/furniture, travel, and office supplies;
(9) manage lease agreements and ensure the availability of funds to meet lease obligations.
Facilities and operations oversight responsibilities include:
(1) oversee all facilities for the Center, including managing all external leases and internal university space allocations, working with stakeholder organizations to ensure sufficient space is available for the execution of Center programs;
(2) plan and supervise the construction, renovation, and furnishing of facilities through coordination with outside vendors, purchasing, and physical plant;
(3) work with members of Hume Center leadership to develop and implement process and procedure improvements;
(4) manage the fixed asset tracking process for items; and
(5) Supervise central financial and administrative assistant staff.
The candidate is expected to exercise a high level of collaboration in the development and execution of the Center's operations. Significant experience with university systems and functions is desired. Given the nature of the work conducted by the Center, US citizenship and the ability to obtain and maintain a security clearance are required.
Required Qualifications
Master's degree in business, finance, management, accounting, engineering or related discipline.
Ability to exercise judgment, make decisions, set priorities, interpret policies and procedures, work both collaboratively and independently, and communicate effectively.
Ability to organize, perform and supervise a large volume of varied financial and operational tasks;
Strong written and oral communications skills.
Ability to work as a member of a team in developing and managing projects.
Capability to take on broad tasks, identify the steps necessary to execute them, ensure their proper execution, and succinctly convey their results.
Experience with Virginia Tech financial and personnel management systems, to include Banner, HokieMart, Page Up, Microstrategy, Chrome River and others, or similar industry related systems.
Experience working in a financial management role in an academic research environment.
Experience with facilities management.
Preferred Qualifications
Experience in working effectively with a diverse faculty, staff and student population.
Experience providing executive support and operations management.
Personnel management experience, to include both direct and indirect supervision of employees.
Ability to obtain and maintain a security clearance.
Experience with Virginia Tech policies and procedures.
Experience working in a research enterprise that supports the federal government.
Salary Information
Commensurate with experience.
Review Date
January 10, 2020
Additional Information
Given the nature of the work conducted by the Center, US citizenship and the ability to obtain and maintain a security clearance are required.
The successful Candidate will be required to have a criminal conviction check
About Virginia Tech
Virginia Tech is a public land-grant university, committed to teaching and learning, research, and outreach to the Commonwealth of Virginia, the nation, and the world. Building on its motto of Ut Prosim (that I may serve), Virginia Tech is dedicated to InclusiveVT—serving in the spirit of community, diversity, and excellence. We seek candidates who adopt and practice the Principles of Community, which are fundamental to our on-going efforts to increase access and inclusion, and to create a community that nurtures learning and growth for all of its members. Virginia Tech actively seeks a broad spectrum of candidates to join our community in preparing leaders for the world.
Virginia Tech does not discriminate against employees, students, or applicants on the basis of age, color, disability, sex (including pregnancy), gender, gender identity, gender expression, genetic information, national origin, political affiliation, race, religion, sexual orientation, or veteran status, or otherwise discriminate against employees or applicants who inquire about, discuss, or disclose their compensation or the compensation of other employees or applicants, or on any other basis protected by law.
If you are an individual with a disability and desire accommodation please contact the hiring department.