Northeastern University
Director - Executive Operations & Special Projects, GRI
Northeastern University, Boston, Massachusetts, us, 02298
Director - Executive Operations & Special Projects, GRI
About the Opportunity
JOB SUMMARY
The Global Resilience Institute (GRI) at Northeastern University seeks a dynamic, adaptable, and experienced Director of Executive Operations & Special Projects to provide strategic and operational support to the Institute Director in advancing the academic, operational & public engagement missions and research initiatives of the Global Resilience Institute. The position helps the Institute Director to manage his strategic direction in close coordination and collaboration with the Institute's senior leadership team (COO and Director of Research). S(he) also directly supports the Institute Director in managing strategic relationships across Northeastern University and with outside stakeholders involved in the Institute's mission. S(he) will assist the Institute Director on monitoring the Institute's research initiatives and operations, identifying challenges, and recommending corrective measures to ensure they are aligned with the Institute's overall strategic direction. This role is crucial in ensuring that the Institute Director's time is focused on high-impact activities that expand project and program opportunities that align with the institute's mission. The Director of Executive Operations and Special Projects will anticipate needs, manage workflows, and convey the Institute Director's intent as required.
The priority areas of the Director of Executive Operations & Special Projects will evolve alongside new opportunities the Institute Director identifies for achieving the institute's mission. The position will help oversee the launch and management of special projects as directed by the Institute Director. This position directly supports the Institute Director in maintaining his relationships with academic and administrative stakeholders across Northeastern and with collaborative partners to include senior government officials, university leaders, and industry executives.
This position is instrumental to achieving the Institute's long-term success by ensuring the seamless execution of high-impact initiatives that advance the Institute's mission faster and more efficiently. The role requires responding to time-sensitive and/or urgent situations, which may warrant availability on weekends or outside working hours during crisis situations and must balance the daily work against the broader portfolio of the Institute Director. Ideal candidates are strategic, proactive, highly organized, detail-oriented, and capable of putting order and process to ambiguity. Ability to travel to support Institute priorities, including client meetings, strategic initiatives, or other business-critical events.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS Bachelor's degree in Social Sciences or similar Strategic Thinking: Ability to understand how multiple operational systems at the department and college levels within Northeastern work together Executive Gap-Filler: Proactive in anticipating the needs of the Institute Director and taking independent initiative Uses analytical skills to anticipate needs and interpret organizational challenges Adaptability: Flexible in managing multiple conflicting priorities while maintaining composure and a positive demeanor 10+ years of experience in roles blending executive support and operational/project management 5+ years of experience working closely with executive nonprofit or c-suite Extensive experience developing strategies that shape leadership decisions and enhance organizational impact Experience working and supporting federally-funded resilience projects Experience putting together federal and foundation proposals, including budgets and supporting materials Experience managing and working in a multicultural, nonprofit environment is essential Proven track record in helping to manage multi-million-dollar budgets and complex operations. Demonstrated ability to drive organizational growth and develop strategic partnerships. Strong written and oral communication skills, including the ability to clearly communicate resilience ideas and concepts to a wide range of audiences. Written and verbal Spanish a plus
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES & ACCOUNTABILITIES
Executive Operations & Administrative Lead Supervisor (30%) Support the Institute Director in a cross-divisional, multifunctional role that plays a pivotal part in the development and execution of the Institute's strategic goals and major projects. Optimize the Director's workflow by handling relationships with university leaders, external stakeholders, and donors. Support the Institute's management of senior leadership team meetings, Strategic Advisory board team meetings, Institute Staff meetings, and other high-profile events, ensuring follow-through on action items and clear communication. Ensure key messages are properly cascaded across the organization, fostering clear and consistent communication. Supervise Executive Assistant to ensure he/she is managing the Institute Director's calendar, travel arrangements, and meeting coordination to ensure his time is focused on strategic priorities.
Translating strategic direction into actions (25%) Collaborate closely with the Institute Director to translate visionary ideas into functional plans that advance the Institute's mission. Directly support the Institute Director in prioritizing initiatives and ensuring key objectives are met. Support the Institute Director by actively promoting an understanding among the Institute staff members of strategic goals and how to translate them into action.
Project Leadership & Process Improvement (25%) Support the leadership of cross-functional teams to ensure seamless execution of strategic projects and initiatives. Liaise with the leadership team to ensure accountability for achieving agreed-upon commitments and KPIs with the Institute Director. Identify and recommend areas for improvement in administrative and operational processes to increase efficiency. Lead the execution of initiatives on behalf of the Institute Director, from gathering insights to communicating results and measuring impact.
Problem-Solving & Cultural Leadership (20%) Demonstrate a relentless focus on values alignment, simplicity, and clarity in all aspects of the role. Proactively identify bottlenecks and operational inefficiencies, addressing them before they become issues. Uphold the highest standards of ethics, integrity, and cultural awareness in all organizational interactions. Skilled in managing multiple projects simultaneously while meeting deadlines. Plays an active role in communication, listening for understanding and taking action. Demonstrates respect and clarity in interactions across the organization. Balances conflicting priorities effectively, ensuring the completion of essential projects within critical deadlines. Demonstrates foresight in preventing potential issues by taking action in advance. Works as a highly competent and empathetic member of the team, providing back-up support for co-workers when appropriate and actively supporting group goals at all times.
Additional Information: This is a fixed term appointment, with the possibility of renewal based off of continuing external funding.
Position Type General Administration
Additional Information Northeastern University considers factors such as candidate work experience, education, and skills when extending an offer. Northeastern has a comprehensive benefits package for benefit eligible employees. This includes medical, vision, dental, paid time off, tuition assistance, wellness & life, retirement, as well as commuting & transportation. Visit
https://hr.northeastern.edu/benefits/
for more information.
Northeastern University is an equal opportunity employer, seeking to recruit and support a broadly diverse community of faculty and staff. Northeastern values and celebrates diversity in all its forms and strives to foster an inclusive culture built on respect that affirms inter-group relations and builds cohesion. All qualified applicants are encouraged to apply and will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, religion, color, national origin, age, sex, sexual orientation, disability status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law.
To learn more about Northeastern University's commitment and support of diversity and inclusion, please see
www.northeastern.edu/diversity .
To apply, visit
https://northeastern.wd1.myworkdayjobs.com/en-US/careers/job/Boston-MA-Main-Campus/Director---Executive-Operations---Special-Projects--GRI_R129863
#J-18808-Ljbffr
About the Opportunity
JOB SUMMARY
The Global Resilience Institute (GRI) at Northeastern University seeks a dynamic, adaptable, and experienced Director of Executive Operations & Special Projects to provide strategic and operational support to the Institute Director in advancing the academic, operational & public engagement missions and research initiatives of the Global Resilience Institute. The position helps the Institute Director to manage his strategic direction in close coordination and collaboration with the Institute's senior leadership team (COO and Director of Research). S(he) also directly supports the Institute Director in managing strategic relationships across Northeastern University and with outside stakeholders involved in the Institute's mission. S(he) will assist the Institute Director on monitoring the Institute's research initiatives and operations, identifying challenges, and recommending corrective measures to ensure they are aligned with the Institute's overall strategic direction. This role is crucial in ensuring that the Institute Director's time is focused on high-impact activities that expand project and program opportunities that align with the institute's mission. The Director of Executive Operations and Special Projects will anticipate needs, manage workflows, and convey the Institute Director's intent as required.
The priority areas of the Director of Executive Operations & Special Projects will evolve alongside new opportunities the Institute Director identifies for achieving the institute's mission. The position will help oversee the launch and management of special projects as directed by the Institute Director. This position directly supports the Institute Director in maintaining his relationships with academic and administrative stakeholders across Northeastern and with collaborative partners to include senior government officials, university leaders, and industry executives.
This position is instrumental to achieving the Institute's long-term success by ensuring the seamless execution of high-impact initiatives that advance the Institute's mission faster and more efficiently. The role requires responding to time-sensitive and/or urgent situations, which may warrant availability on weekends or outside working hours during crisis situations and must balance the daily work against the broader portfolio of the Institute Director. Ideal candidates are strategic, proactive, highly organized, detail-oriented, and capable of putting order and process to ambiguity. Ability to travel to support Institute priorities, including client meetings, strategic initiatives, or other business-critical events.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS Bachelor's degree in Social Sciences or similar Strategic Thinking: Ability to understand how multiple operational systems at the department and college levels within Northeastern work together Executive Gap-Filler: Proactive in anticipating the needs of the Institute Director and taking independent initiative Uses analytical skills to anticipate needs and interpret organizational challenges Adaptability: Flexible in managing multiple conflicting priorities while maintaining composure and a positive demeanor 10+ years of experience in roles blending executive support and operational/project management 5+ years of experience working closely with executive nonprofit or c-suite Extensive experience developing strategies that shape leadership decisions and enhance organizational impact Experience working and supporting federally-funded resilience projects Experience putting together federal and foundation proposals, including budgets and supporting materials Experience managing and working in a multicultural, nonprofit environment is essential Proven track record in helping to manage multi-million-dollar budgets and complex operations. Demonstrated ability to drive organizational growth and develop strategic partnerships. Strong written and oral communication skills, including the ability to clearly communicate resilience ideas and concepts to a wide range of audiences. Written and verbal Spanish a plus
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES & ACCOUNTABILITIES
Executive Operations & Administrative Lead Supervisor (30%) Support the Institute Director in a cross-divisional, multifunctional role that plays a pivotal part in the development and execution of the Institute's strategic goals and major projects. Optimize the Director's workflow by handling relationships with university leaders, external stakeholders, and donors. Support the Institute's management of senior leadership team meetings, Strategic Advisory board team meetings, Institute Staff meetings, and other high-profile events, ensuring follow-through on action items and clear communication. Ensure key messages are properly cascaded across the organization, fostering clear and consistent communication. Supervise Executive Assistant to ensure he/she is managing the Institute Director's calendar, travel arrangements, and meeting coordination to ensure his time is focused on strategic priorities.
Translating strategic direction into actions (25%) Collaborate closely with the Institute Director to translate visionary ideas into functional plans that advance the Institute's mission. Directly support the Institute Director in prioritizing initiatives and ensuring key objectives are met. Support the Institute Director by actively promoting an understanding among the Institute staff members of strategic goals and how to translate them into action.
Project Leadership & Process Improvement (25%) Support the leadership of cross-functional teams to ensure seamless execution of strategic projects and initiatives. Liaise with the leadership team to ensure accountability for achieving agreed-upon commitments and KPIs with the Institute Director. Identify and recommend areas for improvement in administrative and operational processes to increase efficiency. Lead the execution of initiatives on behalf of the Institute Director, from gathering insights to communicating results and measuring impact.
Problem-Solving & Cultural Leadership (20%) Demonstrate a relentless focus on values alignment, simplicity, and clarity in all aspects of the role. Proactively identify bottlenecks and operational inefficiencies, addressing them before they become issues. Uphold the highest standards of ethics, integrity, and cultural awareness in all organizational interactions. Skilled in managing multiple projects simultaneously while meeting deadlines. Plays an active role in communication, listening for understanding and taking action. Demonstrates respect and clarity in interactions across the organization. Balances conflicting priorities effectively, ensuring the completion of essential projects within critical deadlines. Demonstrates foresight in preventing potential issues by taking action in advance. Works as a highly competent and empathetic member of the team, providing back-up support for co-workers when appropriate and actively supporting group goals at all times.
Additional Information: This is a fixed term appointment, with the possibility of renewal based off of continuing external funding.
Position Type General Administration
Additional Information Northeastern University considers factors such as candidate work experience, education, and skills when extending an offer. Northeastern has a comprehensive benefits package for benefit eligible employees. This includes medical, vision, dental, paid time off, tuition assistance, wellness & life, retirement, as well as commuting & transportation. Visit
https://hr.northeastern.edu/benefits/
for more information.
Northeastern University is an equal opportunity employer, seeking to recruit and support a broadly diverse community of faculty and staff. Northeastern values and celebrates diversity in all its forms and strives to foster an inclusive culture built on respect that affirms inter-group relations and builds cohesion. All qualified applicants are encouraged to apply and will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, religion, color, national origin, age, sex, sexual orientation, disability status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law.
To learn more about Northeastern University's commitment and support of diversity and inclusion, please see
www.northeastern.edu/diversity .
To apply, visit
https://northeastern.wd1.myworkdayjobs.com/en-US/careers/job/Boston-MA-Main-Campus/Director---Executive-Operations---Special-Projects--GRI_R129863
#J-18808-Ljbffr