Director of Operations

Director of Operations

105564BR

Off-Campus: Washington, D. C.

Director

Job Description

The McCain Institute is a nonpartisan organization inspired by Senator John McCain and his family’s dedication to public service. We are part of Arizona State University and based in Washington, D.C. Our programs defend democracy, advance human rights, and empower character-driven leaders. Our unique power to convene leaders across the global political spectrum enables us to make a real impact on the world’s most pressing challenges. Our goal is action, not talk, and like Senator McCain, we are fighting to create a free, safe, and just world for all.

The McCain Institute is seeking a Director of Operations to manage and lead its operational and personnel portfolios. In partnership with the Executive Director and ASU leadership, the Director will plan, direct, and manage all operational aspects of the McCain Institute, providing leadership and strategic vision consistent with the Institute’s mission and Arizona State University’s goals. The Director will ensure operational effectiveness and efficiency through the application of controls, procedures, and personnel to achieve organizational objectives.

The Director of Operations will oversee and manage the operational and human resources functions of the organization. This role is crucial for ensuring the smooth functioning of daily activities, with a focus on optimizing systems, processes, and project management. The Director will also play a key role in organizational planning, aligning operations with the broader mission and strategic goals.

This position requires a highly collaborative problem-solver who thrives in a fast-paced, complex environment. Strong communication and analytical skills are essential. The Director will manage a diverse and talented team, requiring leadership and mentorship abilities.

The Director of Operations reports directly to the Executive Director and is based in Washington, DC. Hybrid work is available for this position.

Job Family

Generic

Department Name

McCain Institute

Full-Time/Part-Time

Full-Time

VP Code

KNOWLEDGE ENTERPRISE DEV

Scope of Search

Open

Grant Funded Position

This is not a grant funded position and is not contingent on future grant funding.

Salary Range

$80,995 - $170,000 per year, DOE

Close Date

06-November-2024

Category

04

Essential Duties

• Provide daily operational direction that supports and reinforces the mission and values of the McCain Institute.
• Collaborate with the Executive Director and senior staff to ensure successful execution of strategic goals.
• Oversee all aspects of human resource management, including recruitment, onboarding, performance evaluations, employee relations, and talent development, in collaboration with ASU HR and OKED HR.
• Develop and implement HR policies to foster a positive and inclusive work environment.
• Ensure compliance with employment laws and regulations.
• Administer the McCain Institute’s Board of Trustees, including communications, meeting coordination, strategy sessions, and preparation of briefing materials.
• Produce and distribute written reports highlighting McCain Institute accomplishments, opportunities, and challenges.
• Manage internal communications, prioritizing transparency and keeping the team informed about priorities, processes, staffing, and other organizational matters.
• Develop benchmarking metrics to evaluate performance against other institutions and recommend improvements.
• Lead the McCain Institute’s Culture and Inclusion initiatives.
• Collaborate with senior leadership to promote a culture of high performance, accountability, and growth.
• Lead and manage key projects, ensuring they are completed on time, within scope, and on budget.
• Develop project plans, set milestones, and monitor progress.
• Facilitate cross-departmental collaboration to ensure project success.
• Oversee daily operations, including office management, budget oversight, and resource allocation.
• Collaborate with department heads to ensure operational strategies align with organizational goals.
• Design and implement systems to enhance workflow efficiency and organizational effectiveness.
• Support strategic decision-making by providing data-driven insights into operational performance.

Minimum Qualifications

Bachelor's degree in a field appropriate to the area of assignment AND eight (8) years of related administrative experience, which includes five (5) years of supervisory experience; OR, Twelve (12) years of related administrative experience, which includes five (5) years of supervisory experience; OR, Any equivalent combination of education and/or experience from which comparable knowledge, skills and abilities have been achieved.

Desired Qualifications

• Evidence in eight (8) years of experience in operations management, HR, and project management, ideally in a non-profit or mission-driven organization.
• Proven leadership and team management experience.
• Demonstrated knowledge of HR best practices, employment laws, and compliance.
• Experience in project management, communication, and problem-solving skills.
• Evidence in having a commitment to advancing human rights, democracy, and global leadership.
• Experience in a think tank, academic, or international setting.
• Familiarity with change management and process improvement.
• Creative problem-solving and decision-making skills.
• Ability to handle multiple projects with confidentiality and discretion.
• Experience in work that required organizational skills and attention to detail.
• Experience in Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, Outlook).

Working Environment

ASU is an inclusive enterprise with a wide variety of work and learning modes, locations, and a commitment to sustainability, innovation, and employee work-life balance. We are determined to maintain our position as an employer of choice in a competitive labor market, as such the following options may be offered dependent on department needs: 

Flexible work options: 

• Alternative work schedules can include four, 10-hour workdays in a workweek; a nine-day, 80-hour schedule over two workweeks for exempt employees only; and staggered start and stop times. 
• Hybrid work is an arrangement where employees spend a minimum of 60% of their regular workweek at their primary ASU work location. Dean or vice president-level approval is required. 
• Remote work is an arrangement where the employee spends less than 60% of their regular workweek at a regularly assigned ASU work location. Executive vice president-level approval is required. 

Standard Working Environment: 

• Climate-controlled office setting subject to extended periods of being in a stationary position.  
• Constantly detects and operates a computer and other office productivity machinery, such as a calculator, copy machine and computer printer.  
• Ability to clearly communicate and exchange accurate information to perform essential duties.  
• Expected to be responsive to customers, engaged in work production, resourceful, flexible, and respectful of others. 

Department Statement

For the tenth 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 has named ASU as the most innovative university all nine 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. To learn more about how Knowledge Enterprise is a place for your career to grow, visit https://research.asu.edu/about-us/careers.  

The McCain Institute at Arizona State University is dedicated to building an inclusive, and authentic workplace, so if you’re excited about this role but your past experience doesn’t align perfectly, we encourage you to apply anyway. We value your unique background and perspective, and you may be just the right candidate for this position or other roles on our team. 

Working at ASU has additional perks and OUTSTANDING benefits, which include health, dental, and vision insurance plans; life insurance and disability programs; sick leave and holidays; ASU/UA/NAU tuition reduction for the employee and qualified family members; state and optional retirement plans; access to ASU recreation and cultural activities; and more. To estimate the value of your total compensation, please visit https://cfo.asu.edu/compensation-estimator. 

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.

Employment Verification Statement

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

Fingerprint Check Statement

This position is considered safety/security sensitive and will include a fingerprint check. Employment is contingent upon successful passing of the fingerprint 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 and cover letter 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.