What are the responsibilities and job description for the Strategic Operations Manager position at Jackson State University?
Description
Jackson State University is Mississippi's Urban University and has been designated as a "high research activity" institution by the Carnegie Foundation. We are committed to working together for our mission to provide quality teaching, research, and service at the baccalaureate, master, specialist, and doctoral levels to diverse populations of students and communities using various modalities to ensure that they are technologically-advanced, ethical, and global leaders who think critically and can address societal problems and compete effectively. JSU invites you to join our creative, diverse, and energizing University that unites faculty, staff, and students as One JSU!
The Strategic Operations Manager will manage strategic projects and operational initiatives across the Division and serves as administrative support for the Vice President of Research.
Examples of Duties
- Manage strategic projects and operational initiatives across the Division, ensuring deadlines, deliverables, and KPIs are met.
- Provides executive administrative support to the VP for Research.
- Serve as the Vice President's primary point of coordination for project execution, ensuring activities are aligned with divisional and institutional research goals.
- Lead the development and maintenance of project tracking tools, dashboards, and progress reports to support transparency and accountability.
- Help coordinate and streamline operational processes to support federal and institutional research priorities.
- Identify gaps, barriers, or risks in the execution of projects and recommend timely solutions to keep projects on track.
- Assist in organizing division-wide retreats, strategic planning sessions, stakeholder meetings, and major events.
- Maintain a working knowledge of federal funding mechanisms, research compliance, and institutional systems supporting research growth.
- Perform other duties as assigned.
Typical Qualifications
- At least 5 years of experience in project management, or research operations within higher education.
- Proven ability to manage complex projects, engage cross-functional teams, and deliver results on time and within scope.
