Administrative & Operations Executive Director for Operations (Project Management)

The Oklahoma Aerospace & Defense Innovation Institute (OADII) at the University of Oklahoma is seeking an effective Administrative & Operations Executive Director for Operations with a background in national defense and security operations. This position will be responsible for Developing policies, procedures, and goals. Oversees the budget process, resolves problems, manages personnel, communicates effectively with staff, and implements programs in order to maximize the effectiveness of assigned operations, administrative oversight, and support. This position will also be responsible for the management of group initiatives and special projects, providing leadership and oversight of all OADII operations associated with the institute's focus areas of spectrum dominance, sustainment and modernization resilience, cyberspace and information dominance, and national defense policy. The incumbent will provide leadership and oversight of all OADII staff operations to include strategic planning, execution, day-to-day operations, development of internal policies and procedures, oversight of the OADII internal budget and human resources, and communicate effectively with OADII associate directors, staff, and external stakeholders. This position will develop and maintain internal and external partnerships for OADII with industrial, governmental, and OU faculty researchers to drive successful execution of OADII strategic goals and milestones related to critical defense-related challenges. 

The primary location for this position will be onsite at the University of Oklahoma main campus with periodic work conducted at the Convergence Complex located within the Oklahoma City Innovation District, as required. 

• Strategic Leadership: Lead the development and execution of the institute's strategic plan, ensuring alignment with the mission areas of spectrum dominance, sustainment, modernization resilience, cyberspace and information dominance, and national defense policy.
• Assists in the development and implementation of OADII operational policies and procedures in compliance with the University, federal and state guidelines. Develops strategic and operating plans and standardizes centralized clinical operations. Recommends improvements to existing policies and procedures.
• Operational Oversight: Oversee day-to-day operations of OADII, including administrative functions, facilities management, IT, and human resources, ensuring operational efficiency and effectiveness. Develops and implements strategic and business goals of the organization. Manages projects for growth and revenue enhancement. Plans, models, and analyzes growth opportunities.
• Budget Management: Develop and manage the OADII's internal budget, ensuring the allocation of financial resources aligns with the institute's priorities, operational needs, and strategic objectives.
• Supervision: Supervises the activities and performance of the OADII non-faculty staff. Conducts performance appraisals, recommends merit increases, and assesses staff needs. Proactively participates in management functions and serves as a positive role model for peers and staff including making recommendations for organizational improvement.
• Provide leadership and direction to OADII staff, including recruitment, training, development, and performance management to foster a high-performing, collaborative team environment.
• Policy Development: Establish and implement internal policies and procedures to guide operations, governance, and compliance with university, governmental, and defense regulations.
• Program Execution: Ensure successful execution of all OADII programs and initiatives by coordinating resources, timelines, and deliverables across various departments and project teams.
• Partnership Development: Build and maintain partnerships with industrial, governmental, and academic stakeholders, facilitating collaborative opportunities and driving research initiatives that align with OADII's focus areas.
• Security and Compliance: Oversee compliance with national security and Department of Defense protocols, ensuring that all staff and operations adhere to classified information handling procedures, and ensure personnel obtain and maintain necessary security clearances.
• Internal Communications: Serve as a key liaison between OADII staff and associate directors, facilitating open communication, ensuring all teams are informed of organizational goals, and providing updates on project statuses and initiatives.
• External Stakeholder Engagement: Communicate effectively with external stakeholders, including industry leaders, government officials, and OU faculty researchers, to advance OADII's mission and strategic goals.
• Resource Allocation: Optimize the allocation of human, financial, and material resources to support the successful execution of research projects and operational objectives.
• Risk Management: Identify, assess, and manage operational risks associated with the institute's activities, including budget, compliance, security, and operational continuity.
• Project Oversight: Oversee the implementation of defense-related projects, ensuring they meet contractual requirements, timelines, and performance metrics while maintaining budgetary and resource control.
• Reporting and Metrics: Develop and maintain key performance indicators (KPIs) and reporting mechanisms to track progress against strategic goals, providing regular updates to university leadership and external stakeholders.
• Continuous Improvement: Lead initiatives for process improvements within the institute, identifying and implementing best practices in operational efficiency, research execution, and stakeholder engagement.
• Oversees planning and development of new services including program analysis and funding. Coordinates related capital equipment negotiations and purchases. Oversees planning and construction of new facilities as well as associated project reporting.
• Performs various duties as needed to successfully fulfill the function of the position.

Required Education: Bachelor's degree in Business Administration, Healthcare Administration, or closely related field

• 60 months experience in health care administration, business administration, organization management, or professional billing with demonstrated competence in the development and implementation of related programs and management of resources.

Skills:

• Advanced knowledge of creating policy and procedures.
• Advanced knowledge of developing strategic and operating plans.
• Ability to supervise.
• Interpersonal skills.
• Ability to develop and maintain business relationships.
• Ability to handle conflict in a professional manner.

Certifications:

• The incumbent in this position should possess a secret security clearance for the U.S. Department of Defense (or equivalent) and/or be capable of obtaining a security clearance as needed.

Advertised Physical Requirements:

• Physical: Sit for prolonged periods. Communicates effectively. Ability to engage in repetitive motion.
• Environmental: Standard Office Environment.
• Flexible schedule with the ability to work nights, weekends, and holidays as required.

Departmental Preferences:

• Strong communication and presentation skills, with the ability to effectively convey project progress to senior academic leadership and to external, diverse stakeholders.
• Experience working with senior leadership and funding agencies in the defense sector.
• Experience working with an academic environment, faculty, and students. 
• Experience working with DoD or other federal agencies. 
• Proficient in Microsoft Office.

Special Instructions: If you are selected as a final candidate for this position, you will be subject to The University of Oklahoma Norman Campus Tuberculosis Testing policy.  To view the policy, visit https://hr.ou.edu/Policies-Handbooks/TB-Testing.

Why You Belong at the University of Oklahoma: The University of Oklahoma fosters an inclusive culture of respect and civility, belonging, and access, which are essential to our collective pursuit of excellence and our determination to change lives. The unique talents, perspectives, and experiences of our community enrich the learning, and working environment at OU, inspiring us to harness our innovation, creativity, and collaboration for the advancement of people everywhere.

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement: The University of Oklahoma, in compliance with all applicable federal and state laws and regulations, does not discriminate based on race, color, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, genetic information, gender identity, gender expression, age, religion, disability, political beliefs, or status as a veteran in any of its policies, practices, or procedures. This includes, but is not limited to, admissions, employment, financial aid, housing, services in educational programs or activities, and health care services that the University operates or provides.