Lead, Operational Strategy

Karyaar; Hoboken (NJ); On-site; USD 150,000 - 170,000; Full time

Job summary

Stevens Institute of Technology is seeking a Lead, Operational Strategy at its Hoboken campus to drive the DCTC program's day-to-day operations and participant management. You will design scalable processes, oversee multiple cohorts, and ensure timely execution across teams in administration, partnerships, finance, education, mentorship, and communications.

The role emphasizes building robust operational systems, dashboards, and decision-support tools while coordinating cross-functional

Qualifications

• 5–7 years of experience in operations, program management, or strategy.
• Experience building or improving operational systems in a fast-paced or evolving environment.
• Strong organizational and cross-functional collaboration skills.

Responsibilities

• Build, maintain, and improve operational systems supporting participant lifecycle management across cohorts.
• Translate program goals into structured workflows, timelines, and clear ownership of tasks and deliverables.
• Oversee execution of core program components and ensure alignment across concurrent workstreams.
• Maintain systems for tracking program and participant data using Notion, Excel, and CRM platforms.
• Develop reporting tools and dashboards to support leadership visibility into program performance and risk areas.

Skills

Operations management

Cross-functional coordination

Problem-solving

Communication

Education

Bachelor's degree in Business Administration

Bachelor's degree in Public Administration

Bachelor's degree in Psychology

Bachelor's degree in Organizational Leadership

Bachelor's degree in Education

Bachelor's degree in Communications

Tools

Excel

Notion

CRM systems

Job description

Open role · Stevens Institute of Technology# Lead, Operational StrategyOn-siteFull-timeHoboken, NJPosted Jul 6About the role## What you'd be doingJob DescriptionThe Acquisition Innovation Research Center (AIRC) seeks to hire a Lead, Operational Strategy to support the Defense Civilian Training Corps (DCTC) program in overseeing day-to-day operations, participant management, and program execution. This role is responsible for ensuring that program systems, workflows, and deliverables are effectively designed, implemented, and continuously improved across concurrent cohorts.This position requires a highly organized, initiative-driven operator with strong attention to detail and the ability to manage multiple workstreams simultaneously. The individual will be responsible for maintaining operational systems, supporting cross-functional coordination, and ensuring that program timelines and outcomes are met consistently. In addition to core operational responsibilities, this role will contribute to process design, systems improvement, and program scaling efforts as the DCTC program evolves. The Lead, Operational Strategy will work closely with program leadership and serve as a key connector across teams, including administration, partnerships, finance, education, mentorship, and communications.Program Operations ResponsibilitiesBuild, maintain, and improve operational systems supporting participant lifecycle management across cohortsTranslate program goals into structured workflows, timelines, and clear ownership of tasks and deliverablesOversee execution of core program components and ensure alignment across concurrent workstreamsMaintain systems for tracking program and participant data using tools such as Notion, Excel, and CRM platformsDevelop reporting tools and dashboards to support leadership visibility into program performance and risk areasSupport decision-making by organizing operational data, synthesizing information, and surfacing key tradeoffs and optionsDocument and standardize processes to support consistency, continuity, and knowledge management across the programProgram & Stakeholder ManagementServe as a central management point across leadership, administration, partnerships, finance, education, mentorship, and communicationsEnsure alignment of timelines, deliverables, and dependencies across all program workstreamsFacilitate cross-functional communication to ensure clarity of expectations and execution prioritiesSupport stakeholder engagement by preparing materials, organizing inputs, and ensuring follow-through on key decisionsCollaborate across departments to accurately represent program needs, goals, and outcomesOrganizational Scaling & Systems DevelopmentSupport budgeting inputs, resource planning, and operational forecasting for program growth and future cohortsLead the design and refinement of scalable operational infrastructure to support increasing program complexity and participant volumeContribute to the development of organizational structure, including roles, responsibilities, and operating models as the program evolvesPartner with leadership to define and operationalize future program state, translating strategic priorities into executable systemsIdentify operational risks, including process inefficiencies, communication breakdowns, and system limitations, and implement solutions to mitigate impactDevelop repeatable frameworks and standardized processes to enable program scalability and replicationQualifications5–7 years of experience in operations, program management, strategy, or a related fieldBachelor’s degree in Business Administration, Public Administration, Psychology, Organizational Leadership, Education, Communications, or a related fieldExperience building or improving operational systems in a fast-paced or evolving environmentStrong organizational and problem-solving skills with ability to manage multiple priorities simultaneouslyExperience working with cross-functional stakeholders and managing complex projectsProficiency with tools such as Excel, Notion, CRM systems, or similar platformsStrong written and verbal communication skills with ability to work across all levels of an organizationPreferred QualificationsBachelor’s or Master’s degree in Business Administration, Public Administration, Organizational Leadership, Education, Psychology, or a related fieldExperience in workforce development, education, government, or mission-driven program environments, particularly in participant-facing program delivery or operationsExperience supporting budgeting, financial planning, or resource allocation within a program or organizational contextExperience working directly with senior leadership, including preparing executive briefings and supporting decision-making processesDemonstrated ability to operate in fast-paced, evolving environments with shifting prioritiesStrong ability to move between strategic thinking and operational execution while maintaining structure in ambiguous settingsHigh ownership mindset with experience independently driving initiatives from planning through executionDepartmentDefense Civilian Training CorpsCompensation RangeIn compliance with the New Jersey Wage Transparency Act, the annual base range for this position is $150,000 - $170,000. This range represents the University’s good faith estimate of possible compensation at the time of posting. Stevens Institute of Technology determines compensation based on factors including the position’s scope and responsibilities, the candidate’s experience, education, skills, internal equity, market data, and organizational considerations. The final salary will be set considering departmental budget, qualifications, and relevant credentials. This pay range represents base pay only and excludes additional forms of compensation, such as incentives, stipends, or other applicable pay components. For a full overview of our benefits offerings, please refer to the Stevens Institute of Technology Benefits Guidebook, available at:Benefits GuidebookGeneral Submission GuidelinesPlease submit an online application to be considered a candidate for any job at Stevens. Please attach a cover letter and resume with each application. Other requirements for consideration may depend on the job.Still Have Questions?If you have any questions regarding your application, please contact [e-mail] StatementStevens Institute of Technology is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Accordingly, Stevens adheres to an employment policy that prohibits discriminatory practices or harassment against candidates or employees based on legally impermissible factor(s) including, but not necessarily limited to, race, color, religion, creed, sex, national origin, nationality, citizenship status, age, ancestry, marital or domestic partnership or civil union status, familial status, affectional or sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, atypical cellular or blood trait, genetic information, pregnancy or pregnancy-related medical conditions, disability, or any protected military or veteran status.Stevens is building a diverse faculty, staff, and student body and strongly encourages applications from people of all backgrounds. 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