Operations & Strategic Initiatives Manager

Austincc; Waterville (ME); On-site; USD 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

The Lunder Institute for American Art at Colby College seeks a Manager of Administration and Strategic Initiatives to translate goals into effective operations and sustainable practices. You will lead budget planning, grant reporting, facilities coordination, and administrator support for fellowships, residencies, and partnerships, collaborating with Colby museum staff.

This role requires strong project management, organizational skills, and a commitment to equity, with responsibilities spanning

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• 3-5 years budget and administrative experience in higher education, museums, nonprofits, or similar organizations.
• Experience with budget management and financial reporting; Workday and Excel experience preferred.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office and Google Workspace; familiarity with Adobe Creative Suite, Airtable, or similar tools preferred.
• Strong written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills.

Responsibilities

• Manage the Lunder Institute budget, including expense tracking, reconciliations, credit card verification, budget analysis, and preparation of annual budget in collaboration with the Director and museum staff.
• Oversee grant administration, including resource tracking, data analysis, and financial reporting.
• Coordinate facilities and operations for Greene Block + Studios, including maintenance requests, shared space logistics, and housing arrangements for fellows, residents, and guests.
• Partner with LIAA staff to plan and coordinate Institute events and public programs, including occasional evening and weekend programs.
• Recruit and oversee interns supporting administrative and operational work, including coordinating payroll and participation.
• Support the maintenance and updates of Lunder Institute digital platforms, including the website, in collaboration with museum communications, IT, and external partners.
• Develop and maintain administrative systems and operational processes that support the Institute’s programs, fellowships, residencies, and partnerships.
• Collaborate with Lunder Institute, museum, and College colleagues to ensure consistent and effective operational practices.
• Support project management for Institute initiatives, including coordinating timelines and collaborating with communications and engagement teams.
• Manage administrative operations such as scheduling, purchasing, contracts, travel coordination, and compliance with College policies.
• Prepare and maintain Institute communications, presentations, records, and documentation.
• Participate in Lunder Institute and Colby Museum staff meetings and contribute to institutional initiatives and planning.
• Represent the Lunder Institute by building strong relationships with colleagues, fellows, residents, collaborators, and campus partners.
• Engage in professional development aligned with departmental and institutional priorities.

Skills

Budget management

Project management

Communication skills

Collaboration

Independent working

Education

Bachelor’s degree or equivalent combination of education and experience

3-5 years budget/administrative experience in higher education/nonprofits

Experience with Workday and Excel

Tools

Workday

Excel

Google Workspace

Adobe Creative Suite

Airtable

Job description

The Lunder Institute for American Art at Colby College seeks a Manager of Administration and Strategic Initiatives to translate goals into effective operations and sustainable practices. You will lead budget planning, grant reporting, facilities coordination, and administrator support for fellowships, residencies, and partnerships, collaborating with Colby museum staff.

This role requires strong project management, organizational skills, and a commitment to equity, with responsibilities spanning