Senior Operations Manager, Earth & Planetary Sciences

University of Texas at Austin; United States; On-site; USD 94,000 - 127,000; Full time

Job summary

University of Texas at Austin is seeking an Assistant Director of Operations for the Department of Earth and Planetary Sciences to lead administrative, financial, and IT functions on the UT Main Campus. This senior role oversees contracts, grants, travel, and business operations while aligning with school and university priorities.

The position requires a Bachelor’s degree with seven years of related experience, strong budgeting and supervisory skills, and a track record in policy development

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree and seven years of progressively responsible experience in administration, business operations, finance, management, or higher education administration.
• Experience developing and managing complex budgets and analyzing financial data to support operational planning and decision-making.
• Experience overseeing multiple administrative functions, such as accounting, business operations, contracts and grants administration, travel, information technology, or related areas.
• Experience interpreting and applying organizational policies, procedures, regulations, and compliance requirements.
• Demonstrated leadership and supervisory experience, such as managing and developing staff.
• Excellent analytical, organizational, problem-solving, and decision-making skills.
• Exceptional written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills, with the ability to build effective working relationships across all levels of an organization.
• Demonstrated ability to manage multiple priorities and deadlines in a complex, fast-paced environment.

Responsibilities

• Department Operations and Strategic Administration: Translate departmental priorities into operational plans and coordinate implementation across administrative functions.
• Provide day-to-day leadership for administrative managers and support staff and ensure alignment across operational areas.
• Develop, implement, and evaluate departmental policies, procedures, and workflows to improve effectiveness.
• Provide administrative support to the Chair on faculty-related processes and coordinate with the Faculty Affairs Coordinator.
• Review and approve routine operational, financial, and personnel actions under delegated authority.
• Financial Management and Business Operations: Oversee budget planning, forecasting, reporting, and long-range financial planning.
• Monitor departmental budgets, research funds, gifts, endowments, and funding allocations for responsible stewardship.
• Develop operating budgets and multi-year financial strategies in collaboration with the Chair.
• Create financial analyses and strategic recommendations supporting decision-making.
• Prepare and oversee financial and regulatory reports for leadership and stakeholders.
• Research Administration, Contracts, Grants, and Compliance: Oversee contracts, grants, and sponsored project administration.
• Support proposal development, budget preparation, and post-award management activities.
• Oversee contract administration, subaward agreements, and award management.
• Ensure compliance with university, state, federal, and sponsor requirements.
• Develop processes that support faculty research activities and proposal submissions.

Skills

Budget management

Grants management

Policy development

Staff supervision

IT oversight

Compliance knowledge

Communication skills

Multitasking

Education

Bachelor’s degree

Master’s degree

Job description

University of Texas at Austin is seeking an Assistant Director of Operations for the Department of Earth and Planetary Sciences to lead administrative, financial, and IT functions on the UT Main Campus. This senior role oversees contracts, grants, travel, and business operations while aligning with school and university priorities.

The position requires a Bachelor’s degree with seven years of related experience, strong budgeting and supervisory skills, and a track record in policy development