Strategic Admin & Operations Director – Engineering

University of Texas at Austin; United States; On-site; USD 95,000 - 130,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive benefits package

Generous paid vacation, sick time, and

Tuition assistance

Professional development via LinkedIn

Free library access

Job summary

The University of Texas at Austin seeks a Director of Administration & Operations for the Hildebrand Department of Petroleum and Geosystems Engineering. This exempt role provides strategic leadership across administrative, financial, academic, and operational functions on UT’s main campus in Austin.

Responsibilities include overseeing program offices, HR, budgeting, contracts, and faculty affairs, while partnering with the Chair and cross-unit leaders to advance priorities.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree and progressively responsible experience leading complex administrative operations.
• Demonstrated ability to analyze and communicate thoughtfully about business, financial, and administrative operations.
• Demonstrated success leading, developing, and motivating teams.
• Ability to collaborate and influence effectively with individuals at all levels of a complex organization.
• Strong organizational, project management, and execution skills.
• Proven ability to identify opportunities for collaboration and build productive partnerships.
• Excellent relationship-building and stakeholder-management skills.
• Professional demeanor, sound judgment, and discretion.
• Ability to think strategically and creatively while managing the details of multiple concurrent priorities.
• Demonstrated ability to lead through change, set priorities, and deliver results.
• Willingness to learn and responsibly apply AI and other productivity tools.

Responsibilities

• Operational Oversight – Lead Undergraduate and Graduate program offices, Facilities and IT, Business Affairs, administrative staff, and External Relations.
• Human Resources Administration – Oversee appointments, cost center management, HR data and payroll costing.
• Financial Management – Lead budgeting, contracts, reporting, and financial systems access.
• Faculty Affairs – Collaborate on recruitment, onboarding, and start-up terms.
• Department Liaison – Align with Dean’s Office, research centers, and other departments.
• Other – Perform related functions as assigned.

Skills

Leadership

Strategic planning

Communication

Stakeholder management

Change management

Education

Bachelor’s degree

Tools

Workday

DEFINE systems

Job description

The University of Texas at Austin seeks a Director of Administration & Operations for the Hildebrand Department of Petroleum and Geosystems Engineering. This exempt role provides strategic leadership across administrative, financial, academic, and operational functions on UT’s main campus in Austin.

Responsibilities include overseeing program offices, HR, budgeting, contracts, and faculty affairs, while partnering with the Chair and cross-unit leaders to advance priorities.