Strategic Operations Leader - Higher Education

George Mason University; Fairfax, Virginia (VA, IL); On-site; USD 110,000 - 150,000; Full time

Job summary

George Mason University in Fairfax, VA seeks a Director of Operations and Strategic Initiatives to lead daily department operations, mentor a multi-disciplinary admin and fiscal staff, and coordinate cross-functional processes to support academic and research goals.

You will manage a $16M portfolio, ensure compliance with federal, state, and university policies, and drive strategic planning, KPI tracking, and continuous improvement across facilities, budgeting, and communications.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Experience leading operations in a fast-paced, multi-stakeholder environment.
• Strong working knowledge of government grants, budgeting, and reconciliation processes.
• Proven ability to recruit, develop, and supervise staff; succession planning.
• Ability to manage cross-functional teams and coordinate with faculty, staff, and students.

Responsibilities

• Translates leadership vision into actionable projects and monitors progress across programs.
• Serves as the primary project manager for major initiatives, identifying bottlenecks and resolving issues.
• Oversees departmental facilities and assets, including a laboratory space; acts as SME for space, equipment, and maintenance.
• Coordinates renovations, space moves, and construction with Facilities and external vendors until sign-off.
• Mentors staff and conducts targeted training; supervises progress toward departmental goals.
• Manages budgets, reporting, and internal controls to ensure financial stability and policy compliance.
• Acts as a liaison between the chair, senior leadership, and stakeholders; triages inquiries.
• Defines long-term department objectives and tracks KPIs; analyzes enrollment trends.

Skills

Project management

Cross-functional leadership

Financial governance

Grant administration

HR leadership

Budgeting & forecasting

Staff development

Communication skills

Problem solving

Education

Bachelor's degree or equivalent experience

Job description

George Mason University in Fairfax, VA seeks a Director of Operations and Strategic Initiatives to lead daily department operations, mentor a multi-disciplinary admin and fiscal staff, and coordinate cross-functional processes to support academic and research goals.

You will manage a $16M portfolio, ensure compliance with federal, state, and university policies, and drive strategic planning, KPI tracking, and continuous improvement across facilities, budgeting, and communications.