Manager of Operations

Job Summary

Mandate
Reporting to the Director of the Kula: Library Futures Academy, the Manager of Operations provides leadership for the planning, coordination, communications, and operational infrastructure that support the Academy’s programs, partnerships, and strategic priorities. The position translates strategic direction into effective processes, coordinates activities across multiple initiatives, and ensures that Kula’s programs and operations are well organized, documented, communicated, and aligned with Library and University priorities. The position also serves as an essential operational connector between Kula and librarians and archivists across the Libraries, identifying opportunities to engage their expertise, research, collections, professional networks, and emerging practice in Kula programs and initiatives. Working closely with the Director, the Manager of Partnerships, and the Strategic Initiatives Coordinator, the position supports the effective implementation and stewardship of Kula initiatives, programs, fellowships, events, publications, and partnerships while facilitating effective collaboration with librarians, archivists, and library units whose expertise and capabilities contribute to the Academy’s work.

Objectives

• Ensure the operational efficiency and high impact of the Kula: Library Futures Academy programs and initiatives
• Strengthen connections and effective collaboration between Kula and librarians and archivists across the Libraries
• Develop and coordinate communications and knowledge mobilization activities that articulate the Academy’s work, programs, opportunities, and impact
• Create a continuum from strategic and intellectual leadership through external relationship development, internal organization integration, and day-to-day operational delivery

This position may be required to work outside of regular hours on occasion and as necessary

Job Requirements

Requirements
This position requires a level of education, training, and experience equivalent to a Master’s Degree; with a minimum of 10 years of relevant post-secondary experience building and maintaining diverse partnerships and collaborations across a variety of portfolios. An equivalent combination of education and experience may be considered.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Knowledge of higher education and academic environments, including institutional structures, policies, governance, and emerging issues affecting research, scholarship, and knowledge systems
• Knowledge of strategic planning, program development, project management, and operational planning within complex, multi-stakeholder organizations
• Demonstrated skill in translating strategic direction into operational plans, coordinating multiple concurrent initiatives, timelines, resources, dependencies, and deliverables
• Demonstrated skill in synthesizing complex information and identifying operational implications, opportunities, risks, and emerging issues
• Demonstrated skill in written communication, editing, briefing, and presentation for diverse internal and external audiences
• Demonstrated skill in building and maintaining collaborative relationships and partnerships across organizational, disciplinary, and institutional boundaries
• Demonstrated experience in supervision, including recruitment, onboarding, performance management, and training
• Ability to exercise independent judgment, anticipate needs, solve problems, and improve processes in a complex and evolving environment
• Ability to manage competing priorities and deadlines while maintaining accuracy, quality, accountability, and organizational continuity
• Ability to develop effective systems, workflows, documentation, and tracking mechanisms
• Ability to remain calm, friendly, and articulate in the face of adversity
• Demonstrated ability to exercise tact and patience in managing confidential or sensitive matters
• Exhibits a high level of integrity, credibility, resourcefulness, and confidence
• Commitment to valuing diversity and contributing to an inclusive and respectful working and learning environment
• Ability to exhibit an agile, entrepreneurial approach to conducting business, remaining mindful of University regulations and constraints
• Proficiency in navigating and effectively using a range of standard office software including Microsoft Office, Access, Excel, Outlook, and other specialized systems as required