Senior Operations Director

Position Overview

The Senior Operations Director is a key partner and operational leader in the University of Idaho’s College of Agricultural and Life Sciences (CALS) who drives planning, operations, organizational change, and project execution in support of UI’s strategic plan pillar:
Optimize Operational Excellence. The individual leads initiatives that integrate values and leadership into core operational processes. Through collaboration, innovation, and strategic vision, the role ensures alignment across CALS’s land‑grant mission of teaching, research, and extension. This position also leverages emerging technologies (including AI) and is expected to excel in vision and execution.

• Lead and coordinate strategic planning and operational initiatives to improve efficiency, effectiveness, and alignment with institutional goals.
• Direct organizational change efforts, implementing systems, processes, and structures that support operational excellence.
• Oversee cross‑functional projects from concept through execution, ensuring timely and successful outcomes.
• Integrate college values and leadership principles into core operational processes to support a strong organizational culture.
• Collaborate with faculty, staff, and university partners to ensure alignment across CALS’s land‑grant mission of teaching, research, and extension.
• Identify opportunities for innovation, streamline processes, and support data‑informed decision‑making.
• Provide strategic guidance to CALS leadership on operational priorities, resource planning, and organizational needs.

• Seven years of experience in higher education leadership, organizational transformation, or strategic planning.
• Managing complex, multi‑million‑dollar initiatives and coordinating multi‑site teams.
• Experience in facilitation, executive coaching, stakeholder engagement, and systems thinking.
• Written communication skills as evidenced by application materials.

• Master’s Degree in organizational development, business administration, agricultural sciences, or a related field.

• Exceptional verbal and interpersonal communication skills.
• Experience in organizational leadership within agricultural sciences or higher education, preferably at a land‑grant university.
• Advanced skills in change management, technology adoption, and leadership development.
• Demonstrated success in capital project management, policy development, and infrastructure planning.
• Familiarity with the University of Idaho’s financial, operational, and reporting frameworks.
• Experience fostering external engagement with USDA, state agencies, and rural stakeholder groups.

• Resume/CV
• List of References
• Transcripts
• Letter of Qualification

The University of Idaho is an equal employment opportunity employer, including veterans and individuals with disabilities.

Applicants selected as final candidates must pass a criminal background check.