Cross-Departmental Operations Manager

Meridian University is seeking an individual experienced with managing operations across multiple departments. This role involves process management, project management, and quality assurance.

Classification: Full Time
Base Working Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:45am-5:15pm Pacific Time
Location: On site at Meridian University's Los Angeles Center in Santa Monica, CA
This position is not eligible for hybrid or remote work.
Benefits: Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, 401(k), PTO, Sick Time, Paid Holidays
Perks: Wellbeing app subscriptions, commuter cost support, team meals
Start Date: On or after September 1, 2025

• Coordinate and coach teams toward operational excellence, with a hands-on approach to both strategy and execution.
• Build, optimize, and run complex, multistep processes that support departmental and institutional goals.
• Lead initiatives related to knowledge management, automation, and efficiency, with a focus on long-term impact.
• Identify inefficiencies and opportunities for improvement, and implement creative, scalable solutions.
• Support team members with activities such as case management, program scheduling, liaising, and research.
• Monitor quality and progress across initiatives, establish clear expectations, and report regularly.
• Document processes and build systems that support sustainable growth and cross-functional collaboration.
• Engage in ad-hoc projects and evolving priorities with agility and ownership.
• Represent your department in strategic conversations, contributing ideas that serve students and strengthen the university.

• Demonstrated experience guiding and motivating teams, with a focus on outcomes and accountability.
• Demonstrated commitment to mission over ego, evidenced by humble leadership and a willingness to contribute at the ground level.
• Proven ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously with attention to detail and follow-through.
• Comfort with ambiguity and a proactive approach to problem-solving.
• Willingness to take ownership of departmental success and drive meaningful change.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills, including the ability to present to executive and technical audiences.
• Strong written communication skills, especially in translating complex topics into clear, actionable language.
• Self-management skills, including time management, initiative, and diligence.
• Bachelor’s degree or higher.

• Experience working in a higher education setting or as a graduate-level student.
• Experience in a startup or similarly dynamic environment.
• Experience coaching others on both technical and interpersonal skills, even outside of formal management roles.
• Experience with process improvement, documentation, and change management.
• Familiarity with Salesforce or other CRM/case management systems.
• Familiarity with Microsoft 365 tools (Teams, Outlook, Excel, Power BI, etc.).
• Strong technical competency in any of the following fields:
  • Customer care infrastructure
  • Data analytics and business intelligence
  • IT Services
  • Marketing

• You are a player-coach: you lead by doing, delegate wisely, and take full ownership of outcomes.
• You manage systems, not people, but you care deeply about the quality of team outputs and know how to coach others.
• You are solution-oriented, not status quo–complacent. You see problems, find more problems, and move the department forward with grace and strategy.
• You are thorough, proactive, and reliable. You don’t wait for gaps to be filled—you fill them.
• You are comfortable with change, ambiguity, and evolving priorities. You help shape the work, not just follow it.
• You are strategic and cross-functional, thinking about your role, your department, and the university all at once.
• You are not dramatic. You handle challenges with composure and ask for support when needed.
• You are curious and creative, eager to explore new opportunities and propose ideas that haven’t been considered.
• You are growth-minded, always looking for ways to improve yourself, your team, and your impact.
• You are eager to contribute, speak up in meetings, and share ideas—even when not prompted.
• You are accountable. If your…