Senior Design Program Operations Specialist_

Posting Detail InformationWorking TitleSenior Design Program Operations SpecialistPosition LocationFort Collins, COWork LocationPosition qualifies for hybrid/in-office workResearch Professional PositionNoPosting Number202401329APPosition TypeAdmin Professional/ Research ProfessionalClassification TitleTechnical/Support IIINumber of Vacancies1Work Hours/Week40Proposed Annual Salary Range$56,000 - $60,000Employee BenefitsColorado State University is not just a workplace; it’s a thriving community that’s transforming lives and improving the human condition through world-class teaching, research, and service. With a robust benefits package, collaborative atmosphere, commitment todiversity, equity and inclusion (olostate.edu/about/) , and focus on work-life balance, CSU is where you can thrive, grow, and make a lasting impact.+ Review our detailed benefits information here. (olostate.edu/wp-content/uploads/sites/25/2021/01/benefits-summary-afap.pdf)+ Explore the additional perks of working at CSU here.+ For the total value of CSU benefits in addition to wages, use our compensation calculator (olostate.edu/total-compensation-calculator/) .+ Lastly, click here for more information about why Fort Collins is consistently ranked in the top cities to live in (olostate.edu/prospective-employees/our-community/) !Desired Start Date09/03/2024Position End Date (if temporary)To ensure full consideration, applications must be received by 11:59pm (MT) on08/04/2024Description of Work UnitFounded in 1870, Colorado State University is among the nation’s leading research universities and enrolls approximately 32,000 undergraduate, graduate, and professional students. Located an hour north of the Denver metro area, Fort Collins is a vibrant community of approximately 157,000 residents that offers the convenience of a small town with all the amenities of a large city. Fort Collins is situated on the Front Range of the Rocky Mountains with views of 14,000 foot peaks, and offers access to numerous cultural, recreational, and outdoor opportunities.TheWalter Scott, Jr. College of Engineering (ngr.colostate.edu/) consists of about 3,000 students enrolled in BS, MS, and PhD programs, 145 tenure-track and non-tenure-track faculty, and over 400 support staff and research scientists. TheOffice of the Deanmanages national accreditation for the College’s ten academic programs. The College conducts more than $75M of sponsored research annually in multiple buildings totaling more than 500,000 square feet of space, including classrooms, laboratories, centers and institutes.TheEngineering Business Office (ngr.colostate.edu/operations/ebo/) works closely with the CSU offices of Procurement, Business and Financial Services, the Travel Desk, and Telecommunications to coordinate the activities of the College with the university and to ensure compliance with and adherence to broader university initiatives and policies.Position SummaryTheWalter Scott, Jr. College of Engineering (ngr.colostate.edu/) ( WSCOE ) at Colorado State University is in search of an enthusiastic individual to fulfill the role of Senior Design Program Operations Specialist. This full-time position provides essential support for the business operations of the WSCOE Senior Design (ngr.colostate.edu/current-students/engineering-days/) program. The successful candidate will serve as a pivotal link between the administrative functions and the practical execution of undergraduate senior design projects, ensuring smooth operations and optimizing processes to enhance student experiences.Responsibilities include:+ Ensure a smooth flow of purchasing and travel processes essential to the senior design program’s success.+ Collaborate closely with faculty, staff, and students to identify operational needs and develop innovative solutions.+ Implement new workflows and processes to streamline operations and enhance efficiency in the senior design program.+ Actively engage in problem-solving and decision-making to resolve issues and optimize program effectiveness.+ Provide guidance and support to students on procurement processes, travel arrangements, and other operational aspects of their senior design projects.+ Maintain comprehensive knowledge of university policies, regulations, and compliance standards relevant to purchasing, travel, and project management.+ Foster a culture of continuous improvement by seeking feedback, evaluating performance metrics, and implementing best practices.Successful applicants will have strong written and oral communication skills, excellent interpersonal skills, an innovative spirit, a commitment to customer service, and impressive organizational skills.Adaptability and the ability to work well with others are critical.The successful candidate must be legally authorized to work in the United States by the proposed start date. The Department will not sponsor a visa for this position.Required Job Qualifications+ Bachelor’s Degree:A bachelor’s degree in a relevant field such as business administration, management, engineering, etc.+ Related Experience: 2 years related experience working in an office setting performing operations management, project coordination, or a similar role.+ Strong Organizational Skills:Demonstrated experience organizing and prioritizing tasks effectively, or managing multiple projects simultaneously, or utilizing keen attention to detail to ensure the smooth functioning of a business operation.+ Excellent Communication Skills:Strong communication skills are essential for effectively interacting with diverse stakeholders, including faculty, staff, students, and external vendors. Written communication skills will be evaluated based on application materials.+ Problem-Solving Abilities:Demonstrated experience using critical thinking and/or problem-solving skills to identify operational challenges, analyze root causes, and develop effective solutions to address them.+ Customer Service Orientation:Demonstrated experience providing exceptional customer service and facilitating a positive experience for constituents.+ Collaborative Team Player:Demonstrated experience working collaboratively in a team environment and building productive relationships across departments and units to achieve shared goals.+ Adaptability and Flexibility:Demonstrated flexibility to adapt to changing priorities, to navigate complex organizational structures, and/or thrive in a dynamic environment.The successful candidate must be legally authorized to work in the United States by the proposed start date. The Department will not sponsor a visa for this position.Preferred Job Qualifications+ Experience within an Academic, Research, or Engineering Environment:Experience working in an academic, research, or engineering environment is highly desirable. This experience provides a deep understanding of the unique operational dynamics and challenges within such settings, enhancing the candidate’s ability to effectively support the senior design program.+ Knowledge of University Policies and Regulations:Familiarity with Colorado State University’s policies, regulations, and compliance standards related to purchasing, travel, and project management is preferred. This includes a comprehensive understanding of university-specific guidelines and protocols, enabling the candidate to ensure adherence to institutional policies while managing program operations.+ Experience in Project Coordination or Management:The ideal candidate would have 3+ years’ experience in project coordination or management roles, particularly within an academic or research context. This experience demonstrates the ability to oversee complex projects, coordinate diverse stakeholders, and ensure project deliverables are achieved on time and within budget.+ Proficiency in Financial Management:A proficiency in financial management is preferred. This includes but is not limited to budgeting, resource allocation, financial analysis, and reporting, etc. This skill set enables the candidate to effectively understand the financial aspects of the senior design program.+ Advanced Analytical Skills:Advanced analytical skills, including data analysis, trend identification, and performance metrics evaluation, are preferred. These skills empower the candidate to analyze program performance, identify areas for improvement, and make data-driven decisions to enhance program effectiveness and efficiency.+ Experience with Process Improvement Initiatives:Previous experience leading or participating in process improvement initiatives is preferred. This demonstrates the candidate’s ability to identify opportunities for operational optimization, implement innovative solutions, and drive continuous improvement in program operations.+ Certification in Project Management or Operations Management:Certification in project management (e.g., PMP ) or operations management (e.g., Six Sigma) is preferred. This certification validates the candidate’s expertise in project management methodologies, process optimization techniques, and best practices in operations management.+ Demonstrated Leadership Abilities:Demonstrated leadership abilities, including the ability to influence, motivate, and inspire others, are preferred. This includes experience leading cross-functional teams, mentoring junior staff, and fostering a collaborative and inclusive work environment.Diversity StatementReflecting departmental and institutional values, candidates are expected to have the ability to advance the Department’s commitment to diversity and inclusion.Essential DutiesJob Duty CategoryOperational SupportDuty/Responsibility+ Facilitate purchasing for senior design projects, including procurement of materials, equipment, and services. Includes managing inventory and supplies for the senior design program, maintaining accurate records, and overseeing replenishment as needed.+ Coordinate travel arrangements for students, faculty, and staff participating in senior design activities, ensuring compliance with university policies and budgetary constraints. This includes coordinating the transportation of equipment, managing insurance coverage for motor vehicles, conducting motor vehicle record checks, coordinating group lodging accommodations, and advising on group travel payment strategies while adhering to university policies and guidelines.+ Manage liability insurance requirements for liabilities specific to senior design programs, such as damages to racetracks or rocket launch pads.+ Serve as the primary point of contact for operational inquiries and support related to senior design projects, providing guidance and assistance to stakeholders as required.+ Assist with purchasing and procurement card (PCard) reallocations for the college when there isn’t an existing need for senior design program support.+ Assist with travel arrangement for the college when there isn’t an existing need for senior design program support.Percentage Of Time40%Job Duty CategoryProcess Improvement and InnovationDuty/Responsibility+ Identify opportunities to streamline operational processes and enhance efficiency within the senior design program.+ Develop and implement innovative workflows and procedures to optimize project management, procurement, and travel coordination.+ Evaluate existing systems and tools for managing program operations, recommending enhancements or alternative solutions as necessary.+ Collaborate with stakeholders to gather feedback, assess needs, and prioritize improvement initiatives to support the continuous enhancement of program operations.Percentage Of Time30%Job Duty CategoryCompliance and Policy AdherenceDuty/Responsibility+ Ensure compliance with Colorado State University policies, regulations, and compliance standards related to purchasing and travel.+ Stay abreast of updates to university policies and regulations, communicating changes to relevant stakeholders and facilitating adherence to new requirements.+ Conduct periodic audits and reviews to assess compliance with institutional guidelines and identify areas for improvement or corrective action as needed.+ Provide guidance and training to stakeholders on compliance-related matters, promoting awareness and understanding of relevant policies and procedures.Percentage Of Time15%Job Duty CategoryStakeholder Engagement and CommunicationDuty/Responsibility+ Collaborate with faculty, staff, students, and external partners to foster positive relationships and facilitate effective communication regarding program operations.+ Serve as a liaison between the senior design program and other college departments, university offices, and external vendors to coordinate activities and resolve operational issues.+ Communicate updates, announcements, and relevant information to stakeholders through various channels, such as email, meetings, and newsletters.+ Solicit feedback from stakeholders to assess satisfaction levels, identify areas for improvement, and implement strategies to enhance stakeholder engagement and communication.Percentage Of Time10%Job Duty CategoryOther Duties as AssignedDuty/Responsibility+ Perform additional tasks and responsibilities as assigned by the Business Operations Manager or other college leadership, contributing to the overall success and effectiveness of the department and college.Percentage Of Time5%Application DetailsSpecial Instructions to ApplicantsFor full consideration, please upload a cover letter that that clearly address your qualifications and past experience as it relates to the minimum and preferred qualifications for this position, your resume/CV, and the contact information for three professional references by 11:59 PM ( MST ) on August 4, 2024. References will not be contacted without prior notification to candidates.This posting will remain open until filled, however for full consideration, applications must be received by 11:59 PM ( MST ) on August 4, 2024.CSU is committed to full inclusion of qualified individuals. If you are needing assistance or accommodations with the search process, please reach out to the listed search contact.Please note, applicants may redact information from their application materials that identifies their age, date of birth, or dates of attendance at or graduation from an educational institution.Conditions of EmploymentPre-employment Criminal Background Check (required for new hires)Search ContactRebecca.Leonard@colostate.eduEEO StatementColorado State University is committed to providing an environment that is free from discrimination and harassment based on race, age, creed, color, religion, national origin or ancestry, sex, gender, disability, veteran status, genetic information, sexual orientation, gender identity/expression, or pregnancy in its employment, programs, services and activities, and admissions, and, in certain circumstances, marriage to a co-worker. The University will not discharge or in any other manner discriminate against employees or applicants because they have inquired about, discussed, or disclosed their own pay or the pay of another employee or applicant. Colorado State University is an equal opportunity and equal access institution and affirmative action employer fully committed to achieving a diverse workforce and complies with all Federal and Colorado State laws, regulations, and executive orders regarding non-discrimination and affirmative action. TheOffice of Equal Opportunity (olostate.edu/) is located in 101 Student Services.The Title IX Coordinator is the Director of the Office of Title IX Programs and Gender Equity, 123 Student Services Building, Fort Collins, CO 80523-0160, (970) 491-1715,titleix@colostate.edu.The Section 504 and ADA Coordinator is the Director of the Office of Equal Opportunity, 101 Student Services Building, Fort Collins, CO 80523-0160, (970) 491-5836,oeo@colostate.edu.The Coordinator for any other forms of misconduct prohibited by the University’s Policy on Discrimination and Harassment is the Vice President for Equity, Equal Opportunity and Title IX, 101 Student Services Building, Fort Collins, Co. 80523-0160, (970) 491-5836,oeo@colostate.edu.Any person may report sex discrimination under Title IX to theOffice of Civil Rights, Department of Education (d.gov/about/offices/list/ocr/docs/howto.html) .Background Check Policy StatementColorado State University strives to provide a safe study, work, and living environment for its faculty, staff, volunteers and students. To support this environment and comply with applicable laws and regulations, CSU conducts background checks for the finalist before a final offer. The type of background check conducted varies by position and can include, but is not limited to, criminal history, sex offender registry, motor vehicle history, financial history, and/or education verification. Background checks will also be conducted when required by law or contract and when, in the discretion of the University, it is reasonable and prudent to do so.References RequestedReferences RequestedMinimum Requested3Maximum Requested3Supplemental QuestionsRequired fields are indicated with an asterisk (*).+ * The successful candidate must be legally authorized to work in the United States by the time of hire. Will you be legally authorized to work in the US by the proposed start date?+ Yes+ NoApplicant DocumentsRequired Documents+ Cover Letter+ Resume or CVOptional Documents