Senior Director Operations and Administration - University Marketing and Communications

Posted:
3/23/2025, 5:00:00 PM

Location(s):
Missouri, United States ⋅ St. Louis, Missouri, United States

Experience Level(s):
Expert or higher ⋅ Senior

Field(s):
Growth & Marketing ⋅ Operations & Logistics

Scheduled Hours

37.5

Position Summary

This position reports to the Vice Chancellor for Marketing & Communications (VC) and partners with the VC in managing University Marketing & Communications’ (MarComm) general business operations, including administrative oversight of enterprise-level, collaborative tools and technologies that aim to create efficiencies and maximize resources to meet strategic communications needs across the university. This position works with fellow senior leaders within MarComm to guide the department’s management and development of human resources, maximize its financial resources, and manage the work of a staff of professionals dedicated to financial, administrative and operational support for the department.

Job Description

Primary Duties & Responsibilities:

Business Operations Leadership

  • Oversee work of and provide strategic guidance to team managing HR and finance operations within department, including annual performance reviews, individual and team professional development activities, annual budget planning (compensation and discretionary funds), strategic investments, financial accounting, and contract management.
  • Develop and implement strategies for improving processes for intake, traffic, and reporting re: projects originating inside and outside the department. 
  • Manage the department’s approach to collaborative, enterprise-wide communications services tools and technologies, to include digital asset management, marketing technology tools, and shared services in support of MarComm’s strategic goals.
  • Manage MarComm’s administrative/reception staff.
  • Oversee work in support of building operations and maintenance at 276 N. Skinker.
  • Enable continuous improvement culture.

MarComm Technology Strategy

  • Provide strategic leadership in support of department-wide technology used by MarComm. 
  • In partnership with the VC and other MarComm leaders, help identify opportunities to utilize common MarComm technology across the university and evaluate its effectiveness.

Campus Partner Management

  • Serve as primary, day-to-day liaison to key business units, including Environmental Health & Safety, Facilities Planning & Management, Finance, Human Resources, Legal, Procurement, University Services, WashU Police, etc.
  • Interact with schools and academic units to develop strategies and facilitate collaborative use of tools and resources for shared priorities.
  • Provide strategic direction for meetings with key partners including the university-wide Marketing Communications Council.
  • Partner with senior university staff on special projects.

Perform other duties as assigned.

Working Conditions:
Job Location/Working Conditions

  • Normal office environment

Physical Effort

  • Typically sitting at a desk or table

  • Repetitive wrist, hand or finger movement

  • Ability to move to on and off-campus locations


Equipment

  • Office equipment

The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work performed by people assigned to this classification. They are not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of all job duties performed by the personnel so classified. Management reserves the right to revise or amend duties at any time.

Required Qualifications

Education:

Bachelor’s degree or combination of education and/or experience may substitute for minimum education.


Certifications:

No specific certification is required for this position.


Work Experience:

Relevant Experience (5 Years)


Skills:

Not Applicable


Driver's License:

A driver's license is not required for this position.

More About This Job

Preferred Qualifications:

  • Bachelor’s degree or higher in administration, business, communications, finance, organizational management, or related field.
  • Experience working in a higher education environment.

Preferred Qualifications

Education:

No additional education beyond what is stated in the Required Qualifications section.


Certifications:

No additional certification beyond what is stated in the Required Qualifications section.


Work Experience:

No additional work experience beyond what is stated in the Required Qualifications section.

Skills:

Adaptive Learner, Collaboration, Critical Thinking, Data Analysis, Deadline Management, Detail-Oriented, Financial Systems, Human Capital Management Systems, Human Resources (HR), Interpersonal Communication, Leadership, Multitasking, Operational Leadership, Oral Communications, Problem Solving, Relationship Building, Strategic Initiative Plan, Strategic Leadership, Team Collaboration, Team Leadership, Team Participation, Workday Software, Written Communication

Grade

G14

Salary Range

$75,200.00 - $128,800.00 / Annually

The salary range reflects base salaries paid for positions in a given job grade across the University. Individual rates within the range will be determined by factors including one's qualifications and performance, equity with others in the department, market rates for positions within the same grade and department budget.

Questions

For frequently asked questions about the application process, please refer to our External Applicant FAQ.

Accommodation

If you are unable to use our online application system and would like an accommodation, please email [email protected] or call the dedicated accommodation inquiry number at 314-935-1149 and leave a voicemail with the nature of your request.

All qualified individuals must be able to perform the essential functions of the position satisfactorily and, if requested, reasonable accommodations will be made to enable employees with disabilities to perform the essential functions of their job, absent undue hardship.

Pre-Employment Screening

All external candidates receiving an offer for employment will be required to submit to pre-employment screening for this position. The screenings will include criminal background check and, as applicable for the position, other background checks, drug screen, an employment and education or licensure/certification verification, physical examination, certain vaccinations and/or governmental registry checks. All offers are contingent upon successful completion of required screening.

Benefits Statement

Personal

  • Up to 22 days of vacation, 10 recognized holidays, and sick time.

  • Competitive health insurance packages with priority appointments and lower copays/coinsurance.

  • Take advantage of our free Metro transit U-Pass for eligible employees.

  • WashU provides eligible employees with a defined contribution (403(b)) Retirement Savings Plan, which combines employee contributions and university contributions starting at 7%.

Wellness

  • Wellness challenges, annual health screenings, mental health resources, mindfulness programs and courses, employee assistance program (EAP), financial resources, access to dietitians, and more!

Family

  • We offer 4 weeks of caregiver leave to bond with your new child. Family care resources are also available for your continued childcare needs. Need adult care? We’ve got you covered.

  • WashU covers the cost of tuition for you and your family, including dependent undergraduate-level college tuition up to 100% at WashU and 40% elsewhere after seven years with us.

For policies, detailed benefits, and eligibility, please visit: https://hr.wustl.edu/benefits/

EEO/AA Statement

Washington University in St. Louis is committed to the principles and practices of equal employment opportunity and especially encourages applications by those from underrepresented groups. It is the University’s policy to provide equal opportunity and access to persons in all job titles without regard to race, ethnicity, color, national origin, age, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, disability, protected veteran status, or genetic information.

Diversity Statement

Washington University is dedicated to building a diverse community of individuals who are committed to contributing to an inclusive environment – fostering respect for all and welcoming individuals from diverse backgrounds, experiences and perspectives. Individuals with a commitment to these values are encouraged to apply.