Operations Manager, IRW

American University is a student-centered research institution located in Washington, DC, with highly-ranked schools and colleges, internationally-renowned faculty, and a reputation for creating meaningful change in the world. Learn more about American University

Department:

School of Communication

Time Type:

Full time

Work Modality:

Hybrid 01 (On Campus 3-4 Days/Week)

Union:

Excluded

Job Description:

Summary/Objective

The Operations Manager contributes to the overall success of the Investigative Reporting Workshop (IRW) by effectively overseeing all of the center’s financial, operating, and administrative activities. The incumbent maintains records and oversight regarding the Center’ finances and prepares required reports in conjunction with the Executive Editor and SOC Dean’s Office and Finance team. The position works with the appropriate departments across the University to assure timely processing a range of financial and HR transactions for the center. Manages consultants contributing to the work of the Center.

Essential Functions

1. 50% - Center Business Operations: Manages IRW's general business operations in collaboration with the executive editor and other staff. Ensures that staff, students, and consultants have the necessary administrative resources. Assists in developing and implementing center policies, procedures, and systems. Coordinates student work schedules, oversees daily office needs, and serves as IRW's primary in-person contact for students, faculty, and staff.

2. 30% - Financial Management: Leads the center’s financial operations and develops strategies for fiscal management. Actively monitors the center's financial health by analyzing financial results, ongoing activities, and potential risks, and proactively implements solutions as necessary. Responsible for budgeting, forecasting, reporting, determining internal procedures, and implementing financial controls. Ensures that financial operations comply with university and funder policies and requirements. Actively monitors ledgers, approves transactions, and coordinates with University offices and sponsors on financial matters. Approves consultant contracts, human resources actions, and journal entries prior to routing for University review.

3. 15% - Development: Coordinates with the IRW’s executive editor and director of development to ensure adequate funding for the center’s programs an operations. Provides financial projections, reports, and analysis to IRW staff, university offices, and external funders. Serves as the IRW’s primary financial contact for grant-related accounts. Works with IRW’s director of development to ensure that university approved budgets, financial reports, invoices, and all other financial documents are provided to funders promptly. In conjunction with the executive editor and development director, drives strategic and sustainability planning, fostering agreement on long-term goals and ensuring a successful future for the center.

4. 5% - Other duties and services as assigned to support the strategic priorities of IRW and SOC.

Required Education:

• Bachelor's degree or equivalent in experience
  
  

Required Experience:

• 3-4 years of relevant experience
  
  

Preferred Education:

• Master's degree
  
  

Preferred Experience:

• 5-8 years of relevant experience
  
  

Position Type/Expected Hours of Work:

• Full-time, 35 hrs/wk
  
  
• This position is 100% externally funded by grants and gifts
  
  
• Some occasional evening and weekend work may be required
  
  

Salary Range:

• $73,000-$83,000/year (commensurate with experience)
  
  

Travel Required:

• Infrequent travel required
  
  

Additional Eligibility Qualifications:

• Financial management experience required, preferably in a non-profit and/or higher education environment.
  
  
• Experience working with senior staff.
  
  
• Exceptional attention to detail & accuracy.
  
  
• Must possess excellent communication skills and exhibit mature confidence interacting with high-profile constituents Professionalism, flexibility and strong interpersonal skills are required.
  
  
• Must be able to work independently, handling multiple tasks and meeting deadlines.
  
  
• Knowledge of media business and related fields is desirable.
  
  

Other Duties:

• Employees in the School of Communication are required to work on campus in a full presence modality for the first month of their employment
  
  
• Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities and activities may change at any time with or without notice.
  
  

Benefits

AU offers a competitive benefits package including a 200% matching retirement plan, tuition benefits for full-time staff and their families, several leadership development certificates, and has been recognized by the American Heart Association as a fit-friendly worksite. Click here to learn about American University's unique benefit options .

Other Details

• Hiring offers for this position are contingent on successful completion of a background check.
  
  
• Employees in staff positions at American University must deliver their services to the university from either the District of Columbia, Maryland, or Virginia, or perform work on-site at the university.
  
  
• Please note this job announcement is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change at any time with or without notice.
  
  
• American University is an E-Verify employer.
  
  

Current American University Employees

American University current employees must apply through their employee Workday account. If you are a current employee at American University, please log into Workday and select the Find Jobs report which will take you to our internal career listings.

Contact Us

For more information or assistance with the American University careers site, email theworkline@american.edu .

American University is an equal opportunity, affirmative action institution that operates in compliance with applicable laws and regulations. The university does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, religion, sex (including pregnancy), age, sexual orientation, disability, marital status, personal appearance, gender identity and expression, family responsibilities, political affiliation, source of income, veteran status, an individual’s genetic information or any other bases under federal or local laws (collectively "Protected Bases") in its programs and activities.