University of Idaho
Position Overview
The Senior Operations Director serves as a key strategic partner and operational leader within the University of Idaho’s College of Agricultural and Life Sciences (CALS). This position is responsible for advancing planning, operations, organizational change, and project execution to support the University’s strategic plan pillar: Optimize Operational Excellence. The role drives continuous improvement and ensures high-quality, efficient operations across the college.
Responsibilities
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.
Other duties as assigned.
Required Experience
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.
Required Education
Master’s Degree in organizational development, business administration, agricultural sciences, or a related field.
Required Other
Ability to travel.
Ability to work nonstandard business hours, including occasional weekends and holidays as needed.
Additional Preferred
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.
Physical Requirements & Working Conditions None.
Degree Requirement Listed degree qualification is required at time of application.
Contact Information Dr. Madison (Matt) Powell Associate Dean and Director, IAES College of Agricultural and Life Sciences University of Idaho mpowell@uidaho.edu
Application Instructions Applications received by December 28, 2025, will receive first consideration.
IMPORTANT: To be considered, your “Letter of Qualification” must address EACH of the minimum qualifications, including pertinent education and/or experience. In addition, to improve your ranking during the evaluation process, address as many of the Preferred Qualifications as possible. Information on a resume will not be accepted as a substitute for submitting a Letter of Qualification.
Background Check Statement: Applicants who are selected as final possible candidates must be able to pass a criminal background check.
To apply, visit https://uidaho.peopleadmin.com/postings/50261.
The University of Idaho is an equal employment opportunity employer, including veterans and individuals with disabilities.
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Responsibilities
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.
Other duties as assigned.
Required Experience
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.
Required Education
Master’s Degree in organizational development, business administration, agricultural sciences, or a related field.
Required Other
Ability to travel.
Ability to work nonstandard business hours, including occasional weekends and holidays as needed.
Additional Preferred
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.
Physical Requirements & Working Conditions None.
Degree Requirement Listed degree qualification is required at time of application.
Contact Information Dr. Madison (Matt) Powell Associate Dean and Director, IAES College of Agricultural and Life Sciences University of Idaho mpowell@uidaho.edu
Application Instructions Applications received by December 28, 2025, will receive first consideration.
IMPORTANT: To be considered, your “Letter of Qualification” must address EACH of the minimum qualifications, including pertinent education and/or experience. In addition, to improve your ranking during the evaluation process, address as many of the Preferred Qualifications as possible. Information on a resume will not be accepted as a substitute for submitting a Letter of Qualification.
Background Check Statement: Applicants who are selected as final possible candidates must be able to pass a criminal background check.
To apply, visit https://uidaho.peopleadmin.com/postings/50261.
The University of Idaho is an equal employment opportunity employer, including veterans and individuals with disabilities.
#J-18808-Ljbffr