Senior Manager for Operations, Monterey Initiative in Russian Studies

The Senior Manager for Operations at the Monterey Initiative in Russian Studies (MIR) provides leadership and operational oversight at the MIR office and for ensures the programs growth and sustainability. This is done through supervising MIR graduate assistants, preparing/overseeing all budgetary, financial monitoring, and reporting requirements for the efficient operation of MIR, and effective grant writing and outreach efforts. This is a senior level position that will direct all partner and donor relations and the numerous projects that fall under MIR: Monterey Summer Symposium on Russia, Internships, Levada Translations, etc. MIR is subject to financial policies and reporting requirements determined by MIIS. Funding for MIR is provided primarily by non-profit foundations which impose and/or request specific financial information. MIR is also supported by individual financial contributors. The Senior Manager for Operations will be responsible for ensuring that the reports required and requested by these parties and other stakeholders will be prepared in a timely and accurate manner. Among the responsibilities are the following: oversight of budget compliance, expense reimbursement, invoice review and approval, contract review and compliance, honorarium payments, and preparation of other financial reports related to MIR operation and obligations. The Senior Manager for Operations will report to the Director of MIR unless otherwise required by the Director. MIR runs throughout the academic year and summer.

Essential Functions

Manages a robust annual MIR budget with limited consultation from the Director. Creates bi-monthly MIIS purchase card expense reports in Middlebury’s Oracle system; tracks actual expenses against the MIR grant budget to ensure long term growth and sustainability; selects and manages key vendors by negotiating new contracts, tracks contractual requirements, sets up vendors in Oracle for payment by collecting required tax and contract paperwork; and prepares financial reports.

Manages and supports the strategic and operational plans by identifying deliverables and demonstrates excellent communication skills in order to work with a wide range of professional constituents.

Direct and oversees the day-to-day management of programs including policy creation and documentation.

Manages and supervises the implementation, improvement, and growth of the website.

Position will independently grow projects and programs concurrently.

Creates and implements systems for supporting strategic planning, tracking deliverables on grant projects, and Initiative reporting for an aggressive and successful grantsmanship plan.

Create and maintain internal calendar for upcoming seminars.

As part of team management and development, the Senior Manager for Operations develops objective performance measurements across all programs to ensure consistent, high-quality accountability and support for all staff.

Provide expert guidance, leadership and supervision to Graduate Research Assistants and temporary support staff.

Handles operational tasks at MIR office and, jointly with Deputy Director, delegates project tasks to graduate assistants.

Corresponds with vendors across the globe (independent contractors, adjunct faculty) to compile and submit required documentation to Middlebury budget officer and accounts payable office. Oversees travel and hospitality logistics for visiting experts and guests, working directly with travel agents and hotel administrators.

Acts as primary point of contact for Middlebury human resources department, processing new hires and independent contractor worksheets and agreements.

Manages administrative functions in MIR office and is primary point person for visitors.

Primarily responsible for MIR specialized research of current and potential corporate, foundation, and government funders (jointly with MIR Director and Staff).

Publishes and presents program reports for partner and donor engagement.

Supports fundraising, manages grant writing and successfully contributes to outreach efforts.

Monitors and reports on progress of strategic planning goals.

General Responsibilities

The Senior Manager of Operations at the Monterey Initiative in Russian Studies (MIR) is responsible for operational tasks at the MIR office, supervising MIR graduate assistants, and preparing/overseeing all budgetary, financial monitoring, and reporting requirements for the efficient operation of MIR.

Education

Master’s degree in business or non-profit management.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

Communication Skills: Strong verbal, written skills and excellent communication skills. Ability to read, analyze and interpret business periodicals, professional journals, technical procedures or government regulations. Ability to effectively present information and respond to questions from supervisors, coworkers, volunteers, members, donors and the general public. Ability to manage multiple, complex tasks and relationships with initiative and independence.

Strong analytical, budgeting, negotiation, and project management skills.

Technical Skills: Extensive experience of computer applications, including word processing, relational databases, and spreadsheets. Experience with program and donor management platforms.

Experience

Staff and Program Management: 3+ years in non-profit management and experience as a program director.

Physical Demands

The Middlebury Institute of International Studies at Monterey maintains a smoke-free workplace and complies with the Federal Drug-Free Schools and Communities Act and Drug-Free Workplace Act.

Essential job functions require ability to sit for extended periods of time, walk, bend, climb, push/pull, lift and carry up to 25 pounds occasionally. Also requires fine dexterity and ability to grasp, i.e., for writing and word processing/data entry.

Ability to work evening and weekend hours as needed.

Close Date

Open Until Filled No

Special Instructions to Applicants