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About the job

The University of Virginia Department of Systems and Information Engineering (“SIE”) seeks applications for a Director of Operations within the School of Engineering. Systems Engineering is the discipline of steering complexity. From its roots in cybernetics and general systems theory to today’s AI-enabled systems, it brings together systems thinking, data, and rigorous mathematical modeling to understand how people, technology, and information interact, and to design the feedback and decisions that guide them toward desired outcomes. We are a thriving program of undergraduate and graduate students, faculty, and staff with a commitment to exploration, innovation, and engineering excellence.

The Director of Operations directs and manages the day-to-day administrative, financial, human resources, and academic operations of the department in support of its educational and research missions. The ideal candidate brings strong interpersonal skills: they orchestrate the work of the department staff as a cohesive team and serve as the primary operational point of contact for faculty and students. The Director of Operations works collaboratively with the department chair and faculty to address operational concerns, resolve issues, and advocate for departmental priorities and initiatives. They oversee the completion of operational activities across the department.

If you enjoy leading operations, improving processes, supporting people, and working collaboratively to advance the mission of a vibrant academic department, we encourage you to apply for this opportunity.

Responsibilities

Develops and assists in the implementation of short and long-term strategic goals (including administrative, financial, staffing, and space) which align with department goals in partnership with the department chair and departmental leadership.

Collaborates with Engineering and University partners such as Graduate and Undergraduate Programs, Human Resources, Finance, Information Technology and Facilities Management.

Orchestrates the work of the department staff, setting priorities, coordinating assignments across functions, and fostering a collaborative, service-oriented team culture.

Serves as the primary operational liaison to faculty and students, building trusted working relationships, anticipating needs, and resolving concerns with tact and discretion to ensure responsive, efficient department operations.

Serves as senior fiscal officer for the department: responsible for the accuracy of the department’s financial reports and financial information.   Also responsible for ensuring that fiscal activities are compliant with school and university financial policies and guidelines and that appropriate internal controls are in place.

In collaboration with department leadership, oversees the development of the annual budget in alignment with the department strategic plan.   Oversees the financials and manages expenditures within the approved budget.

Hires, mentors, and manages the performance of department staff. Develops staffing plans to support departmental priorities and ensures the effective execution of key administrative processes, including faculty and staff merit increases, promotion and tenure, hiring and onboarding, and annual performance evaluations.

Oversees the effective use, administration, safety, and cleanliness of department space. Provides recommendations to department leadership regarding space allocation, reassignment, renovation, and future needs, and serves as the department representative for university space surveys and related reporting.

Oversees the IT needs of the department and ensures appropriate support from partner groups.

Formulates, improves and ensures departmental procedures are in place in accordance with School of Engineering and University policies and governmental regulations.

Remains up to date on emergency preparedness activities in the School and the University.

In addition to the above job responsibilities, other duties may be assigned.

Minimum Qualifications

Education: Bachelor's Degree required.

Experience: 3+ years of relevant professional experience required, including increasingly responsible management and administrative duties.

Preferred Qualifications

Master’s degree

Strong interpersonal and communication skills, with a demonstrated ability to lead and coordinate a staff team and to work effectively with faculty and students.

Four years of supervisory and management experience.

Experience in fiscal management with annual budget and financial reporting background.

Experience in academic administration or as a department manager in a higher education setting.

A demonstrated history of managing and coordinating multiple priorities and projects across academic and business areas.

Proficiency with Outlook, Microsoft Office, Zoom, and Adobe Acrobat.

Proficiency with Workday HR and Financials, Student Information Systems, Box, building access, MPA or similar programs experience.

Physical Demands

This is primarily a sedentary job involving extensive use of desktop computers. The job does occasionally require traveling some distance to attend meetings, and programs.

The hiring range is $80,000 - $100,000 , commensurate with education and experience.

This is an exempt-level, benefited position. Learn more about UVA benefits .

This position is based in Charlottesville, VA, and must be performed fully on-site.

To learn more about UVA and the Charlottesville area, visit UVA Life and Embark CVA .

Application review will begin November 16, 2026 . Preference will be given to those applications received by this date.

Background checks will be conducted on all new hires prior to employment.

This position will not consider candidates who require immigration sponsorship now or in the future.

How to Apply

Please apply online , by searching for requisition number R0088930 . Complete an application with the following documents:

Resume

Cover Letter

Upload all materials into the resume submission field. You can submit multiple documents into this one field or combine them into one PDF. Applications without all required documents will not receive full consideration.

Internal applicants: Search and apply for jobs on the UVA Internal Careers website .

Reference checks will be completed by UVA’s third-party partner, SkillSurvey, during the final phase of the interview. Five references will be requested, with at least three responses required.

For questions about the application process, please contact Jessica Russo, Senior Recruiter, sxv9zv@virginia.edu.

The University of Virginia is an equal opportunity employer. All interested persons are encouraged to apply, including veterans and individuals with disabilities. Learn more about UVA’s commitment to non-discrimination and equal opportunity employment .