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Form of workThe Urban Systems Lab (USL) at The New School invites applicants for an Assistant Director of Operations to provide strategic and operational leadership across all the Lab's functions.
The Urban Systems Lab is an interdisciplinary research, design and practice space at The New School that provides knowledge and analysis for developing more equitable, resilient, and sustainable cities. The Lab's work advances cutting edge science, data visualization, and computation to develop systemic solutions to social and environmental challenges driving inequity and injustice in urban areas. We bring together designers, urban ecologists, scientists, researchers and policymakers with the goal to improve the lives of those most vulnerable, and to enhance decision making and science communication from local to global scales. To learn more visit: http://urbansystemslab.com
The Schools of Public Engagement comprise the School of Media Studies, the School of Undergraduate Studies, the Milano School of Policy, Management, and Environment, the Creative Writing Program, and the Julien J. Studley Graduate Programs in International Affairs, as well as several programs, research centers and institutes; the Urban Systems Lab is among them. You can find more information on The Schools of Public Engagement here: https://www.newschool.edu/public-engagement/
The New School, a private university in New York City's Greenwich Village, serves undergraduate and graduate students across a range of fields with a commitment to bringing practices in design and social research to studying issues of our time and challenging students to become engaged citizens dedicated to solving problems and contributing to the public good.
The New School is strongly committed to diversity and inclusion in the workplace and particularly seeks applications from members of underrepresented groups, as well as candidates who share this commitment.
POSITION OVERVIEW
The Assistant Director of Operations will play a critical role in advancing the mission of the Lab, which includes a diverse portfolio of research and design products that leverage state of the art data science, visualization tools, and modeling techniques to better understand the future of cities and improve urban adaptation, equity, and sustainability. The candidate will lead and manage key administrative and operational activities including the planning and implementation of research programs; staff development and hiring; strategic communications; and coordinating research award budget processes. The role will report directly to the Associate Director of Research and Development, and work closely with HR partners and colleagues in SPE and the Office of Research Support. This position has many opportunities for growth, creativity, and to contribute to a wide range of innovative research and design projects with New School faculty, staff and students, as well as external partners across the globe. This position will report directly to the Associate Director of Research and Development at the Urban Systems Lab.
RESPONSIBILITIES
Budget and Financial Planning and Reporting
- Leads and coordinates with Lab leadership the budget and financial reporting processes.
- Maintains general operating budget for the Lab.
- Work with the Director of Research & Development to ensure research award proposals and associated budgets and related documents align with and advance the Lab's goals and priorities.
Operational and Administration
- Lead hiring, onboarding, training and staff support, including:
- Prepare and review of Job Descriptions for staff roles with the approved JD standard. Works with HR and hiring manager on modifications where needed.
- Tracks and troubleshoots in-process HR requests.
- Ensures department awareness of HR initiatives and deadlines.
- Liaise with International Student and Scholar Services as needed, Schedule and oversee biweekly Lab Meetings, prepare agenda, and notes.
- Assist the Director with scheduling and appointments.
- Coordinate administrative tasks with Student Assistant such as purchasing supplies for Lab, and Lab maintenance.
- Support and maintain an inclusive, safe, vibrant lab culture by coordinating social gatherings, workshops and research seminars with staff, students and faculty.
Communications
- Leads and coordinates strategic communications to advance the Lab's mission and to promote key programs.
- Prepare and disseminate Lab communication products including a biweekly newsletter, social media, press releases, and updates to the Lab's website.
- Works with the Office of Marketing and Communications (M&C) to develop media outreach campaigns, support M&C outreach to press contacts, and write op-eds and articles highlighting Lab research and work.
- Collaborate with M&C to explore activations and events that showcase the Center's work to both internal and external audiences.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
- Bachelor's Degree required.
- Minimum three years professional experience in a similar role or industry.
- Experience coordinating budget and finance processes; familiarity with related schedules, tools, and best practices.
- Proven ability to manage day to day office operations including facilities, technology, telecommunication, and office safety.
- Experience implementing operational changes, e.g. process and systems changes, office moves, etc., including change readiness plan.
- Experience with human resources transactions, including hiring, onboarding, leaves, and separations.
- Experience managing staff, including goal setting, supervision and coaching, performance management, and professional development.
- Strong analytical, planning, and problem-solving skills.
- Strong verbal and written communications skills including for general public.
- Familiarity with Adobe Suite and design programs.
- Experience in developing communication products including press releases, social media, reports, and other related materials.
- Demonstrated ability to handle sensitive and confidential information and materials with high degree of professionalism and discretion.
- Advanced MS Excel skills; proficient in MS Word and PowerPoint.
- Ability to adhere to University COVID-19 Policy.
WORK MODE
On Campus - In-Person
SALARY
$60,000 - $65,000
We look forward to receiving your application!
