Job Details

Senior Operations Director

Position Number: 6776771
Location: Moscow, ID
Position Type: Deans - Agriculture

Senior Operations Director

Posting Number: SP005112P
Division/College: College of Agricultural & Life Sciences
Department: College of Agricultural & Life Sciences
Location: Moscow

Posting Context Statement:

The Senior Operations Director is a key partner and operational leader in the University of Idahos College of Agricultural and Life Sciences (CALS) who drives planning, operations, organizational change, and project execution in support of UIs strategic plan pillar: Optimize Operational Excellence. The individual leads initiatives that integrate values and leadership into core operational processes. Through collaboration, innovation, and strategic vision, the role ensures alignment across CALSs land-grant mission of teaching, research, and extension. This position will also leverage emerging technologies (including AI) and is expected to excel in vision and execution.

Position Overview:

The Senior Operations Director serves as a key strategic partner and operational leader within the University of Idahos College of Agricultural and Life Sciences (CALS). This position is responsible for advancing planning, operations, organizational change, and project execution to support the Universitys strategic plan pillar: Optimize Operational Excellence. The role drives continuous improvement and ensures high-quality, efficient operations across the college.

Duties may include

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 CALSs 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:

Masters 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 Idahos 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
FLSA Status: Exempt
Employee Category: Exempt
Pay Range: $130,000 or higher depending on experience
Type of Appointment: _of_Appointment
FTE:

1.0

Full Time/Part Time: Full Time
Funding:
A visa sponsorship is available for the position listed in this vacancy: No
Posting Date: 12/08/2025
Closing Date:
Open Until Filled: Yes
Special Instructions to Applicants:

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.

For questions directly related to this position, please contact:

Dr. Madison (Matt) Powell
Associate Dean and Director, IAES
College of Agricultural and Life Sciences
University of Idaho
mpowell@uidaho.edu

If you would like to receive a full position description, please email Dayna Willis at dwillis@uidaho.edu and request that one be sent to you.

Applicant Resources: https://www.uidaho.edu/human-resources/careers/applicant-resources
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.