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The University of Cincinnati’s NEXT Innovation Scholars program (NIS) seeks a full-time Manager of Operations & Programming to serve as the operational backbone of a thriving multidisciplinary undergraduate innovation program that creates unique educational and professional opportunities for some of the university’s top student innovators in collaboration with industry partners across the globe. As an integrator with strong organizational skills and attention to detail, you will translate program strategy into efficient operations, processes, and high-quality programming in partnership with the Program Director and student leaders. The ideal candidate will enjoy coordinating complex logistics, moving quickly across multiple priorities, and seeing projects through to completion from start to finish. They should be comfortable working in a dynamic, entrepreneurial environment where program needs evolve and clear communication, judgment, and follow-through are essential. Founded in 2021 as a presidential initiative, the NEXT Innovation Scholars (NIS) program sits at the forefront of innovation education. From our headquarters at the 1819 Innovation Hub, this one-of-a-kind program has completed more than 40 student-led innovation and strategy projects with clients that include Fortune 500 companies and global brands. In addition to leading innovation projects for clients, NIS is home to one of the only undergraduate strategic foresight labs in the country. We conduct ongoing research on the future of multiple industries and social sectors and share our work with audiences across the country through media content, speaking engagements, and publications. This role will manage and continuously improve the logistics, communications, and day-to-day operations that allow NIS to deliver high-quality student experiences, industry-facing engagements, and advance strategic initiatives.

Under general supervision from the Program Director, the Manager of Operations & Programming is responsible for managing and optimizing program operations and executing program activities. They will translate strategy into coordinated processes that are effectively delivered across events, student experiences, client projects, communications, and administrative systems. This role ensures the successful delivery of program priorities by developing, maintaining, and improving operational processes, managing internal and external communications, and coordinating day-to-day operations so that deliverables are completed on time and on target. In addition to operational and administrative duties, the Manager of Operations & Programming will work closely with high-achieving undergraduate students— playing a key role in their university experience by supporting student-led innovation projects and helping them grow professionally and personally.

The Manager of Operations & Programming’s work will primarily center on three areas: programming operations and experience delivery; student-client project management; and operational administration with continuous improvement.

This role requires a regular in-person presence at the 1819 Innovation Hub during academic semesters to support student meetings, client engagements, events, and program operations. Some hybrid flexibility may be available depending on program needs and semester rhythms. Program meetings and events may occasionally happen outside of traditional business hours, such as after 5:00 PM (one to two times per month). Overnight travel to assist with leading student study tours and other program experiences with students will be required one to two times per year. 

• Own the logistical planning and execution of all program-related events, including internal planning meetings, vendor selection and coordination, logistics management, and onsite event-day operations.
• Own the logistical and operational planning of the annual programming calendar, ensuring functional delivery and the empowerment of high-quality programming.
• Lead the planning and execution of student recruitment, application, and recruitment cycle activities, including application process tracking, application-based events, applicant review, and communication management to committee members and applicants.
• Manage all onboarding activities and documentation for cohorts of newly accepted incoming students, and cohorts of students entering internal leadership development pathways.
• Assist the director with logistical planning, content development, and executional delivery of various program-related study tours, student retreats, and professional development engagements, ensuring high-quality delivery of student experiences.
• Assist the director with monitoring metrics, performing needs assessments, and making recommendations for relevant adjustments to programming.

• Support student project teams working on client projects by coordinating resources, communications, and timelines necessary for successful project delivery.
• Develop project proposal documents, statements of work, project timelines, and implementation plans for external client projects.
• Monitor and track the progress of student project teams from initiation through completion, preemptively identifying needs for re-direction or adjustment.
• Serve as the primary point of contact and liaison for communication between student project teams, internal program staff, and external partners.
• Create and communicate agendas, meeting notes, and the assignment of deliverables for program-related meetings, ensuring milestones, deliverables, and stakeholder expectations are successfully achieved.
• Maintain clear records and documentation throughout project lifecycles, including planning materials, status updates, and closeout documentation.

• Lead continuous improvement efforts by identifying and implementing enhancements to program workflows, communication, and operational effectiveness.
• Prepare and produce annual program reports for internal and external audiences, including gathering content, editing, and producing print and digital versions.
• Maintain and organize program records, archives, and student documentation to ensure accessibility and accuracy.
• Manage and maintain program budget reporting systems, including expense authorizations, reconciliation, and budget tracking.
• Serve as the primary liaison with the University Financial Aid Office to ensure accurate student records and scholarship disbursement.
• Coordinate availability, schedule meetings, and send calendar invites for all programrelated meetings.
• Coordinate all domestic and international travel logistics including flights, accommodations, transportation, itineraries, and external partner meeting scheduling.
• Prepare presentation decks and other program-related materials for meetings.
• Manage office supply inventory, order and maintain necessary office materials.
• Create, update, and distribute program-related content across various media and promotional channels (Substack, YouTube, LinkedIn, social media, etc.).
• Act as liaison to internal departments and external organizations as needed.
• Perform related duties based on departmental and program needs. This job description can be changed at any time.

• Bachelor's Degree
• Seven (7) relevant education, experience and/or other specialized training can fulfill minimum education and experience requirements

• Three (3) years of related experience, including but not limited to operational management, project management, event production, and/or client service/relationship management.

• Experience working in innovation or design-centric environments.
• Experience working in agency or consultancy environments.
• Experience working in client service and/or relationship management.
• Experience working with high-achieving college students.
• Experience working with applied design thinking, human-centered design, and/or strategic foresight.
• Experience managing collaborations between academic institutions and industry/community partners.