Chief of Operations

Description

Rare Book School at the University of Virginia has enjoyed tremendous success as the premier institution for the study of the history of books and printing and continues to grow its programs and course locations steadily. The School is looking for a mission-focused, strategic, process-minded leader to serve as its first Chief of Operations (CO), responsible for internal operations as the Executive Director focuses on external affairs. The CO must be a leader who is able to lead the implementation of RBS’s strategic vision on a daily basis. It is essential that the CO partner with the ED to cultivate the significant strengths of the hard-working staff while bringing effective systems to build on the School’s successes and increase efficiencies. A successful candidate will demonstrate high emotional intelligence, experience managing change, and a commitment to supporting and inspiring others.

Reporting to the Executive Director (ED) of Rare Book School, the CO will lead internal operations of the School. The CO will serve as liaison between the ED and the rest of the senior leadership team, with heads of Budget & Finance, Collections, Communications & Outreach, Development reporting to them. The CO will have a critical role in developing an inclusive team culture and fostering cross collaboration throughout the organization.

Job Duties

Key Responsibilities:

Strategic Vision & Leadership

• Work collaboratively with the ED, Board of Directors, and senior leadership team to develop strategic direction and coordinate the execution of key programs and initiatives
• Serve as liaison to the Board of Directors and its committees, working with the ED and executive committee of the board to coordinate and manage committee memberships, convene ad hoc working groups, and plan logistics for board-related meetings
• Collaborate with the ED and Director of Budget and Finance to establish and monitor the School’s $3MM annual budget
• Serve as an advisor to the ED and keep him informed in all matters of importance

Oversee and Manage Internal Affairs of the Organization

• Provide cross-departmental direction and leadership
• Maintain organizational efficiency while allowing for the building of consensus and recognition of teamwork
• Implement strategic goals through annual operations plans in collaboration with Director of Budget & Finance and other members of the senior leadership team
• Assume responsibility for the day-to-day performance of all functions and activities within the organization
• Run internal staff meetings, including preparing agendas, and troubleshoot internal management issues

Organizational Development

• Promote a culture of high performance, service excellence, integrity, and continuous improvement that values learning, diversity and inclusion, and a commitment to cura personalis, or care for ourselves and each other
• Lead, coach, and develop the senior management team
• Provide oversight for the training, mentoring, and capacity building of RBS staff at all levels
• Serve as the primary HR representative for RBS, developing, updating, and implementing all HR policies and procedures, including hiring, staff development, performance review, and corrective procedures
• Champion the goals of the School’s Inclusive Excellence action plan and work to promote diversity, inclusion, and belonging in the organization

Skills Required

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree
• Eight years of increasingly responsible experience. Master’s degree is typical and may substitute for some experience. Relevant exempt-level experience may substitute for a degree

Preferred Qualifications

• Strong senior-level leadership skills at an organization of similar size and reach with the ability to oversee and positively impact internal operations
• An empathetic, approachable, and supportive manager of people with a flexible mindset and comfort with change or uncertainty
• Well-versed in human resource policies, practices, and procedures to grow and support a robust human resource function for RBS
• Strong verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to build relationships with diverse audiences such as faculty, students, institutional partners, and the broader public
• Commitment to the creation of an accessible, diverse, and inclusive learning environment and to Rare Book School’s broader diversity, equity, and inclusion goals (see https://rarebookschool.org/inclusive-excellence-plan/)
• Comfort with databases, software, and the technology platforms associated with nonprofit organizations
• Ability to work some evenings or weekends, as needed, and to travel

Additional Info

This is an Exempt-level, benefited position, with an anticipated hiring range of $100,000-120,000, commensurate with education and experience and within the framework of the School’s annual operating budget. For more information on the benefits at UVA for this University employee, visit www.hr.virginia.edu/benefits. In addition, there will also be one free Rare Book School course per year.

This position will remain open until filled. Review of applicants will begin April 2023. For additional information about the position, please contact Danielle Culpepper, at dculpepper@virginia.edu. 

To Apply:

Process for Internal UVA Applicants: Please apply through your Workday Home page, search “Find Jobs”, and search for “R0046469“

Process for External Applicants: Please visit UVA job board at https://uva.wd1.myworkdayjobs.com/UVAJobs and search for “R0046469”.

Complete an application online with the following documents:

• CV
• Cover letter – Please address (1) how your competencies and experience match the needs and mission of Rare Book School; (2) why you are interested in working for Rare Book School; and (3) when you would be available to begin the job, either remotely (until able to coordinate a move) or in Charlottesville
• Writing Sample – 5 to 20 pages

For questions about the application process, please contact Jon Freeman, Recruiting Specialist, at jf2sw@virginia.edu

Rare Book School (RBS) is committed to fostering an inclusive, respectful, and welcoming environment that embraces a richly diverse representation of human attributes, perspectives, and disciplines. We are equal opportunity and affirmative action employers. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability, age, citizenship status, Vietnam era or special disabled veteran’s status, or sexual orientation.