Director Of Strategy & Operations, Calma

Job Description

DIRECTOR OF STRATEGY & OPERATIONS, CALMA

Req #: 244764 Department: INFORMATION SCHOOL Appointing Department Web Address: http://ischool.uw.edu Job Location Detail: will be eligible for primarily remote work, coming to campus as needed a few times per month. Posting Date: 03/31/2025 Closing Info: Closes On 04/07/2025 Salary: 75% of $11,000 - $11,500 per month Other Compensation: Limited Recruitment: Open to Department employees only
If you are a UW employee and would like to be considered for this position, please login to your UW employee profile to apply. Shift: First Shift Benefits: As a UW employee, you will enjoy generous benefits and work/life programs. For a complete description of our benefits for this position, please visit our website, click here. As a UW employee, you have a unique opportunity to change lives on our campuses, in our state and around the world. UW employees offer their boundless energy, creative problem-solving skills and dedication to build stronger minds and a healthier world.
UW faculty and staff also enjoy outstanding benefits, professional growth opportunities and unique resources in an environment noted for diversity, intellectual excitement, artistic pursuits and natural beauty.
The Information School has an outstanding opportunity for a Director Of Strategy & Operations, CALMA.
The Director of Strategy and Operations (DSO) guides and stewards the Center for Advances in Libraries, Museums, and Archives (CALMA), which launched in Fall 2024. Working in close collaboration with the Center’s Executive Council, the DSO will have the overall responsibility of developing and overseeing organizational strategy, designing and implementing a diverse array of programs and activities, and helping to ensure a sustainable trajectory of high quality work in service of the Center’s mission: advancing the critical role of libraries, archives, and museums in the study of systems of knowledge, their production, collection, and access. We cultivate the role of information institutions in fostering thriving communities and elevating stories of our diverse humanity.
Reporting directly to Associate Dean of Research and working closely with the CALMA Executive Council and CALMA Affiliates, the Director of Strategy and Operations designs, plans, and oversees Center operations, programs, and manages and mentors Center staff. In addition, the DSO develops and stewards collaborative and strategic relationships with LAM institutions, LAM professional support organizations, and industry thought leaders.
In the iSchool, there is an expectation that all faculty and staff will step up where they see an opportunity to apply their special expertise or talents, speak up when they identify opportunities or concerns, and lead by taking actions that exemplify the iSchool’s core values. Leadership within the iSchool is expressed in diverse ways reflecting the variety of styles and cultures that are represented by our faculty and staff.
Position Complexities
Position requires a depth of management experience and domain expertise in a related field of research. The position manages people, budgets, and relationships with University and non-University parties. The position demands organization, commitment, the ability to work alone and in complex teams, entrepreneurship, creativity and flexibility, and the ability to operate seamlessly and effectively in diverse settings.
Position Dimensions and Impact to the University
Research outputs from and activities of CALMA will help grow and advance the critical role of libraries, archives, and museums in the study of systems of knowledge, their production, collection, and access. The work of this Center will cultivate the role of information institutions in fostering thriving communities and elevating stories of our diverse humanity. This will continue to establish the University of Washington as a leading research institution both nationally and internationally in this field.
Job Duties and Responsibilities
Strategy, Vision, and Leadership (60%):
• With the CALMA Executive Council, design and guide strategic planning and overall management of the organization to grow and sustain the Center.
• Support the development and implementation of Center resource programs, such as CALMA grants, Capstone sponsorships, and initiatives in coordination with UW Libraries.
• Lead the development and implementation of a LAM Community Council.
• Develop and oversee short, medium, and long-term planning for Center activities that strength CALMA community, visibility and track record of achievements.
• Advocate for the Center’s mission across iSchool, University of Washington, and external communities.
• Support center-wide fundraising efforts.
• Recruit, hire and lead Center staff, including collaborating with them to create program goals and objectives, cultivate the values of the organization, and support efficiencies in program operations.
• Oversee, foster and deepen staff relations, training and professional development.
• Ensure staff members receive timely and appropriate feedback, performance appraisals, training and development based on established metrics for staff performance.
Operations (35%):
• Oversee all Center-wide activities, responsibilities, and timelines, recommending and implementing new processes, infrastructure, and operational approaches in alignment with strategic plans.
• Has delegated decision making authority to allocate resources and establish policies, methods, and procedures for the Center to support effective organizational functioning and communication.
• Ensure that the Center is adhering to the strategic plan in consultation with Executive Council.
• Oversee all operational processes and systems at the Center—including operational management, information flow, and organizational planning—in support of the Center’s mission.
• Attend Executive Council meetings and other key meetings; maintain full operational view of center activities.
• Lead and collaborate with Center and iSchool staff to implement processes for all organizational needs in accordance with UW policies (i.e. hiring standards, on-boarding and HR processes, staff policies, database management, etc.).
• Oversee Center communications, administration, and other support functions.
• Oversee center budget, including planning, use, and monitoring, ensuring that all Center financial activity, including grant, gift, revenue, and in-kind dollars, are fully tracked and integrated into Center's operating budget and that program staff receive reminders of needed progress/grant reports. In addition, work within UW system and with the Information School's Research Services and Finance team to ensure all financial activities are in compliance with UW and departmental policies.
Other (5%)
• Attend meetings and participate in iSchool and University of Washington committees, working groups, events and activities.
• Engage in professional development activities.
Lead Responsibilities
n/a
Supervisory Responsibilities
Directly supervise the work of one full-time CALMA Program Manager. May supervise additional graduate research asistants and temporary or hourly staff. This position will be responsible for hiring, training, conducting performance evaluations and recommend disciplinary action as needed for the staff they supervise.
Minimum Qualifications
• Bachelor’s degree with a minimum of five years of administrative and strategic management experience, including financial and budgetary oversight and staff supervision.
• Domain expertise in libraries, archives and/or museums.
Additional Required Qualifications
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills; ability to communicate effectively with a wide-variety of internal and external constituents.
• Ability to build a successful organizational culture and develop comprehensive internal processes.
• Strategically minded, analytical leader.
• Discreet facilitator and problem solver with a high tolerance for ambiguity.
• Autonomous self-starter with intellectual confidence and flexibility and ability to effectively manage multiple demands and priorities.
• Demonstrate a high degree of initiative-taking, problem solving capability, creativity, and capacity for innovative thinking.
• Proficiency in developing budgets, fiscal monitoring and financial projections using multiple fund sources.
• Strong technology skills and inclination to adapt and learn new technologies.
• Demonstrated success in working with diverse populations.
Desired Qualifications
• Experience in a large-scale, complex organization.
Working Environmental Conditions
• This position requires the ability to work a flexible schedule to meet deadlines as needed. This may occasionally include evening and weekend work to meet critical deadlines and some travel.
• This position is eligible for a hybrid work arrangement. Occasional in-office work is required.
Application Process: The application process may include completion of a variety of online assessments to obtain additional information that will be used in the evaluation process. These assessments may include Work Authorization, Cover Letter and/or others. Any assessments that you need to complete will appear on your screen as soon as you select “Apply to this position”. Once you begin an assessment, it must be completed at that time; if you do not complete the assessment, you will be prompted to do so the next time you access your “My Jobs” page. If you select to take it later, it will appear on your "My Jobs" page to take when you are ready. Please note that your application will not be reviewed, and you will not be considered for this position until all required assessments have been completed.

Committed to attracting and retaining a diverse staff, the University of Washington will honor your experiences, perspectives and unique identity. Together, our community strives to create and maintain working and learning environments that are inclusive, equitable and welcoming.

The University of Washington is an affirmative action and equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, national origin, age, protected veteran or disabled status, or genetic information.

To request disability accommodation in the application process, contact the Disability Services Office at 206-543-6450 or [email protected] .

Applicants considered for this position will be required to disclose if they are the subject of any substantiated findings or current investigations related to sexual misconduct at their current employment and past employment. Disclosure is required under Washington state law .

Open to Department employees only If you are a UW employee and would like to be considered for this position, please login to your UW employee profile to apply.