About the Department

To advance the college’s mission, vision, principles, values and strategic initiatives through continuous improvement decisions.

GENERAL JOB SUMMARY:

The Senior Director of Operations is responsible for ensuring efficient, integrated operations that support divisional growth, workforce responsiveness, and student success. This includes serving as a member of the division’s administrative team and providing strategic leadership for the division's core operational areas, including Building Coverage, Financials, Operations and Program Support, Registration, Reporting, and Systems. This individual establishes the strategic direction for operational systems, processes, and resources, working collaboratively with team members to align operational support with program goals and workforce initiatives. In partnership with divisional leadership, the Senior Director assesses operational needs, manages resource allocation, and oversees workload planning and process optimization to ensure effective support of the division’s programs and services. The Senior Director also oversees Senior Managers of Operations, who manage day-to-day operations and provide operational support across the division.

The typical work schedule for this position will be Monday through Friday from 8 am to 5 pm, and as needed.

UNIVERSAL CORE COMPETENCIES:

Advocate for Continual Improvement- empowering each other to identify opportunities for excellence.
Collaborate with Mutual Accountability- working together with a willingness to take ownership and account for our actions.
Champion Service- anticipating needs and create a welcoming, diverse, and inclusive environment.
Perseverance- commitment to excellence even in the face of adversity or delay in achieving success.
Lead- regardless of title, through positive influence.

Position Duties

Leadership and support of divisional systems, operational workflows, and facility coordination
Lead continuous process improvement efforts, including the evaluation and initiation of implementation of technology and AI-supported solutions that enhance operational effectiveness and service delivery.
Lead and oversee support of contracts, partnerships, and operational agreements
Serving as a liaison and advocating operational outcomes aligning with institutional and community needs
Support and empower senior managers in leading high-performing teams
Strategic oversight of technology systems, including evaluation and implementation of AI-supported tools and solutions to improve service delivery, reporting, and operational effectiveness
Coordination of operational resources to support workforce training, community engagement, and program delivery across the division
Lead cross-functional special projects and strategic initiatives on behalf of the Vice President, coordinating resources, stakeholders, and timelines to support divisional priorities and organizational objectives
Monitor and analyze enrollment and financial data and identify and deliver reporting needs for the division. Perform other related work duties as assigned
Perform other related work duties as assigned

PERFORMANCE EXPECTATIONS:

Demonstrate strong leadership, organizational, project management, and analytical skills to support effective and efficient division operations while advancing institutional goals.
Provide strategic oversight of systems, processes, and reporting functions to support organizational efficiency, service delivery, and informed decision-making while leading continuous improvement initiatives that enhance operational effectiveness.
Provide leadership and accountability for the division’s core operational areas, including Building Coverage, Financials, Operations and Program Support, Registration, Reporting, and Systems.
Collaborate with internal departments, external partners, and community stakeholders to support workforce development initiatives, operational priorities, and contractual partnerships.
Lead, coach, and develop Senior Managers through collaboration, accountability, and professional growth opportunities while fostering a positive team culture.
Ensure compliance with institutional, local, state, and federal policies, reporting requirements, and audit expectations.
Welcome, value, and nurture people of all backgrounds, perspectives, and experiences, as well as support and promote an environment that accepts differences.

The statements contained herein reflect general details as necessary to describe the essential job duties/responsibilities and performance expectations of the job, which should not be considered an all-inclusive listing of work requirements. Individuals may perform other duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications

Position involves working in an office setting. Occasional (10-33%) standing, pushing, pulling and grasping. Frequent (34-66%) reaching and viewing a computer and other types of close visual work. Constant (67-100%) sitting, walking, repetitive motion, talking and hearing.

Other Qualifications

Bachelor’s degree in Business or Education or related field required
Must have at least 5 years successful work experience in business, continuing education or related area
Previous successful supervisory experience required
Must have valid driver’s license and own transportation
- This position requires a valid driver's license and participation in continuous Motor Vehicle Record (MVR) monitoring. Your driving record will be verified initially and monitored on an ongoing basis as a condition of employment.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS, LICENSES, CERTIFICATIONS, OR REGISTRATIONS:

Masters level degree in Business, Leadership, or Finance is preferred
Knowledge of Project Management techniques is preferred

Advanced working knowledge of M365 and software systems is preferred

EEO/AA STATEMENT:
It is the policy of Kirkwood Community College not to discriminate in its programs, activities, or employment on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, disability, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, creed, religion, and actual or potential family, parental or marital status. If you have questions or complaints related to compliance with this policy, please contact the Vice President, Human Resources and Institutional Effectiveness (employees) or the Vice President of Student Services (students), 6301 Kirkwood Blvd. SW, Cedar Rapids, IA 52404,319-398-5572,[email protected], or the Director of the Office for Civil Rights, U.S. Department of Education, Cesar E. Chavez Memorial Building, 1244 Speer Boulevard, Suite 310, Denver, CO 80204-3582, Telephone:(303) 844-5695FAX: (303) 844-4303, TDD 800-877-8339 Email:[email protected].

WHY KIRKWOOD:
Kirkwood Community College prides itself on fostering a diverse workforce and values unique perspectives throughout its campus community. The college is a convenient, innovative, visionary educational leader striving to remain affordable and accessible. With more than 140 majors and programs, Kirkwood boasts 16,000 annual college-credit students while maintaining one of the lowest tuitions in the state. All degree-seeking students are eligible for federal financial aid and the college offers more than $3 million in scholarships each year to students from all walks of life.

Review of applications will continue until the position is filled.

Benefits

: Kirkwood offers a wide range of employee benefits. Read more about them here!

Supplemental Questions

Do you have a bachelor’s degree in Business or Education or related field and at least 5 years successful work experience in business, continuing education or related area?

Do you have previous successful supervisory experience?

Required Question

Agency Information

Employer: Kirkwood Community College
Address: 6301 Kirkwood Blvd SW

Cedar Rapids, Iowa, 52404
Phone: 319-398-5572
Website: http://www.kirkwood.edu

Senior Director - Operations