Director of Operations

Job Summary:

The Director of Operations role offers a rare opportunity to lead within a large, high-impact academic surgery department where operational excellence directly supports top-tier clinical care, research, and education. The position oversees a broad and influential portfolio, including supervision of key managers and administrative staff, budget and contract management, workflow optimization, emergency preparedness, and administration of essential scheduling and resource systems. The Director of Operations serves as a central operational leader and trusted partner to faculty, staff, and enterprise collaborators, ensuring efficient processes, strong compliance, and seamless coordination across a complex organization.

Beyond daily operations, this role is highly strategic. The Director of Operations works closely with the Chair, Executive Vice Chair, and Executive Committee to define and implement departmental priorities, support faculty affairs and engagement, and advance initiatives through structured planning, budgeting, and performance monitoring. Oversight of communications, facilities, IT, space, and safety further positions this role as a key architect of departmental infrastructure. This is an exceptional opportunity for an experienced operations professional who values collaboration, mentorship, and organizational impact. The Director of Operations will be ready to guide teams, shape systems, and strengthen operations for a leading academic medical department.

Key Responsibilities:

• Oversee department operations, major projects, enterprise operations liaison duties, and emergency preparedness.

• Supervise managers and administrative staff to ensure efficient workflows.

• Manage budgets, contracts, official functions, institutional memberships, Qgenda scheduling, and parking allocations.

• Ensure HR policy compliance, support employee relations, and collaborate on faculty appointments, promotions, and engagement.

• Support professional development, access, and engagement initiatives.

• Oversee communications, branding, policy compliance, IT, facilities, and operational audits; coordinate space, assets, safety, and construction projects.

• Provide operational and leadership support to the Executive Committee and Executive Vice Chair, including job descriptions, performance goals, and incentive planning.

• Partner with leadership on strategic planning, initiative budgets, progress monitoring, and cross-functional alignment.

• Lead department-level meetings, including agendas, minutes, and attendance.

• Oversee clinical quality and safety programs; represent the department, act as delegate when needed, and perform other duties as assigned.

Work Location:

Hybrid - this role is eligible for a hybrid schedule of a minimum of 3 days per week on campus and as needed for in-person meetings.

Why Join Us:

The University of Colorado Anschutz Department of Surgery offers a compelling opportunity for a Director of Operations who wants to lead within a prestigious, mission-driven academic medical environment. As part of the largest academic health center in the Rocky Mountain region, with nationally recognized hospitals and a major research enterprise, you'll support a department committed to innovating surgical care, curing through discovery, and educating future leaders-advancing clinical care, research breakthroughs, and training programs that impact patients locally and globally. In this strategic role, you'll work closely with world-class faculty and administrative leaders to optimize operations, enhance quality and safety, and translate organizational goals into measurable results-helping shape the future of surgical practice and academic medicine within a dynamic, highly collaborative, and impactful academic health system.

Why work for the University?

We have AMAZING benefits and offer exceptional amounts of holiday, vacation and sick leave! The University of Colorado offers an excellent benefits package including:

• Medical: Multiple plan options

• Dental: Multiple plan options

• Additional Insurance: Disability, Life, Vision

• Retirement 401(a) Plan: Employer contributes 10% of your gross pay

• Paid Time Off: Accruals over the year

• Vacation Days: 22/year (maximum accrual 352 hours)

• Sick Days: 15/year (unlimited maximum accrual)

• Holiday Days: 10/year

• Tuition Benefit: Employees have access to this benefit on all CU campuses

• ECO Pass: Reduced rate RTD Bus and light rail service

There are many additional perks & programs with the CU Advantage.

Qualifications:

Minimum Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree in education, psychology, business, public administration, health care, educational technology, social science, liberal arts, communications, accounting, finance, library science, or a directly related field from an accredited institution

• At least 6 years of progressive leadership experience in an academic, healthcare, or related setting, including strategic oversight and direct supervision of multiple staff

• Substitution: A combination of education and related technical/military/paraprofessional experience may be substituted for the bachelor's degree on a year for year basis, but not for the required experience.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Master's degree in business or healthcare administration

• Three (3) or more years of supervisory experience in human resources in an academic medicine setting

• Five (5) or more years of executive business operations experience covering multiple aspects of an organization to include: human resources, employee relations, clinical operations, marketing, communications, strategic planning and administration

• Five (5) or more years of experience successfully developing infrastructure, policies, procedures and staff training in an academic medicine environment

• Demonstrated experience leading, coaching and mentoring a diverse cross-section of people and responsibilities

• Experience in research operations planning and facilities planning software (Archibus, Webspace etc.)

Applicants must meet minimum qualifications at the time of hire.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

• A demonstrated working knowledge of operational, business, project management and performance management practices and procedures

• A high level of interpersonal skills with the ability to develop and maintain strong relations with faculty and staff based on mutual trust and respect

• A strong commitment to the team approach and able to mentor and develop other staff

• An ability to communicate information effectively in both oral and written mediums, motivate teams and ensure successful completion of department goals

• A proven ability in managing multiple assignments under tight deadlines, managing timelines, and reaching milestones

• Demonstrate professionalism, a strong work ethic, and commitment to high standards, integrity, stability, sound judgment, and accountability

• The individual must be a collaborator as well as a team builder who is able to delegate appropriately, make complex decisions and lead by example

• Strong background in diplomacy and the ability to navigate complex organizational dynamics.

• Demonstrated skill in managing crucial conversations with tact, professionalism, and a focus on collaborative problem-solving.

How to Apply:

For full consideration, please submit the following document(s):

1. A letter of interest describing relevant job experiences as they relate to listed job qualifications and interest in the position

2. Curriculum vitae / Resume

3. Three to five professional references, including name, address, phone number (mobile number if appropriate), and email address

Questions should be directed to: Leah Lleras, leah.lleras@cuanschutz.edu

Screening of Applications Begins:

Applications will be accepted until finalists are identified, but preference will be given to complete applications received by January 4, 2025. Those who do not apply by this date may or may not be considered.

Anticipated Pay Range:

The starting salary range (or hiring range) for this position has been established as $115,000- $138,000.

The above salary range represents the University's good faith and reasonable estimate of the range of possible compensation at the time of posting. This position may be eligible for overtime compensation, depending on the level.

Your total compensation goes beyond the number on your paycheck. The University of Colorado provides generous leave, health plans and retirement contributions that add to your bottom line.

Total Compensation Calculator

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement:

CU is an Equal Opportunity Employer and complies with all applicable federal, state, and local laws governing nondiscrimination in employment. We are committed to creating a workplace where all individuals are treated with respect and dignity, and we encourage individuals from all backgrounds to apply, including protected veterans and individuals with disabilities.

ADA Statement:

The University will provide reasonable accommodations to applicants with disabilities throughout the employment application process. To request an accommodation pursuant to the Americans with Disabilities Act, please contact the Human Resources ADA Coordinator at hr.adacoordinator@cuanschutz.edu.

Background Check Statement:

The University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus is dedicated to ensuring a safe and secure environment for our faculty, staff, students and visitors. To assist in achieving that goal, we conduct background investigations for all prospective employees.

Vaccination Statement:

CU Anschutz strongly encourages vaccination against the COVID-19 virus and other vaccine preventable diseases. If you work, visit, or volunteer in healthcare facilities or clinics operated by our affiliated hospital or clinical partners or by CU Anschutz, you will be required to comply with the vaccination and medical surveillance policies of the facilities or clinics where you work, visit, or volunteer, respectively. In addition, if you work in certain research areas or perform certain safety sensitive job duties, you must enroll in the occupational health medical surveillance program.