Associate Director, Business Planning and Operations

The University of Texas at Austin•Austin, UT

5d•Hybrid

About The Position

The Oden Institute is an organized research unit that fosters interdisciplinary programs in computational sciences and engineering, computational medicine, computational geosciences, mathematical modeling, applied mathematics, data science, artificial intelligence, software engineering, and computational visualization. UT Austin offers a competitive benefits package that includes: 100% employer-paid basic medical coverage Retirement contributions Paid vacation and sick time Paid holidays Please visit our Human Resources (HR) website to learn more about the total benefits offered. This position requires regular on-site attendance at the university's main campus during the first two months of employment. After the onboarding period, a flexible work arrangement may be considered based on institutional needs and the successful fulfillment of leadership responsibilities. Any approved flexible work arrangement will require a minimum of three days per week on campus. Must be authorized to work in the U.S. on a full-time basis for any employer without sponsorship. Purpose The Associate Director, Business Planning and Operations serves as a senior executive leader for the Oden Institute for Computational Engineering and Sciences, reporting directly to the Institute Director/Associate Vice President for Research. This role provides enterprise-level leadership and strategic direction across finance, information technology, communications, programs, and facilities. The Associate Director operates as a principal advisor to the Director on organizational strategy, resource alignment, and operational execution, ensuring that institutional priorities are effectively translated into sustainable, high-impact outcomes. This position plays a central role in Institute governance, decision-making, and cross-functional integration to advance the Institute’s mission and long-term growth.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree.
At least 10 years of relevant professional experience with a proven record of advancement, leadership, increasing organizational responsibility, and staff supervision.
Demonstrated ability to work closely with senior leadership and manage relationships with internal and external stakeholders.
Familiarity with the structure and operations of higher education institutions, including academic and administrative functions.
Demonstrated project management experience and ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with diverse groups.
Demonstrated ability to manage multiple priorities, exercise sound judgment, and handle sensitive matters with discretion and confidentiality.
Broad knowledge of financial planning and strategic planning.
Strong oral and written communication skills.
Must be authorized to work in the U.S. on a full-time basis for any employer without sponsorship.

Nice To Haves

Masters or other graduate degree in a related field.
More than six years of experience successfully functioning in comparable roles within higher education.
Experience in leading organizational change.
Experience in a university research environment.

Responsibilities

Deliver enterprise leadership across operational domains to execute institutional strategy.
Direct financial strategy and resource optimization to sustain long-term growth.
Lead institutional infrastructure, communications, and operational capability.
Provide executive oversight of the Institute’s program portfolio, including the O’Donnell Postdoctoral Fellows Program and Oden Faculty Fellowship, ensuring strategic alignment, operational effectiveness, and programmatic impact.
Lead the development of Institute-level planning, reporting, and communications to inform strategic decisions.
Represent the Institute and strengthen partnerships with internal and external stakeholders.