Associate Director of Operations

University of Arkansas System•Little Rock, AR

3d•Onsite

About The Position

The Criminal Justice Institute (CJI) is a campus of the University of Arkansas System that serves a unique population of non-traditional students—certified law enforcement professionals who are actively employed within our State’s police departments and sheriff’s offices. The Institute is committed to making communities safer by supporting law enforcement professionals through training, education, resources and collaborative partnerships. Utilizing both classroom-based instruction and practical, hands-on application, CJI provides an educational experience designed to enhance the performance and professionalism of law enforcement in progressive areas of criminal justice, including law enforcement leadership and management, crime scene investigation, computer applications, traffic safety, illicit drug investigations and school safety. The Associate Director of Operations plays a critical leadership role in executing the strategic vision of the Director and advancing the mission of the Criminal Justice Institute (CJI). This position is primarily responsible for leading people, overseeing operational execution, and ensuring that Institute programs and initiatives are implemented efficiently, effectively, and in alignment with strategic priorities. The Associate Director of Operations serves as a senior leader within the Institute and works closely with program leadership and staff to translate strategy into action. Regular, reliable, and non-disruptive attendance is an essential job duty, as is the ability to create and maintain collegial, harmonious working relationships with others.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in criminal justice, public administration, business, or a related field.
Minimum of five (5) years of significant leadership experience, including direct supervision of staff.
Demonstrated experience translating organizational strategy into operational execution.
Strong leadership, organizational, and problem‑solving skills.
Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
Other job-related education and/or experience may be substituted for all or part of these basic requirements upon approval of the Director of the Criminal Justice Institute.

Nice To Haves

Master’s degree in a related field.
Experience in higher education, law enforcement, criminal justice training, or public‑sector programs.
Leadership experience managing, complex, multi-program operations and people.

Responsibilities

Lead, supervise, and support CJI operational and program staff; foster a culture of accountability, collaboration, and continuous improvement.
Execute the Director’s strategic priorities by overseeing daily operations and ensuring alignment with the CJI mission and goals.
Coordinate and monitor operational workflows for training, education, research, and service programs to ensure high-quality delivery and timely execution.
Provide leadership in planning, implementing, and evaluating Institute programs and initiatives.
Assist with operational budgeting, resource allocation, and monitoring expenditures in coordination with administrative leadership.
Develop and refine operational processes, procedures, and performance metrics to improve efficiency and effectiveness.
Serve as a liaison with internal and external partners to support operational needs and collaborative initiatives.
Support special projects, strategic initiatives, and reporting efforts as assigned by the Director.
Represent the Institute in meetings, committees, and professional settings as delegated.