Director of Operations, Department of Systems and Information Engineering (SIE)

UVA Health•Charlottesville, VA

6d•$80,000 - $100,000•Onsite

About The Position

The University of Virginia Department of Systems and Information Engineering (SIE), within the School of Engineering, seeks a Director of Operations to direct and manage the department’s day-to-day administrative, financial, human resources, and academic operations in support of its educational and research missions. The Director orchestrates department staff as a cohesive team and serves as the primary operational contact for faculty and students. Working collaboratively with the department chair and faculty, the Director addresses operational concerns, resolves issues, advocates for departmental priorities and initiatives, and oversees operational activities across the department. The role develops and helps implement short- and long-term strategic goals in partnership with department leadership; manages departmental finances, budgets, staff, space, and IT needs; and ensures procedures comply with School of Engineering and University policies and governmental regulations. The position is based in Charlottesville, Virginia, and must be performed fully on-site. It is an exempt-level, benefited position with a hiring range of $80,000–$100,000, commensurate with education and experience. Application review is scheduled to begin November 16, 2026, with preference given to applications received by that date.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree required.
At least 3 years of relevant professional experience, including increasingly responsible management and administrative duties.
Strong interpersonal and communication skills.
Demonstrated ability to lead and coordinate a staff team and work effectively with faculty and students.
Demonstrated ability to manage and coordinate multiple priorities and projects across academic and business areas.

Nice To Haves

Master’s degree.
Four years of supervisory and management experience.
Experience in fiscal management, including annual budgets and financial reporting.
Experience in academic administration or as a department manager in a higher education setting.
Proficiency with Outlook, Microsoft Office, Zoom, and Adobe Acrobat.
Experience or proficiency with Workday HR and Financials, Student Information Systems, Box, building access, MPA, or similar programs.

Responsibilities

Develop and assist with implementing short- and long-term strategic goals, including administrative, financial, staffing, and space goals, in partnership with the department chair and departmental leadership.
Collaborate with Engineering and University partners, including Graduate and Undergraduate Programs, Human Resources, Finance, Information Technology, and Facilities Management.
Orchestrate department staff work by setting priorities, coordinating assignments across functions, and fostering a collaborative, service-oriented team culture.
Serve as the primary operational liaison to faculty and students, build trusted working relationships, anticipate needs, and resolve concerns with tact and discretion.
Serve as the department’s senior fiscal officer, ensuring the accuracy of financial reports and information, compliance with school and university financial policies and guidelines, and appropriate internal controls.
Oversee development of the annual budget with department leadership in alignment with the strategic plan; oversee financials and manage expenditures within the approved budget.
Hire, mentor, and manage the performance of department staff; develop staffing plans and ensure effective administrative processes, including merit increases, promotion and tenure, hiring and onboarding, and annual performance evaluations.
Oversee the effective use, administration, safety, and cleanliness of department space; recommend space allocation, reassignment, renovation, and future needs; represent the department in university space surveys and related reporting.
Oversee departmental IT needs and ensure appropriate support from partner groups.
Formulate, improve, and ensure departmental procedures in accordance with School of Engineering and University policies and governmental regulations.
Stay up to date on emergency preparedness activities in the School and University.
Perform other duties as assigned.