Manager, Centers Operations

"ASC" • Fullerton, CA

2d • Onsite

About The Position

Under the general supervision of the Director, Leadership Cluster, the Manager, Centers Operations provides strategic, operational, and financial oversight for the CBE Centers of Excellence across the Leadership Cluster including Center for Leadership, Women Leadership Program and Social Impact for Gianneschi Center (may expand in the future to other clusters). The Manager serves as the primary liaison between the CBE Dean’s office and the Center Directors/Staff, ensuring the successful execution of programs, compliance with ASC and Foundation policies, and alignment with the College’s strategic priorities. This position selects, trains, and directly supervises the administrative staff and works collaboratively with Center Directors and the broader CBE leadership team to advance the mission and sustainability of the Centers.

Requirements

• Minimum five (5) years of progressive experience in operations management, program administration, or a closely related field.
• Experience in higher education or a nonprofit environment strongly preferred.
• Demonstrated experience supervising and developing teams of at least three (3) employees.
• Proven ability to identify, research, and resolve fiscal and operational issues.
• Working knowledge of ASC, CSU, and Foundation policies and procedures (or ability to learn quickly).
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills; ability to communicate effectively with a wide range of stakeholders including faculty, staff, students, sponsors, and community partners.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with demonstrated proficiency in budget tracking and financial reporting.
• Proficiency in MS Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook).
• Familiarity with project management tools, social media platforms, and database systems.
• Ability to exercise discretion and independent judgment on matters of significance.
• Strong organizational skills; ability to manage multiple priorities and meet deadlines simultaneously.
• Ability to work collaboratively in team-oriented environments and build positive relationships across organizational boundaries.
• Minimum Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration, Higher Education Administration, Public Administration, or a related field.

Nice To Haves

• Experience working within the California State University system or a similar public higher education institution.
• Familiarity with centers of excellence, entrepreneurship centers, leadership programs, or similar co-curricular business programs.
• Experience with grant administration, including budget management, milestone reporting, and compliance requirements.
• Knowledge of QuickBooks, Constant Contact, or similar financial and communications platforms.
• Master’s degree in Business Administration (MBA), Higher Education Administration, or a closely related field preferred.

Responsibilities

• Serve as the primary point of contact between the CBE Dean’s office and the Center Directors for all operational and strategic matters.
• Facilitate monthly, quarterly, and annual meetings with Center Directors to align strategic priorities, program goals, and budget management.
• Assist Center Directors in the operations of the centers and lead the execution of the programming activities and major initiatives/events.
• Build accountability structures for Center Directors and ASC staff; monitor the smooth day-to-day running of operations across the Cluster(s).
• Provide guidance to Center Directors and ASC staffs on developing internal workflows and processes; ensure efficiency and thorough compliance with policies and procedures.
• Provide direction, reinforcement, support, and training on operational processes; resolve queries and issues to streamline efforts across the Centers.
• Offer recommendations to the Dean and Academic Resource Manager on all significant issues related to the Centers.
• Oversee and monitor financial performance and delivery of services for the cluster(s); ensure budgets are managed in accordance with approved plans to generate sufficient funds and utilize these funds efficiently.
• Track income and expenses; ensure compliance with all applicable ASC, CSU Foundation, and university policies and procedures.
• Review and process in collaboration with the staff, the purchase orders, expense reports, P-Card reconciliations, and similar financial documents on behalf of the Centers, before submission to Dean office.
• Support Center Directors and faculty in preparing and monitoring grant budgets; ensure proper record-keeping and reporting requirements are met.
• Select, train, and manage high-quality administrative staffs to carry out the operations and goals of the Centers of Excellence.
• Assign and monitor work; conduct regular performance check-ins and formal evaluations for direct reports.
• Identify professional development opportunities for staff and cultivate a collaborative, high-performance team environment.
• Oversee hiring, scheduling, and supervision of student assistants across the Centers as needed.
• Maintain various center reports and prepare annual reports summarizing operations, programs, and outcomes.
• Partner with the Dean on all Center and appropriate CBE initiatives to benefit the College, community, and students.
• Back up to administrative staffs during vacancies.
• Other special projects.
• Other duties as assigned.

Benefits

• Health, dental, vision, life, health care flex plan, LTD, vacation, sick leave, holiday, credit union, tuition reimbursement and retirement plan with company match.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Manager