Chapman University Careers-posted 9 days ago
Full-time • Manager
Irvine, CA
1,001-5,000 employees

Dodge College is the #4-ranked film school in the country, with a diverse student body of 1,600 students from around the world. In partnership with the Dean of Dodge College of Film and Media Arts, the Managing Director plays a crucial role in advancing the college’s mission, vision, and values. This position requires a well-rounded background in administrative management, with a preference for candidates who have a strong understanding of film and media arts, academic administration experience, and the ability to excel in a fast-paced, dynamic, and creative environment. However, the University is open to candidates from diverse backgrounds who can fulfill the essential responsibilities of the role. The Managing Director supports the college’s and university’s broader business goals, fostering an environment of innovation while leading a high-performing team of directors and managers. This role also involves working alongside industry-experienced professionals as needed. The incumbent will prioritize effective communication and feedback, promoting inclusiveness and supporting informed decision-making, with a focus on strategic insight, sound judgment, and initiative to guide the future direction of the college. Scope Strategic Vision and Operational Resource Review : The Managing Director brings strong professional acumen to strategic resource planning, grounded in a deep understanding of Dodge College’s current culture and future direction. This role is key to ensuring operational excellence, requiring a thorough review and optimization of talent, financial, and physical resources. Working closely with directors in each core area, the Managing Director translates high-level strategic objectives into actionable plans, demonstrating both the vision and the practical expertise needed to enhance operational effectiveness across the college. Integrated Leadership, Team Communication, and Development : The Managing Director spearheads integrated leadership efforts at Dodge College, working closely with the Dean and leadership team to ensure effective communication and team engagement. Together, they promote a transparent and inclusive environment that encourages the sharing of ideas and insights, fosters informed decision-making, and supports talent development to cultivate future leaders within the college. Safety, Compliance, and Accreditation : The Managing Director ensures that all operations at Dodge College align with industry standards, regulatory requirements, and accreditation criteria. Taking a proactive approach to risk management, they implement systems and processes that safeguard the college’s assets and reputation. By closely collaborating with directors, the Managing Director ensures that safety, compliance, and adherence to strict technical and regulatory requirements are prioritized across all activities, reflecting a strong commitment to protecting the college’s interests and maintaining its reputation.

  • Strategic Leadership and Operational Oversight
  • Production and Technical Operations : Provide strategic leadership for all film and media production activities, ensuring that production processes are aligned with industry standards and college objectives.
  • Production Safety : Collaborate with relevant departments to maintain a safe and compliant production environment. Develop and enforce comprehensive safety protocols, evaluate potential risks, and proactively address safety concerns to protect the well-being of students, staff, and faculty.
  • Publicity and Communications : Guide the development and implementation of publicity and communication strategies to effectively promote the college’s programs, achievements, and reputation.
  • Administrative Operations : Provide strategic oversight to optimize administrative functions, ensuring resource alignment, enhancing efficiency, and strengthening operations support across the college.
  • Policy Development and Process Improvement : Lead the continuous development and refinement of policies and procedures, conducting regular reviews to identify areas for improvement. Streamline workflows and strengthen internal controls to maximize resource effectiveness and operational compliance.
  • Strategic Planning and Goal Alignment : In collaboration with the Dean, spearhead the development of both immediate and long-term plans to support the college’s strategic direction. Collaborate with department leaders to establish measurable goals, track progress, and adapt strategies to meet shifting priorities. Ensure compliance with university policies and procedures across all departments within the college.
  • University and Community Engagement : Act as a primary liaison between the Dean’s office and other university departments, representing the college in strategic planning and cross-departmental initiatives. Cultivate relationships with university leaders and external partners to foster collaboration and further the college’s growth.
  • Ongoing Operational Oversight and Compliance Monitoring : Ensure compliance with university policies and external regulations through regular assessments and corrective measures. Provide oversight on risk management and maintain the highest standards of safety, quality, and integrity in all operations.
  • Strategic Initiatives and Special Projects Support Lead or support key projects that align with the college’s mission, providing direction to ensure successful execution. Anticipate challenges, allocate resources effectively, and support cross-functional teams to drive impactful results that advance the college’s vision.
  • Other Perform additional responsibilities and tasks assigned to support the college’s operational and strategic needs.
  • Minimum bachelor’s degree in a relevant field preferred; master’s degree optional.
  • Seven or more years of progressive experience in senior leadership roles, preferably within higher education or the film and media industry, demonstrating success in operational management, strategic planning, and resource optimization.
  • Exceptional leadership abilities with a proven track record of leading diverse teams and driving organizational excellence.
  • Strong interpersonal skills with the ability to foster collaboration, inspire teams, and promote a culture of inclusivity and innovation.
  • Proven ability to demonstrate strategic thinking and planning skills, aligning operational efforts with the college’s mission, vision, and goals; visionary leadership with the capacity to anticipate future trends, challenges, and opportunities in the film and media landscape.
  • Excellent verbal and written communication skills, effectively engaging and influencing stakeholders at all levels.
  • Proven ability to build and maintain strategic relationships with internal and external partners, including university departments, donors, and industry professionals.
  • Proven work experience and expertise in risk assessment and management, safeguarding organizational assets, and ensuring compliance with industry standards and regulatory requirements.
  • Experience developing and implementing policies and procedures to promote operational efficiency and regulatory compliance.
  • Proven work experience and expertise in production safety, risk assessment and management, safeguarding organizational assets, and ensuring compliance with industry standards and regulatory requirements.
  • Experience developing and implementing policies and procedures to promote operational efficiency and regulatory compliance.
  • Demonstrated commitment to ethical leadership practices and a strong sense of integrity in decision-making and governance.
  • Upholding and promoting the college’s values of diversity, equity, and inclusion in all aspects of leadership and operations.
  • Ability to demonstrate tact and diplomacy and maintain a high level of confidentiality.
  • Technical skills to learn and use Chapman’s administrative systems, with the ability to provide training and evaluate system effectiveness to provide alternative solutions.
  • Experience leading and supervising manager and director-level positions within a department and/or division in a relevant industry.
  • Work experience with production, safety, and/or technical operations within the industry or a related field with previous experience.
  • Strong organizational skills, with proven ability to plan and prioritize multiple projects and complete them in a timely manner.
  • Ability to learn and interpret university and departmental policies and procedures.
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