Operations Manager, Business and Public Engagement

Towson University•Towson, MD

About The Position

The Operations Manager, Business and Public Engagement will manage the daily operations of StarTUp, ensuring a welcoming, functional, and accessible building and coworking space. This role involves implementing operational systems, coordinating building access and security, and serving as the primary contact for facilities and maintenance. The manager will also handle space reservations, visitor inquiries, and provide reception services. Additionally, they will be the logistical lead for all StarTUp programs and events, managing planning, setup, execution, and follow-up. This includes coordinating event logistics such as space setup, technology, catering, and vendor needs. The role also involves managing the onboarding and operational needs of resident ventures, and building relationships within the entrepreneurial and campus community. Business and administrative operations include coordinating invoicing, payments, and financial activities with the division’s Administration and Finance team, processing accounts payable, procurement, and disbursement transactions, preparing building-use contracts, and maintaining organized records. Support for technology and workflow includes managing departmental platforms like Trello, Slack, Zoom, and Salesforce, and identifying opportunities for process improvement. The position also involves performing other duties as assigned.

Requirements

Bachelor’s Degree required.
At least two years of progressively responsible experience in operations, business administration, facilities, financial administration, event management, or a related field.
Experience managing multiple operational responsibilities in a fast-paced, customer-focused environment, including financial, procurement, or accounts payable transactions.
Strong organizational and time-management skills, with demonstrated ability to manage multiple priorities, meet deadlines, and maintain attention to detail.
Demonstrated ability to independently manage day-to-day responsibilities, exercise sound judgment, and resolve operational issues in a timely manner.
Strong interpersonal and customer service skills with the ability to work effectively with coworkers, students, entrepreneurs, business and community partners, vendors, and visitors.
Proven ability to work collaboratively as part of a team while independently managing assigned responsibilities.
Strong written and verbal communication skills.
Demonstrated ability to maintain accurate records, documentation, and administrative processes.
Ability to coordinate multiple logistical requirements associated with facilities, meetings, programs, and events.
Technological proficiency and demonstrated ability to learn and support administrative, financial, scheduling, CRM, communication, and workplace technology systems.
Ability to identify opportunities to improve operational processes, systems, and workflows.
Demonstrated discretion, professionalism, and ability to maintain confidential information.
Ability to understand and follow university policies, procedures, and requirements related to financial transactions, procurement, contracts, facilities, and business operations.

Nice To Haves

Experience supporting operations for a coworking, innovation, conference, event, or other multi-user facility.
Experience coordinating programs or events involving space, technology, catering, vendors, and guest services.
Experience with enterprise financial, procurement, CRM, scheduling, or workflow systems such as STRATUS, Salesforce, Airtable, Trello, or comparable platforms.
Experience coordinating contracts, facility-use agreements, reservations, or vendor relationships.
Demonstrated interest in entrepreneurship, innovation, community engagement, or economic development.

Responsibilities

Manage the daily operations of StarTUp, ensuring that the building and coworking space are welcoming, functional, and accessible.
Implement and oversee operational systems, processes, and procedures that support StarTUp’s goals and activities.
Coordinate building access and security, including keys, operating hours, automatic door schedules, and electronic card access.
Serve as the primary contact for facilities, maintenance work orders, housekeeping services, and other building-related needs.
Manage space reservations, visitor inquiries, tours, catering coordination, and related administrative functions.
Provide reception services and assist clients and visitors with building amenities, coworking lockers, monitors, conference-room systems, and other technology.
Serve as the logistical lead for all StarTUp programs and events, managing planning, timelines, setup, execution, and post-event follow-up.
Coordinate event logistics, including space setup, technology, catering, vendor needs, and guest support.
Manage the onboarding and operational needs of resident ventures in coordination with the Executive Director.
Build and maintain relationships with coworkers, entrepreneurs, resident ventures, ecosystem partners, and members of the business and campus community.
Coordinate invoicing, payments, and other financial activities with the division’s Administration and Finance team, ensuring compliance with university policies and procedures.
Process accounts payable, procurement, and disbursement transactions through STRATUS and TU Foundation systems, including honoraria, reimbursements, credit card payments, faculty stipends, and program-related stipends.
Prepare building-use contracts and support the review and execution process.
Maintain organized records and provide document-management and general administrative support.
Assist with data entry, record maintenance, and reporting in Salesforce and other departmental systems.
Support building technology for guests, coworkers, resident ventures, and organizations using the coworking and conference spaces.
Manage and support departmental workflow and communication platforms, such as Trello, Slack, Zoom, and Salesforce.
Identify opportunities to improve operational systems, technology, and administrative processes.
Perform other duties as assigned.