OPS Ain Technology & Design Hub Operations Manager

Florida Gulf Coast University•Lexington, MA

11d•Onsite

About The Position

The Ain Technology & Design Hub is a student-powered agency within the Rist Institute for Entrepreneurship that delivers AI integration, web development, digital marketing, and data solutions to Southwest Florida businesses and nonprofits. The Hub operates like a real business: student teams take on client work, deliver professional services, and are compensated for their contributions - all under faculty and staff oversight. The Ain Technology & Design Hub Operations Manager keeps this business running. This person is the operational backbone of the Hub - responsible for managing the full client lifecycle from initial inquiry through project delivery, hiring and developing the student workforce, and maintaining the systems that allow the Hub to function at a professional standard. The role sits at the center of everything: clients, students, projects, and finances all flow through this position. The ideal candidate is a strong operator who is energized by building systems, developing people, and keeping multiple workstreams moving in parallel. They bring working knowledge of the Hub's technology domains - enough to scope projects accurately, communicate credibly with clients, and support student teams when they get stuck - but their primary value is organizational and relational, not technical. They are equally comfortable onboarding a new client, coaching a student intern through a difficult deliverable, and processing a contract renewal.

Requirements

Bachelor's degree required
Demonstrated experience managing projects with multiple stakeholders, deadlines, and concurrent workstreams
Experience managing, mentoring, or supervising others - including the ability to hold people accountable with care
Client-facing experience with a track record of building and maintaining professional relationships
Familiarity with invoicing, contracts, or basic financial record-keeping in a business or organizational setting
Working knowledge of AI tools and digital marketing fundamentals - enough to scope projects, speak credibly with clients, and support student work
Experience developing or improving operational processes, documentation, or systems in a team environment
Exceptional organizational skills and the ability to manage competing priorities.
Clear, professional written and verbal communication across multiple audiences - students, clients, university administrators, and community partners.
A natural instinct for systems - you look at a messy process and immediately start thinking about how to fix it.
Strong interpersonal skills and the emotional intelligence to work effectively with students, clients, and colleagues.
Comfort with ambiguity and the ability to figure things out in an environment that does not always have a playbook.
Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite, Google Workspace, Claude.AI, OpenAI – ChatGPT, and Replit.

Nice To Haves

Master's degree in Business Administration, Entrepreneurship, or a related field preferred (or in progress)
Experience working in an agency, studio, or service-delivery environment
Background in entrepreneurship, startups, or university-affiliated programs
Familiarity with project management tools (Asana, Monday.com, Notion, or similar)
Experience with AI implementation, web development, or digital marketing in a client context
Established relationships within the Southwest Florida business community
Prior experience in a university environment, particularly with student-facing programs or experiential learning
Exposure to contract management and business operations in a professional services context

Responsibilities

Own the full project lifecycle for all active Hub engagements, from kickoff through final delivery and follow-up
Maintain a clear picture of all active projects at any given time - timelines, deliverables, student assignments, and client status
Build and manage project plans that account for student schedules, academic calendars, and client expectations
Run regular project check-ins with student teams, removing blockers and escalating issues as needed
Develop and maintain project templates, workflows, and standard operating procedures that improve consistency across engagements
Track and report on project outcomes, building a library of case studies that demonstrate Hub impact
Serve as the primary point of contact for prospective and active clients, managing the full onboarding experience from initial inquiry through project launch
Conduct discovery conversations with clients to understand their needs, set realistic expectations, and scope work appropriately
Maintain ongoing communication with active clients, providing status updates and ensuring satisfaction throughout the engagement
Develop and refine the Hub's client onboarding materials, intake processes, and service agreements
Identify opportunities to deepen or expand client relationships over time
Represent the Hub at community events and business association meetings to build pipeline and visibility
Manage the full student hiring process, including posting positions, reviewing applications, coordinating interviews, and processing paperwork
Develop and deliver structured onboarding and training programs for new Hub interns and team members
Assign students to projects based on skills, availability, and learning goals
Provide regular feedback and coaching to student team members, supporting their professional development alongside their project contributions
Maintain accurate records of student hours, compensation, and performance
Build a Hub culture that feels like a real workplace - professional standards, clear expectations, and genuine accountability
Generate and process client invoices, track payments, and follow up on outstanding balances
Draft, review, and manage service contracts and client agreements in coordination with university Legal Affairs
Maintain organized financial records for Hub operations and prepare summary reports for leadership
Coordinate with university Finance, HR, and other administrative units to keep operational processes moving smoothly
Monitor Hub budget and flag any variances or concerns to the Faculty Director and Rist Institute leadership
Maintain the Hub's internal documentation, knowledge base, and operational records