Program Operations Specialist, Consulting & Business Development Center

University of Washington•Seattle, WA

21h•$69,720 - $96,000

About The Position

The Michael G. Foster School of Business at the University of Washington is one of the nation’s top-ranked public business schools. Foster serves more than 2,500 students across a broad portfolio of programs, including multiple top-20 MBA programs, seven specialty master’s degrees, an undergraduate business program, two undergraduate minors and a PhD program. Located on the Seattle campus, Foster benefits from strong ties to the global business community. The school is supported by more than 55,000 engaged alumni and a collaborative community of faculty and staff dedicated to advancing business education, research, and student success. The Foster School of Business has an exciting opening for a Program Operations Specialist to join their team. The Consulting and Business Development Center (CBDC) seeks a dynamic and detail-oriented professional to lead program innovation and execution across its portfolio of student consulting and community-facing initiatives. This role ensures that: Experiential learning opportunities for Foster School of Business and University of Washington students continue to advance skill and knowledge development Programs serving businesses in underserved communities evolve through the integration of cutting-edge strategies and best practices Strategic partnerships are strengthened to support long-term program sustainability CBDC is the nation’s largest university-based center focused on advancing insights and fostering growth for socially and economically disadvantaged businesses. This role plays a key part in expanding and sustaining that national leadership. About the Center CBDC delivers high-impact programs that engage undergraduate and MBA students in consulting projects with small businesses, nonprofits, and organizations in underserved communities across Washington State. Through faculty-led programming and hands-on learning, the Center accelerates student career readiness while strengthening the management capacity of diverse businesses. CBDC is recognized as a national model for experiential business education.

Requirements

Bachelor's Degree plus a minimum of 2 years’ experience in business, communications, education, economics, ethnic studies, or related fields.
Equivalent education and/or experience may substitute for minimum qualifications except when there are legal requirements, such as a license, certification, and/or registration.

Nice To Haves

Prior experience in working with students and/or small businesses is also desirable.
Experience working in programs or roles where flexibility and responsiveness were key to success.
Strong project and program management skills
Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment
Excellent communication and stakeholder engagement skills
Experience working with diverse communities and cross-sector partners
Analytical mindset with a focus on continuous improvement

Responsibilities

Lead day-to-day operations of core CBDC programs, including: Liberty Project Business Technology Consulting Program (BTCP) Tribal Gaming & Hospitality Management (TGHM) Program Tribal Enterprise Financial Management Program
Implement program strategies, deliverables, and timelines in collaboration with the Director of Washington State Programs
Coordinate with faculty to schedule course sessions, presentations, seminars, and workshops
Manage contract deliverables, including City of Seattle Liberty Project requirements (e.g., Task 5)
Support program evaluation, including pre- and post-program assessments to measure impact and effectiveness
Continuously assess and improve program design, delivery, and outcomes
Recruit and engage undergraduate and graduate students across UW programs
Identify, recruit, and manage volunteers, including mentors, advisors, and competition judges
Secure participation from small businesses and nonprofit organizations to meet program and funding requirements
Build and maintain partnerships with key stakeholders, including: Rotary Club of Seattle Professional advisors Alumni and Advisory Board members Community organizations and business networks
Expand outreach efforts to increase program impact and visibility
Develop, manage, and monitor program budgets
Ensure alignment with funding requirements and financial sustainability goals
Support fundraising and donor stewardship efforts in collaboration with CBDC leadership
Identify and secure sponsorships for programs and signature events (e.g., Impact Awards)
Prepare reports and updates for funders and stakeholders
Represent CBDC through presentations to business leaders, nonprofit executives, civic leaders, and elected officials
Supervise several student assistants working on business and nonprofit consulting projects.
Partner closely with the Director of Washington State Programs to execute strategic priorities
Collaborate with CBDC staff, faculty, and university partners to ensure seamless program delivery