Senior Associate, People Operations, Advancement

Boston University•Boston, MA

4d•$60,000 - $70,000

About The Position

The Senior Associate, People Operations & Strategic Projects is a key operational partner within Boston University Advancement’s People & Culture team. The role supports the delivery of people strategies, programs, and organizational priorities across Advancement. Serving as a primary liaison between People & Culture and Finance & Operations, the Senior Associate also works with Human Resources, Information Technology, Facilities, and other university partners to coordinate operational infrastructure for employees and the workplace. The position manages operational and strategic projects involving space and facilities, budgets and purchasing, vendor management, workplace logistics, systems and process improvement, and employee-facing programs. The role calls for strong project management, organizational, and relationship-building skills to turn People & Culture initiatives into coordinated, efficient, and sustainable processes. It requires sound judgment, attention to detail, the ability to manage multiple priorities, and the ability to work independently and collaborate across functions.

Requirements

Strong project management skills.
Strong organizational skills.
Strong relationship-building skills.
Sound judgment and attention to detail.
Ability to manage multiple priorities.
Ability to work independently and collaborate effectively across functions.

Responsibilities

Serve as a primary operational liaison between People & Culture and Finance & Operations, Human Resources, Information Technology, Facilities, and other university partners.
Coordinate people-related operational processes and workflows for timely, consistent, and effective execution.
Develop, document, and maintain processes, procedures, resources, and tools for the People & Culture function.
Coordinate employee lifecycle logistics, including onboarding, transitions, and departures, with appropriate university teams.
Identify opportunities to streamline processes, clarify ownership, improve communication, and enhance the employee experience.
Maintain accurate records, trackers, calendars, and documentation related to People & Culture operations and initiatives.
Advise managers and employees on operational processes and route questions to the appropriate People & Culture or university partner.
Partner with Finance & Operations on People & Culture budgets and expenditures.
Monitor spending and maintain accurate budget tracking for People & Culture programs, services, and initiatives.
Coordinate purchasing, procurement, invoices, contracts, and related financial processes.
Identify opportunities to improve operational efficiency and use resources effectively.
Serve as the People & Culture point of contact for Advancement workplace and space-related needs.
Coordinate with Finance & Operations, Facilities, and university partners on office space, moves, renovations, seating, furniture, equipment, and workplace needs.
Maintain seating plans, workspace assignments, space inventories, and related documentation.
Coordinate office moves, relocations, workspace changes, and associated employee communications.
Support effective use of shared workspaces, meeting areas, and collaborative spaces.
Coordinate facilities-related requests and ensure issues are communicated, escalated, and resolved appropriately.
Coordinate relationships with external vendors and service providers supporting People & Culture initiatives.
Manage vendor contracts, renewals, invoices, deliverables, and communications in partnership with appropriate university offices.
Monitor vendor performance and identify opportunities to improve services, efficiency, and value.
Coordinate with university partners and external providers to ensure People & Culture programs and services are delivered effectively.
Provide operational and project management support for People & Culture programs, workshops, manager forums, employee events, and engagement initiatives.
Coordinate program logistics, including scheduling, space, vendors, materials, communications, registration, and follow-up.
Develop repeatable processes and project plans for recurring People & Culture programs and initiatives.
Partner with the Director, People & Culture and Associate Director, Talent Management to operationalize employee engagement, learning, development, performance, and culture initiatives.
Identify operational barriers that may negatively affect the employee experience and recommend solutions.
Support internal communications and employee-facing resources related to People & Culture programs, policies, workplace changes, and organizational initiatives.