WUDI Operational Manager

JOB SUMMARY:

The Operational Manager applies professional business, communications, or financial theory to complex, non-routine problems that arise in a research institute environment. Will use analytical acumen, a strategic mindset, and use of professional communications to advance the Wood Utilization & Design Institute's (WU+D) strategic initiatives. Other duties as assigned.

JOB DUTIES:

25% - Strategic Communications & Public Relations Analysis:
Develop, analyze, and manage the institute's external communications portfolio. Translate complex research outcomes into accessible, public-facing content across multiple platforms, including social media. Research, synthesize, and prepare talking points, briefing documents, and presentations for the Director for use with government officials, industry leaders, and academic audiences. Collaborates with the MarCom division with a dotted reporting line to the MarCom Executive Director Marketing & Communications. Participates in MarCom team meetings.

25% - Executive Operations Analysis & Strategic Stakeholder Engagement: Manages and analyzes the operational workflow of the Director's office with a focus on advancing institutional strategic priorities. Use professional judgment, contextual knowledge of the Institute's research agenda, and the ability to triage complex, multi-stakeholder situations. Analyze the Director's strategic priorities and independently structure schedules, travel plans, and engagement calendars to optimize capacity. Prepare substantive briefing packages for meetings with government officials, university leadership, and industry partners requiring professional research, synthesis, and written analysis of policy, regulatory, and market context. Maintain and analyze stakeholder relationship data, identifying patterns and opportunities in collaborative networks and external partnerships. Independently draft and manage professional correspondence on behalf of the Director. Serve as a primary point contact for analytical and operational continuity in the Director's office, managing complex, cross-functional information flows.

20% - Events, Program Planning, & Coordination: Plans and executes programmatic events and stakeholder visits that advance the Institute's academic, governmental, and industry relationships. Lead end-to-end planning and execution of WU+DI events including academic conferences, industry workshops, government site visits, and public programming. Develop event budgets, analyze cost data, negotiate vendor contracts, and track expenditures against project plans. Coordinate logistics and communication protocols for visits from university leadership, state and federal government officials, and international industry delegations. Produce post-event analysis reports evaluating outcomes against strategic objectives and stakeholder engagement goals. Develop and manage promotional content, photography coordination, and event communications aligned with the Institute's brand strategy.

15% - Financial Analysis & Budget Monitoring: Applies financial and accounting knowledge to track, analyze, and report on the Institute's operational budgets and expenditures. Monitor and analyze Institute budgets across funding categories; identify variances and prepare financial summaries for Director review. Maintain organized records of expenditures, reimbursements, and procurement transactions; perform account reconciliations using university financial systems. Support preparation of financial projections and spending analyses to inform operational decision-making and grant-funded project management. Apply knowledge of university procurement regulations and financial compliance standards to ensure accuracy and audit-readiness of all financial documentation.

15% - Operational Systems, Procurement, & Institutional Support: Manages the Institute's operational infrastructure, procurement processes, and vendor relationships using professional knowledge of business operations and resource planning. Analyze procurement needs, research vendor options, and manage purchasing decisions to ensure cost-effective and timely acquisition of resources. Maintain and improve operational record-keeping systems to ensure compliance with Clemson University administrative and audit standards. Support resource planning and operational analysis activities to align Institute capacity with strategic programmatic goals.

JOB CODE:

AH75

EMPLOYEE TYPE:

Time-Limited (TLP) Staff

Minimum Requirements:

A high school diploma and experience in computer operations or a related field.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

JOB KNOWLEDGE

Comprehensive knowledge of theories, concepts and practices and ability to use in complex, difficult and/or unprecedented situations.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES

Not responsible for supervising employees.

BUDGETARY RESPONSIBILITIES

Provides input into the budgeting process, and manages fund allocation.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:

Communicate, converse, give direction, express oneself: %
Use hands or feet to operate or handle machinery, equipment, etc.: %
Walk or move about: %
Sit (stationary position) for prolonged period: %

WORKING CONDITIONS:

None: %

WORK SCHEDULE:

Standard Hours:

37.5

COMPENSATION INFORMATION:

Expected Salary Range

55000 - 55000

Salary is dependent upon several factors including, but not limited to, a candidate's previous experience, knowledge, skills and performance in accordance with Clemson's compensation guidelines.

ESSENTIAL PERSONNEL LEVEL:

Normal Operations - Required to follow emergency facility closure and modified operations directives, and not normally expected to work on-site during emergency situations.

JOB LOCATION:

Clemson, SC

APPLICATION DEADLINE:

August 28, 2026

MILITARY AND VETERAN:

Military Equivalency: Clemson University is proud to allow educational equivalency for military technical certifications and trainings that directly relate to the job duties.

Veteran Preference: South Carolina provides employment preference to eligible veterans for qualifying full-time permanent positions. To be considered, applicants must meet the minimum qualifications, have been discharged under honorable conditions, and indicate their veteran status in the application by uploading a DD-214 for confidential review. A request for Veteran Preference can be made via the application process. Please contact [email protected] with any questions or issues.

CLOSING STATEMENT:

Clemson University is an EEO/AA employer. Employment decisions are made without regard to characteristics protected by applicable law including disability and protected veteran status.