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Director of Operations and Workplace Experience

  • Job
    Full-time
    Senior Level
  • Business, Operations & Strategy
    Facilities Management
  • Ann Arbor

AI generated summary

  • You need 7+ years in business management or operations, change management experience, leadership collaboration, expertise in workplace experiences, budget management, and compliance knowledge.
  • You will manage workspace operations, oversee budgets and shared policies, coordinate onboarding, engage users for feedback, lead space planning, and ensure a collaborative workplace culture.

Requirements

  • * Seven (7) or more years of experience in business management, facilities, operations, or a related field
  • * Demonstrated experience managing a complex organizational change or major office move
  • * Experience working with senior leaders and navigating cross-unit or cross-functional dynamics
  • * Experience designing and delivering high-quality user onboarding or workplace experiences
  • * Proficiency with workplace management systems and collaboration tools
  • * Experience with workplace safety, ADA accessibility, and compliance standards
  • * Experience managing budgets and vendor contracts related to office operations

Responsibilities

  • Lead Operations for Leased Workspace
  • Serve as the primary contact and operational lead for all occupants
  • Manage the operating budget, resource allocation, and routine spending decisions
  • Implement and steward shared-space policies, procedures, and norms with unit leadership and staff
  • Oversee janitorial, maintenance, access control, emergency planning, vendor coordination, and facility-related procurement
  • Coordinate onboarding for all units, including access to amenities, technology support, supplies, storage, parking, and front-of-house functions
  • Engage building users to gather insights, identify operational trends, and continuously refine processes
  • Shared-Space Governance & Decision-Making
  • Exercise delegated authority for day-to-day shared-space decisions
  • Establish and apply shared policies and procedures
  • Mediate cross-unit priorities and resolve operational conflicts
  • Escalate complex operational issues as needed
  • Serve as a trusted problem-solver for divergent unit needs
  • Space Planning, Activation, & Strategy
  • Lead space activation and planning, including move coordination and systems commissioning
  • Contribute operational input on space design, furniture installation, and long-term adaptability
  • Develop space use and occupancy reports
  • Recommend adjustments to improve shared workplace effectiveness
  • Support annual space planning and certification processes
  • Change Management & Workspace Experience
  • Direct change management and move coordination during transitions
  • Design and deliver onboarding, orientation, and workspace training for all users
  • Foster a workplace culture of inclusion and collaboration
  • Address user inquiries and concerns; partner with stakeholders to optimize daily experiences
  • Strategic Planning & Future Readiness
  • Assess operational complexity and recommend staffing, process, or support enhancements
  • Supervise future staff as operational needs expand and the shared workplace matures
  • Provide financial oversight, forecasting, and resource planning for long-term sustainability
  • Gather user feedback and develop operational metrics to guide decisions
  • Advise leadership on future phases, expansions, or changes in occupancy
  • Contribute to institutional learning about shared, unassigned workplace models

FAQs

What is the primary responsibility of the Director of Operations and Workplace Experience?

The primary responsibility is to serve as the operational lead for all occupants of the shared workspace, managing policy, governance, facility, technology, move management, and ensuring a positive workplace experience in a multi-unit environment.

What qualifications are required for this position?

Candidates are required to have seven or more years of experience in business management, facilities, operations, or a related field, along with demonstrated experience in managing complex organizational changes, working with senior leaders, and designing high-quality workplace experiences.

Where is the job located?

The position is fully onsite in Ann Arbor, MI and requires regular in-person presence.

What kind of budget management will the Director oversee?

The Director will manage the operating budget, resource allocation, and routine spending decisions related to the shared workspace operations.

How does the role contribute to space planning and activation?

The role leads space activation and planning, including move coordination and providing operational input on space design, furniture installation, and long-term adaptability.

What type of culture does the Director aim to foster within the workplace?

The Director aims to foster a culture of inclusion and collaboration while addressing user inquiries and concerns to optimize daily experiences.

What is the process for decision-making in the shared workspace?

The Director exercises delegated authority for day-to-day shared-space decisions, establishes shared policies and procedures, and mediates cross-unit priorities while resolving operational conflicts.

What benefits does The University of Michigan offer to its employees?

The University offers a comprehensive benefits package including generous time off, a retirement plan with matching contributions, comprehensive health insurance options, life insurance, long-term disability coverage, and flexible spending accounts for healthcare and dependent care expenses.

What is the role's involvement with change management?

The Director directs change management and move coordination during transitions and is responsible for designing and delivering onboarding, orientation, and workspace training for all users.

Can you describe the reporting structure for this position?

The Director of Operations and Workplace Experience reports to the Senior Vice Provost for Academic and Budgetary Affairs and the Assistant Vice Provost and Chief Strategist for Integrated Space, Academic, & Capital Planning.

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Mission & Purpose

The mission of the University of Michigan is to serve the people of Michigan and the world through preeminence in creating, communicating, preserving and applying knowledge, art, and academic values, and in developing leaders and citizens who will challenge the present and enrich the future.