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Program Operations Associate Director

Last updated: August 3, 2026

UW CODE AND REPRESENTATIVE GROUP

25657 (NE S SEIU 925 CC)
25656 (E S SEIU 925 CC)

CLASS SERIES CONCEPT

Within Continuum College, oversee strategic planning, coordination, and execution of programs that support institutional goals and stakeholder engagement. Responsible for cross-functional collaboration, strategic communications, and the development of initiatives that align with organizational priorities. Integrate programmatic oversight with public engagement and strategic analysis to drive institutional impact.

If the primary focus is to lead one specific functional area or operational domain, then a Program Operations Assistant Director job profile may be more appropriate.

BASIC FUNCTION

Lead the development and implementation of strategic engagement initiatives. Identify emerging trends and opportunities in the field, cultivate relationships with key stakeholders, and oversee the production of high-impact programs and communications that advance the organization’s mission and visibility.  Utilize specialized knowledge of Continuum College units and possess delegated decision-making authority to allocate resources and establish policies, methods, procedures, and work rules for the units.

DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS

Independently responsible for strategic planning, stakeholder engagement, and program leadership. Advise senior leadership with a high degree of autonomy and expertise in communications and analytics. Lead key initiatives and collaborate directly with executive leadership to shape strategic direction. In contrast to lower-level administrative leadership roles, this job profile maintains a broad focus across multiple functional areas or operational domains.

TYPICAL WORK

Oversee multiple functional areas or operational domains within Continuum College.

Advise leadership and contribute to policy development and organizational effectiveness. Operate with a high level of autonomy and responsibility.

Perform professional-level administrative and management, including strategic planning, implementation, and evaluation of initiatives that support organizational goals.

Monitor trends and data to inform decision-making.

Ensure alignment with institutional priorities, as well as university, state, and federal regulations.

Lead efforts to engage internal and external stakeholders through events, communications, and collaborative partnerships.

Oversee the development and execution of outreach strategies.

Develop and manage budgets.

May supervise, train, and evaluate staff, managing performance and determining staffing needs.

Perform other duties as assigned.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

Bachelor’s degree in a related field and four years of relevant experience.

Equivalent education and/or experience may substitute for minimum qualifications except when there are legal requirements, such as a license, certification, and/or registration.

CIVIL SERVICE EXEMPTION

Program Direction/Control: Managerial or professional level positions having substantial responsibility for directing or controlling program operations and who are accountable for the allocation of resources and program results.

CLASSIFICATION HISTORY

05/01/2026: New class per PERC Case No. 139167-E-24