Director, Operations and Administration

Job Overview: Director of Operations and Administration

New York University (NYU) is seeking a dynamic, high-impact leader to serve as the Director of Operations and Administration. This pivotal role is responsible for the strategic oversight and daily management of the university’s operational backbone. You will ensure that students, faculty, and staff have the seamless support and robust resources necessary to maintain NYU’s global reputation for excellence in education and innovation.

As Director, you will bridge the gap between high-level strategic planning and hands-on departmental management, overseeing critical functions ranging from finance and HR to facilities and student services.

Key Responsibilities & Strategic Leadership

Operational Strategy & Process Improvement

• Strategic Planning: Develop and execute long-term plans to optimize university processes and enhance administrative efficiency.

• Continuous Improvement: Conduct regular audits to identify operational bottlenecks and implement data-driven changes to improve effectiveness.

• Innovation: Stay current with industry trends and higher education best practices to ensure NYU remains at the forefront of campus operations.

Departmental & Financial Management

• Cross-Functional Oversight: Manage and lead diverse administrative units, including Finance, Human Resources, Facilities, and Student Services.

• Budgetary Control: Prepare and manage the annual budget, monitor departmental expenses, and identify strategic cost-saving measures.

• Vendor Relations: Develop relationships with external partners and negotiate high-value contracts for goods and services.

Compliance, Safety, & Culture

• Regulatory Adherence: Ensure total compliance with university policies as well as local, state, and federal regulations.

• Crisis Management: Lead the response to crisis situations, making critical, timely decisions to protect the safety and well-being of the university community.

• Inclusive Leadership: Foster a positive work culture that actively promotes diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI).

• Talent Development: Hire, train, and evaluate staff, providing clear pathways for professional growth and ongoing support.

Requirements & Professional Profile

Core Competencies

• Strategic Vision: Ability to align operational initiatives with the university’s broader mission and vision.

• Executive Communication: Experience preparing and presenting complex operational reports to senior university leadership.

• Stakeholder Engagement: Proven ability to collaborate effectively with faculty, staff, students, and global external partners.

• Analytical Thinking: Strong financial acumen and the ability to conduct thorough operational reviews.

Preferred Background

• Higher Education Expertise: A deep passion for and background in the unique operational challenges of a large, urban research university.

• Managerial Experience: Extensive experience managing multi-disciplinary teams and large-scale budgets.

• Crisis Leadership: Demonstrated experience in emergency response and high-stakes decision-making.

Why Join New York University?

NYU is a world-class institution where “excellence and innovation collide.” As an Equal Opportunity Employer, NYU is committed to building a diverse and inclusive environment. This role offers the opportunity to shape the infrastructure of a premier global university while working in the heart of New York City. You will be a key voice in leadership meetings, a representative at international conferences, and a primary driver of the university’s daily success.

Application Information

Interested candidates are encouraged to apply through the NYU Careers portal. NYU does not discriminate based on race, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability status, or veteran status.

The Organization & Culture New York University (NYU) is one of the world’s most influential private research universities, characterized by its “campus without walls” that is deeply integrated into the fabric of New York City. In 2026, the culture is defined by global ambition and interdisciplinary innovation. NYU continues to position itself as a “Global Network University,” with students and faculty moving seamlessly between New York, Abu Dhabi, and Shanghai. The environment is high-energy, diverse, and fiercely competitive; for 2026, NYU is ranked #31 globally by Times Higher Education and remains one of the most desirable institutions in the U.S. with a record-low acceptance rate near 8%.

The Locations: A Dual-Borough Powerhouse

• Washington Square (Manhattan): The heart of NYU, centered around Greenwich Village. It lacks traditional gates, with over 170 buildings integrated into the city blocks surrounding Washington Square Park. Key hubs include the Bobst Library, the Stern School of Business, and the Kimmel Center.

• Downtown Brooklyn: Home to the Tandon School of Engineering, located in the “Brooklyn Tech Triangle” (MetroTech Center). This campus has seen massive investment in 2025–2026, becoming a centerpiece for NYU’s robotics and AI research.

• Health Sciences Corridor: Located along First Avenue in Manhattan, anchored by NYU Langone Health, which has been ranked the #1 healthcare system in New York for four consecutive years as of 2026.