Position Summary

The Director of Operations reports to the Executive Director, John and Sandy Miller National Academy for Free Expression and Pluralism and is a member of the National Academy’s senior leadership team. The Director will have wide range of responsibilities related to supporting the work of the National Academy across University and the Nation. The Director leads efforts in event planning, communications, and supports the Executive Director in strategic planning, operational plan development and implementation, fundraising initiatives and donor and alumni relations.

About the National Academy

The National Academy of Free Expression and Pluralism at the University of Denver will have as its stated mission to focus students, faculty and staff on the values of free expression, civil discourse, and pluralism, in community with a diverse set of some of the country's most prominent scholars and practitioners. Curricular and co-curricular experiences on free expression and pluralism will be part of every student’s experience; grants will be provided to support internal and external research projects dedicated to free expression; and visiting faculty and speakers will be given a platform to share their experiences and expertise. Over time, the National Academy will expand its reach beyond the university community, with a focus on turning theory and thinking into action by launching a Scholars-in-Residence program to host leading thinkers/researchers, convening an Annual Summit on Pluralism, developing an essential K-12 civil discourse pedagogy, and offering civil discourse training to the corporate community—among other initiatives.

Essential Functions

• Along with the Executive Director and the National Academy leadership team, create a vision and direction that will deliver and drive results by collaborating cross functionally to meet the National Academy goals and objectives; and to help shape a positive public image for National Academy, its events, programs, services, staff, and guests.
• Collaborate regularly with university departments/units to ensure that institutional and department values are maintained in National Academy programs over which it has supervisory responsibility. This position must develop and manage an operating budget. It is expected that the individual in this role will use their knowledge and expertise to work collaboratively to support National Academy fundraising goals, manage National Academy resources efficiently, and provide exemplary services to University and National Academy guests.
• Hire, manage, evaluate, and supervise direct reports. Serve as a member of the National Academy leadership team. Work closely with campus constituents, including the Office of the Chancellor, Office of the Provost, DU Business and Financial Affairs, DU Advancement, the DU Alumni Association, DU Office of Admissions, DU Facilities Management, DU Division for Community Support and Engagement. Foster and build positive working relationships with other campus units.
• Recommend and establish policies, programs, events and services that advance the mission and build external support for the National Academy through oversight of the fundraising program (current goal: $100M).
• Direct and supervise the day-to-day administrative operations for assigned responsibilities. Work with other senior administrators to advise, develop and implement National Academy policies, including annual and quarterly plans and priorities. Assess, evaluate and continually improve National Academy operations.
• Monitor financial and budgetary activities, including grant management, reporting, and compliance and authorizing proposed expenditures. Support Executive Director in recommending the annual or multi-year budget development and forecasts.
• Liaison between curricular and co-curricular programs throughout the university and the community. In collaboration with the Executive Director and the National Academy leadership team, develop and implement policies and procedures related to the programs, events and operations of the National Academy. Responsible for driving collaboration across National Academy and campus units to achieve the goals and objectives of the university.
• Support the Executive Director with personnel management and development to include recruiting, hiring, onboarding, and coordinating training for National Academy team members.
• Working with the Director of Programming, helps direct, oversee and evaluate logistics and planning for National Academy events and programs. Develop and implement policies and procedures related to all who participate in events, programs experiences and services.
• Represent the National Academy as directed on national, university and community-based committees or working groups. Attend key events, programs, services, and university and National Academy functions. Interact with students, alumni, and donors. Speak to community groups regarding the National Academy. Perform related duties as assigned by the Executive Director.

Required Qualifications

• Master's Degree from an accredited university program.
• A minimum of five (5) years of higher education experience, emphasizing programming and event operations.
• Significant experience with strategic planning, budgeting, and financial management.

Preferred Qualifications

• PhD degree in an area such as higher education, counseling, communications, social science, leadership, or a related field.
• Demonstrated experience with building successful partnerships and working collaboratively with a wide range of stakeholders.
• Significant experience with donor, alumni relations, and fundraising operations.

Working Environment

• Standard office environment.
• Unexpected interruptions often occur, and stress level is moderate to high.
• Works occasionally on nights and weekends.
• Noise level is quiet to moderate.

Physical Activities

• Ability to sit in front of a computer for an extended period.
• Occasionally required to move about the office/campus with the capability of transporting objects up to 20 lbs. 

Work Schedule
Monday - Friday, 8:00 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.

Application Deadline
For consideration, please submit your application materials by 4:30 p.m. (MST) July 17, 2026.

Special Instructions
The University is aware of one or more qualified candidates who may be considered for this position. The position is being posted in accordance with applicable policy and Colorado law, and all qualified applicants are encouraged to apply. Candidates must apply online through jobs.du.edu to be considered. Only applications submitted online will be accepted.

Salary Grade Number:
The salary grade for the position is 14.

Hourly Rate:
The salary range for the position is $110,000-$120,000.

The University of Denver has provided a compensation range that represents its good faith estimate of what the University may pay for the position at the time of posting. The University may ultimately pay more or less than the posted compensation range. The salary offered to the selected candidate will be determined based on factors such as the qualifications of the selected candidate, departmental budget availability, internal salary equity considerations, and available market information, but not based on a candidate’s sex or any other protected status.

Benefits:
The University of Denver offers excellent benefits, including medical, dental, retirement, paid time off, tuition benefit and ECO pass. The University of Denver is a private institution that empowers students who want to make a difference. Learn more about the University of Denver.

Please include the following documents with your application:
1. Resume
2. Cover Letter

The University of Denver is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex (including sex stereotypes, sex characteristics, sexual orientation, gender identity, and gender expression), marital, family, or parental status, pregnancy or related conditions, national origin, disability, or status as a protected veteran. The University of Denver does not discriminate and prohibits discrimination on the basis of race, color, national origin, ancestry, age, religion, creed, disability, sex (including sex stereotypes, sex characteristics, sexual orientation, gender identity, and gender expression), marital family, and parental status, pregnancy, genetic information, military enlistment, or veteran status, and any other class of individuals protected from discrimination under federal, state, or local law, regulation, or ordinance in any of the University’s educational programs and activities, and in the employment (including application for employment) and admissions (including application for admission) context, as required by Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972; the Americans with Disabilities Act; Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973; Title VI and VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964; the Age Discrimination Act of 1975; the Age Discrimination in Employment Act of 1967; the Equal Pay Act; the Colorado Equal Pay for Equal Work Act; the Colorado Protecting Opportunities and Worker's Rights ("POWR") Act; and any other federal, state, and local laws, regulations, or ordinances that prohibit discrimination, harassment, and/or retaliation. For more information, please see the University of Denver's Non‑Discrimination‑Statement.

All offers of employment are based upon satisfactory completion of a criminal history and National Sex Offender Registry background check.