Program Operations Manager (Rural Programs)

Location: TN, United States

Job Summary 

The Program Operations Manager reports to the Associate Dean for Rural and Community Programs and oversees the division’s daily administrative and business operations, with primary responsibility for budget, finance, and human resources functions. The position serves as a resource and advisor to division leadership, develops operational procedures and guidelines, and coordinates the implementation of the division’s business goals and priorities.

This position works closely with Human Resources and division leadership to support the recruitment, hiring, onboarding, and training of staff and supervises temporary employees performing general division duties. Additional responsibilities include identifying and managing grant opportunities; coordinating website content and other promotional efforts with College of Medicine communications; cultivating relationships with new and existing community partners; and facilitating volunteer faculty appointments.

The Program Operations Manager collaborates with departments throughout the College of Medicine to support efficient and compliant operations. The position also coordinates travel, professional licensure, board certification, conference participation, and related administrative needs for division leadership, staff, and students. In addition, the position helps maintain an effective working environment by ensuring personnel have the space, equipment, supplies, and other resources necessary to perform their responsibilities.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities 

• Knowledge of University policies and procedures.
• Knowledge of the academic and administrative structure of an institution of higher education.
• Knowledge of University budgetary procedures and policies.
• Knowledge of office procedures and university specific software (Banner, eJobs, eBucs).
• Knowledge of Financial Services policies and procedures.
• Knowledge of grant application and management.
• Possess professional communication skills with verbal, email, text, and social media sites.
• Ability to relate to and work effectively with people within the university and the community.
• Ability to plan effectively and efficiently.
• Ability to perform under pressure.
• Ability to communicate effectively.
• Ability to supervise in an effective manner.
• Ability to work independently.
• Ability to work with, coordinate, and manage a variety of administrative functions.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality.
• Ability to generate reports, set priorities, meet deadlines, organize, and coordinate office activities.
• Ability to work efficiently with minimal supervision.
• Ability to work with, coordinate and manage a variety of administrative personnel functions. 

Required Qualifications 

• Bachelor’s degree in a relevant field and two (2) years of relevant, progressively responsible experience.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office and other computer-based software. 
  OR 
• A combination of education and work experience. 

Preferred Qualifications 

• Previous supervision of staff in an office setting. 

 Compensation and Benefits

• Job Family – Administrative Business Management 1
• Salary – MR 7 ($53,112.67)
• For more information regarding benefits, please visit (Employee Benefits) 

Application Instructions 

• Exempt positions are required to be posted for a minimum of fourteen (14) calendar days. The closing date is subject to change without notice to the applicants.
• Employment is contingent on a satisfactory background check.
• Required documents to attach: Cover Letter and Resume

*This is an on-site position

 *This position does not have funding available for visa sponsorship. 

ETSU is an Equal Opportunity Employer

University Overview

East Tennessee State University (ETSU) is an institution with over 14,000 diverse students highly ranked graduate and undergraduate programs. Located in the Southern Appalachian Mountains of Northeast Tennessee, ETSU serves as a hub for community, discovery, and service. Aligned with the institution's mission, we value efforts to engage in teaching, scholarship, creative activities, and service that involve community partners and address significant societal needs in our region and beyond. Recognized in 2024 as a Great College to Work For, recent strategic initiatives prioritize the institution’s focus on community engagement.

Disclaimer: The Job Summary is intended to describe the general nature and level of work individuals perform in this classification. It is not intended to be a complete list of all responsibilities, duties, and skills required. Management reserves the right to revise the job or require different tasks to be performed as assigned to reflect changes in the position. Employees must be able to perform the position's essential functions satisfactorily with or without reasonable accommodations.