Director Of Operations And Workplace Experience

Director of Operations and Workplace Experience

Reporting to the Senior Vice Provost for Academic and Budgetary Affairs and the Assistant Vice Provost and Chief Strategist for Integrated Space, Academic, and Capital Planning, this position serves as the nucleus for policy, governance, facility, technology, move management, and workspace experience matters - within a highly visible, multi-unit environment representing a shared workplace model that brings together units with varied operational approaches from previously separate locations. The role operates with delegated authority to make day-to-day operational decisions on behalf of the Provost's Office in this complex environment, while working in close partnership with unit leaders and staff. In this capacity, you will serve as a steward of the shared workplace model, balancing unit-specific needs with the long-term integrity, effectiveness, and sustainability of the space. You will partner closely with the landlord, U-M Real Estate Office, ITS, DPSS, and unit leaders. This partnership will ensure proactive coordination, effective service delivery, and a positive workplace experience. You will serve as the primary operational representative of the Provost's Office to these partners, and the sole operational lead for the shared workspace, fostering alignment and clarity across units.

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

In addition to a career filled with purpose and opportunity, The University of Michigan offers a comprehensive benefits package to help you stay well, protect yourself and your family and plan for a secure future. Benefits include: generous time off, a retirement plan that provides two-for-one matching contributions with immediate vesting, many choices for comprehensive health insurance, life insurance, long-term disability coverage, and flexible spending accounts for healthcare and dependent care expenses.

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

Required Qualifications

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.

Positions that are eligible for hybrid or mobile/remote work mode are at the discretion of the hiring department. Work agreements are reviewed annually at a minimum and are subject to change at any time, and for any reason, throughout the course of employment. The work requires, or the supervisor approves a fully onsite presence. Onsite is defined as a designated U-M owned or leased work location within or outside of the State of Michigan.

The University of Michigan is an equal employment opportunity employer.