Operations Project Manager (Year-Round)

The Operations Project Manager supports the Chief Operating Officer and operational leadership teams in advancing institutional priorities, strategic initiatives, and cross-functional collaboration across the organization. Operating similarly to a Chief of Staff within Operations, this role serves as a central connector across operational areas, helping ensure projects remain organized, accountable, and moving forward across multiple departments. This position facilitates communication, coordinates meetings and follow-up actions, monitors progress toward strategic goals, and supports the execution of key institutional initiatives, including Vision 2028 priorities, capital projects, reporting processes, and operational improvements. The role requires an organized, strategic, proactive, and collaborative professional who is solutions-oriented, detail-focused, and skilled at managing competing priorities while building positive relationships across teams.

Essential Duties:

Strategic Project Management

• Manage and coordinate operational projects and institutional initiatives on behalf of the COO.
• Develop project plans, timelines, milestones, and accountability structures to ensure successful execution.
• Monitor project progress and proactively identify risks, barriers, and opportunities for improvement.
• Track action items and deliverables across operational leadership teams to ensure timely follow-through.
• Support the advancement and reporting of Vision 2028 strategic priorities.

Cross-Functional Leadership & Collaboration

• Facilitate communication and collaboration across operational departments including facilities, safety, dining, housing, transportation, hospitality, technology, President's Office and other institutional support areas.
• Create and lead cross-functional working groups and project teams to support operational initiatives.
• Serve as a liaison between the COO and operational leaders to ensure alignment, transparency, and accountability.
• Coordinate operational meetings, agendas, updates, and follow-up communications.

Reporting & Communication

• Prepare executive summaries, reports, presentations, dashboards, and project updates for leadership, committees, and the Board of Trustees.
• Support institutional communication efforts related to operational initiatives and strategic priorities.
• Assist with tracking and communicating progress on capital projects and operational improvements.
• Maintain organized project documentation and reporting systems.

Operational Support

• Assist the COO in prioritizing initiatives and coordinating organizational workflow.
• Support process improvement efforts designed to increase operational efficiency and service excellence.
• Help ensure projects align with institutional mission, values, and operational objectives.
• Coordinate special projects and institutional initiatives as assigned.
• Perform other duties as assigned.
• Bachelor's degree in Business Administration, Organizational Leadership, Project Management, or a related field preferred; equivalent work experience may be substituted for education
• Minimum of 5 years of progressively responsible experience in project management, operations, administration, strategic planning, or related areas
• Advanced proficiency with Google Workspace (Docs, Sheets, Slides, Gmail, Calendar)
• Experience with project management platforms such as Asana, Monday.com, Smartsheet, or Trello
• Proficiency with collaboration tools including Microsoft Teams, Slack, and Zoom
• Experience with reporting and analytics platforms such as Tableau and Power BI
• Familiarity with document management systems and online collaboration environments
• Understanding of and commitment to Interlochen's mission, vision, and values
• Demonstrated business and operational management skills, including strategic thinking, independent judgment, organizational effectiveness, and proactive project leadership
• Proven ability to manage multiple complex projects and priorities simultaneously while maintaining accountability, attention to detail, and timely follow-through
• Strong analytical and communication skills with the ability to organize, synthesize, and present information to operational leaders, executive leaders, committees, and boards
• Demonstrated professionalism, discretion, and maturity in handling sensitive and confidential information
• Ability to influence, collaborate, and build partnerships across departments and teams without direct supervisory authority
• Advanced technology skills, including proficiency with spreadsheets, databases, presentation software, project management systems, calendaring, email, and collaboration tools
• Ability to facilitate meetings, coordinate cross-functional teams, monitor strategic initiatives, and maintain organized systems for tracking and reporting progress
• Ability to thrive in a fast-paced, evolving environment with competing priorities while maintaining professionalism and a solutions-oriented approach
• Excellent written communication skills, including the ability to create, edit, proofread, and deliver polished professional communications
• Demonstrated respect for cultural, ethnic, spiritual, and linguistic diversity, as well as differing backgrounds, experiences, and perspectives

Application Materials Required:

• Resume
• Cover Letter
• Health, dental, and vision insurance
• Vacation, Sick, Holiday and generous winter holiday time off
• Life insurance
• Voluntary life insurance
• Short and long-term disability
• Employee development & tuition reimbursement programs
• 403(b) plan, managed by TIAA
• Free or discounted employee tickets to Interlochen performances and events *some exceptions apply
• Early event ticket purchase before general public sales begin
• Free Stone Cafeteria meal on shift
• Dennison Recreation Center accessibility (includes spouses)
• Priority access to Interlochen employees at Pitter Patter Day Care Center (less than one mile from campus)
• Employee Referral Program (cash payments)
• Tuition discounts for employee's children at Academy, Camp and Interlochen Online
• Parental leave (12 weeks paid for Pregnancy/Maternity/Childbirth leave, 6 weeks paid for Parental leave).

Interlochen is proud to provide priority placement at Pitter Patter Preschool & Childcare located in the Interlochen Community Center, near our campus, for employees' dependents. In addition, Interlochen employees may be eligible for the MI Tri-Share Program. This program shares the cost of childcare between the state of Michigan, Interlochen Center for the Arts, and the employee (The employee will only pay 1/3 of the total cost, if eligible). Income guidelines and more information about MI Tri-Share can be found at https://www.michigan.gov/mwc/initiatives/mi-tri-share-child-care.