WELCOME TO CLEMSON!
Clemson is calling...are you ready to answer the call?
One of the most productive public research universities in the nation, Clemson University attracts and powerfully unites students, faculty and staff whose greatest desire is to make a difference in the lives of others.
Clemson has recently been named a top 25 public college in the country by the Wall Street Journal, a top South Carolina employer by Forbes and a Military Friendly Employer for five years running. Through our research, outreach and entrepreneurial projects, Clemson University and its employees are driving economic development and improving quality of life in South Carolina and beyond.
So,... are you ready?
JOB SUMMARY:
The Operational Manager applies professional business, communications, and financial theory to complex, non-routine problems that arise in a research institute environment. Will use analytical acumen, a strategic mindset, and use of professional communications to advance the Wood Utilization & Design Institutes (WU+D) strategic initiatives. Other duties as assigned.
JOB DUTIES:
25% - Essential - Strategic Communications & Public Relations Analysis:
Develop, analyze, and manage the institutes external communications portfolio. Translate complex research outcomes into accessible, public-facing content across multiple platforms, including social media. Research, synthesize, and prepare talking points, briefing documents, and presentations for the Director for use with government officials, industry leaders, and academic audiences. Collaborates with the MarCom division with a dotted reporting line to the MarCom Executive Director Marketing & Communications. Participates in MarCom team meetings.
25% - Essential - Executive Operations Analysis & Strategic Stakeholder Engagement: Manages and analyzes the operational workflow of the Directors office with a focus on advancing institutional strategic priorities. Use professional judgment, contextual knowledge of the Institutes research agenda, and the ability to triage complex, multi-stakeholder situations. Analyze the Directors strategic priorities and independently structure schedules, travel plans, and engagement calendars to optimize capacity. Prepare substantive briefing packages for meetings with government officials, university leadership, and industry partners requiring professional research, synthesis, and written analysis of policy, regulatory, and market context. Maintain and analyze stakeholder relationship data, identifying patterns and opportunities in collaborative networks and external partnerships. Independently draft and manage professional correspondence on behalf of the Director. Serve as a primary point contact for analytical and operational continuity in the Directors office, managing complex, cross-functional information flows.
20% - Essential - Events, Program Planning, & Coordination: Plans and executes programmatic events and stakeholder visits that advance the Institutes academic, governmental, and industry relationships. Lead end-to-end planning and execution of WU+DI events including academic conferences, industry workshops, government site visits, and public programming. Develop event budgets, analyze cost data, negotiate vendor contracts, and track expenditures against project plans. Coordinate logistics and communication protocols for visits from university leadership, state and federal government officials, and international industry delegations. Produce post-event analysis reports evaluating outcomes against strategic objectives and stakeholder engagement goals. Develop and manage promotional content, photography coordination, and event communications aligned with the Institutes brand strategy.
15% - Essential - Financial Analysis & Budget Monitoring: Applies financial and accounting knowledge to track, analyze, and report on the Institutes operational budgets and expenditures. Monitor and analyze Institute budgets across funding categories; identify variances and prepare financial summaries for Director review. Maintain organized records of expenditures, reimbursements, and procurement transactions; perform account reconciliations using university financial systems. Support preparation of financial projections and spending analyses to inform operational decision-making and grant-funded project management. Apply knowledge of university procurement regulations and financial compliance standards to ensure accuracy and audit-readiness of all financial documentation.
15% - Essential - Operational Systems, Procurement, & Institutional Support: Manages the Institutes operational infrastructure, procurement processes, and vendor relationships using professional knowledge of business operations and resource planning. Analyze procurement needs, research vendor options, and manage purchasing decisions to ensure cost-effective and timely acquisition of resources. Maintain and improve operational record-keeping systems to ensure compliance with Clemson University administrative and audit standards. Support resource planning and operational analysis activities to align Institute capacity with strategic programmatic goals.
MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS:
Education - Associates Degree
Work Experience 2+ years of professional experience in business operations, strategic communications, public administration, financial coordination, or a directly related professional role. Experience in a university, research institute, or nonprofit environment.
PREFERRED REQUIREMENTS:
Education - Bachelors Degree in Business Administration, Public Relations or Communications, Finance or Accounting, Marketing.
Work Experience 2+ years of professional experience in business operations, strategic communications, public administration, financial coordination, or a directly related professional role. Experience in a university or research institution.
RESPONSIBILITIES
JOB KNOWLEDGE
Comprehensive Job Knowledge - Comprehensive knowledge of theories and practices and ability to use in complex, difficult and/or unprecedented situations
SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES
No Supervisory Duties - Not responsible for supervising employees.
BUDGETARY RESPONSIBILITIES
Provides Budget Input - Provides input into the budgeting process, and oversees fund allocation.
PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:
Sit (stationary position) for prolonged period
Walk or move about
Use hands or feet to operate or handle machinery, equipment, etc
Communicate, converse, give direction, express oneself
WORKING CONDITIONS:
No Work Conditions
WORK SCHEDULE:
Standard Hours: 37.5
COMPENSATION INFORMATION
Expected Salary Range: $ 45,300.00 - $ 55,000.00
Salary is dependent upon several factors including, but not limited to, a candidates previous experience, knowledge, skills and performance in accordance with Clemsons compensation guidelines.
ESSENTIAL PERSONNEL LEVEL
Normal Operations
Required to follow emergency facility closure directives, and not normally expected work on-site during emergency situations.
JOB LOCATION:
Clemson, SC
APPLICATION DEADLINE:
Apply by May 22, 2026
MILITARY AND VETERAN:
MILITARY EQUIVALENCY:
Clemson University is proud to allow educational equivalency for military technical certifications and trainings that directly relate to the job duties.
VETERAN PREFERENCE:
South Carolina is making our Veterans a priority for employment in state agencies and institutions.
State policy for veteran preference states that for qualifying, full-time permanent positions, a veteran applicant may receive preference if they meet the jobs minimum qualifications, were discharged under honorable conditions from the military, and submit their DD-214 for confidential review by the Office of Human Resources.
To claim Veteran Preference for qualifying positions, email hrjob@clemson.edu upon submission of your application.
CLOSING STATEMENT:
Clemson University is an EEO/AA employer. Employment decisions are made without regard to characteristics protected by applicable law including disability and protected veteran status.