Director of Operations, Miller Academy for Free Expression and Pluralism

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.

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.

• 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.

• 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.

• 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.

Advertised: July 16, 2026
Applications close: July 17, 2026

• 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.

• 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.