JOB SUMMARY

The Lal Carbon Center at The Ohio State University seeks a dynamic, highly organized Center Manager to oversee the Center’s operational, fiscal, administrative, and communications functions. The Center Manager will supervise the Center’s operational staff, manage the budget and financial processes, oversee external and internal communications, coordinate Center events and donor engagement activities, and ensure smooth daily operations, allowing the Center Director to focus on research, stakeholder relations, and strategic initiatives.
The Center Manager reports directly to the Center Director and plays a critical leadership role in supporting the Center’s mission to advance interdisciplinary research in carbon management, soil science, climate resilience, and sustainable agriculture.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent experience in Business Administration, Public Administration, Communications, Environmental Sciences, or related field.
• Minimum of 5 years of relevant experience in operations, financial management, or program administration.
• Demonstrated supervisory or team leadership experience.
• Strong organizational, project management, and communication skills.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite and familiarity with University systems (Workday preferred).

DESIRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Master’s degree in a related field.
• Experience managing budgets in a higher education or research setting.
• Familiarity with federal grant funding and reporting requirements.
• Experience in marketing, communications, or event planning.
• Knowledge of Ohio State policies, procedures, and branding guidelines.
  This job profile is a Manager 2, Business Operations (M2 level) position on the career roadmap. This is a term position, subject to renewal based on performance and budget availability.
  The pay range for this profile is $88,300.00 - $115,350.00/salary. The offer for this position will fall within this range based on internal equity, unit’s available budget, and the candidate’s qualifications
  Term (Fixed Term) 40 First Shif

Operational and Administrative Management/Staff Supervision and HR Coordination

• Lead day-to-day operations of the Center, including supervising operational and administrative staff.
• Implement, monitor, and optimize office procedures, administrative workflows, and operational policies.
• Serve as the primary liaison between the Center Director and faculty, staff, external stakeholders, and University offices.
• Coordinate logistics for visiting scholars, advisory board meetings, and Center-hosted seminars.
• Manage physical office needs, IT coordination, space allocation, supplies, and records maintenance.
• Provide direct support to the Center Director on strategic initiatives and administrative priorities.
• Supervise Center operational and administrative staff, including performance management and professional development.
• Oversee recruitment, onboarding, and HR coordination for Center staff and students in collaboration with SENR HR partners.
• Foster a positive, team-oriented, and service-focused work environment.

Fiscal and Budget Management

• Develop, monitor, and manage Center budgets, including general funds, endowments, grants, contracts, and gift funds.
• Oversee procurement activities, PCard usage, fiscal reconciliations, and monthly financial reporting.
• Collaborate with the SENR Fiscal Office and Office of Sponsored Programs (OSP) on grant pre- and post-award processes.
• Approve fiscal transactions and ensure compliance with University policies and sponsor requirements.
• Support faculty and staff with budget development for new grant proposals.

Communications and Event Management

• Manage internal and external communications, including newsletters, website content, social media presence, donor communications, and stakeholder updates.
• Oversee the development and dissemination of Center materials, including fact sheets, reports, promotional content, and visual communications.
• Plan and execute Center events, including advisory board meetings, annual conferences, stakeholder engagement activities, and donor cultivation events.
• Coordinate with University marketing, communications, and advancement offices to align messaging and branding.