POSTED: December 13, 2022
BUSINESS: Krach Institute for Tech Diplomacy
POSITION TYPE: Full-time
START DATE: Immediate Availability

Founded in 2021, the Krach Institute for Tech Diplomacy at Purdue is the preeminent global authority on tech statecraft, combining high-tech Silicon Valley strategies with foreign policy tools and deep technology expertise to ensure that technology advances freedom. KITDP is a bipartisan initiative under the Purdue Research Foundation (PRF), a 501(c)(3) nonprofit affiliated with Purdue University, with offices in West Lafayette, IN and Washington, DC.

The Krach Institute for Tech Diplomacy at Purdue is seeking a Chief Operating Officer, who will play a critical role in providing the operational and management excellence needed to scale the Institute’s growth and impact, drive global strategic initiatives, and achieve its crucial mission: advancing freedom through trusted technology.

The Chief Operating Officer, based in Washington, DC, will report to the Director and serve as an integral part of the leadership and management of the organization. In short, he or she is the Director’s right-hand partner.

Initially, the Chief Operating Officer will focus on establishing internal processes, policies, systems and controls. The Purdue Research Foundation (PRF) supports the Krach Institute with HR, Legal, IT and Accounting services. The Chief Operating Officer will serve as the senior point of contact with key PRF departments, creating Institute-specific policies and processes where needed and/or ensuring alignment and compliance with PRF policies.

As the Institute scales and operational systems are established, the Chief Operating Officer’s focus will evolve and expand to include project managing, driving and executing strategic initiatives at global scale that deliver on KITDP’s mission to ensure technology advances freedom.

To position the Institute successfully for growth, the Chief Operating Officer will also be consistently focused on overseeing the Institute’s budget, accounting, development, resource management and forecasting, in addition to helping mentor and guide the growing Institute team.

This is a unique opportunity for someone who is mission-driven, passionate about freedom and technology, and is comfortable and enthusiastic working in a start-up and growth environment. The ideal candidate has a strong understanding of nonprofit infrastructure and knows how to create and implement programs. He or she takes extreme ownership of their responsibilities, and is a problem-solving, proactive individual with extensive experience in project management, administration, finance/accounting and human resources, ideally with both start-up and established organizations. Excellence, teamwork and a can-do attitude are essential.

Candidates must be based in/near the DC Metro area.

Responsibilities

Operations

  • Develop and implement operational processes and policies for the Institute, partnering closely with the Human Resources, Legal, Compliance, IT and other departments within the Purdue Research Foundation (PRF)
  • Ensure alignment between Institute and PRF policies
  • Lead operational budget creation, management, forecasting, and analysis
  • Ensure the Institute operates within budget guidelines and provide timely, accurate, and persistent financial reports to the Director
  • Oversee and negotiate vendor and other contractual relationships with internal and external stakeholders

Strategic Initiatives/Project Management

  • Project manage key Institute initiatives, projects and strategies, ensuring effectiveness and the completion of deliverables against timelines, budgets and Institute goals
  • Partner with the CEO on growth and strategic planning
  • Provide strategic recommendations for resource and planning needs
  • Manage contracts to ensure timely completion of deliverables and financial and programmatic compliance with partner entities, including sponsors and donors
  • Effectively collaborate with internal and external stakeholders across the Institute, PRF, Purdue University, domestic and international policymakers and influencers

Leadership/Mentorship

  • Provides guidance, coaching, and mentorship to staff in support of both a positive and effective organizational culture
  • Based in Washington, DC
  • Must be able to be in-person in the office at least three (3) days a week

Qualifications

  • At least 10 years of relevant professional experience in a senior operations role and/or management capacity
  • Bachelors’ degree in a relevant field; advanced degree or professional experience in business, management, international affairs or related fields is highly desirable
  • Experience with creating and implementing internal systems and procedures
  • Experience with developing and executing international strategic projects and initiatives
  • PMP and/or PgMP certification preferred, or equivalent in project management experience
  • Solid understanding of nonprofit policies and procedures, development, compliance and internal controls
  • Ability to maintain confidentiality as it relates to organization-based communications
  • Strong technology skills, experience with Quickbooks, Budgeting and CRMs

If you are interested in applying, please click here to begin the process: https://www.applyatprf.com.

A criminal conviction check and negative controlled substance test are required for employment in this position.

The Krach Institute of Tech Diplomacy at Purdue is an equal opportunity, affirmative action employer. KITD views, evaluates, and treats all persons in all KITD-related activities solely as individuals on the basis of their own personal abilities, qualifications, and other relevant characteristics.  All qualified applicants for employment will receive consideration without regard to race, religion, color, gender, national origin or ancestry, genetic information, marital status, parental status, sexual orientation, gender identity and expression, disability, or status as a veteran.

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