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American Institute of Physics · 20 hours ago

Senior Director, Student Engagement Operations

College Park, MD, US

Full-time

Hybrid

Director/Executive

$137K/yr - $154K/yr

The American Institute of Physics (AIP) seeks a Senior Director of Student Engagement Operations to provide operational leadership for AIP’s undergraduate-focused student programs. The role involves translating strategy into execution, ensuring strong program operations, effective people management, and financial stewardship.

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Responsibilities

Direct and oversee the day-to-day operations of AIP’s student engagement programs, ensuring consistent, high-quality delivery across all initiatives

Translate the strategic vision set by the COAO into operational plans, timelines, and measurable outcomes

Apply project and program management principles to ensure smooth execution of programs, services, and events, including student professional development initiatives and large-scale convenings such as the Physics & Astronomy Congress

Continuously assess and improve operational processes to enhance efficiency, scalability, and member experience

Manage cross functional operational projects from initiation through completion

Maintain and grow membership in the societies, deepen chapter engagement, and improve member benefits

Lead, manage, and support a team of staff committed to advancing the missions of SPS and Sigma Pi Sigma

Foster a collaborative, inclusive, and accountable team culture that emphasizes professional growth, clear expectations, and shared ownership of outcomes

Recruit, onboard, retain, coach, and develop staff

Champion respectful workplace practices and support staff capacity to meet evolving organizational needs

Manage operational budgets in partnership with the COAO and AIP finance, ensuring responsible stewardship of resources

Monitor program expenditures, vendor relationships, and operational performance; provide regular reporting on financial and operational metrics

Develop and implement with the Executive Director of AIP Foundation a strategy for delivering grant support of SPS programs and activities from government and private foundation partners with an interest in undergraduate education and the physical sciences

Support the effective functioning of the SPS Council, Executive Committee, chapters, zones, and volunteer leaders through strong operational coordination, engagement, and communication

Manage staff–volunteer interfaces to ensure clarity of roles, productive collaboration, and efficient decision-making

Maintain strong working relationships with core stakeholders such as AIP Member Societies, Affiliates, and internal AIP teams to ensure operational alignment and shared goals

Partner with internal AIP teams to track operational data, identify gaps in operational efficiency, and implement improvements that better serve a diverse student membership

Ensure that programs, communications, and services are accessible, responsive, and aligned with student and advisor needs

Collaborate with AIP content, engagement, and communications teams to support timely, effective communication with SPS and Sigma Pi Sigma members in the context of a modern digital experience

Provide clear, consistent operational updates to the COAO and key stakeholders

Serve as a trusted internal partner who anticipates needs, flags risks, and proposes practical solutions

Qualification

Operational leadershipProgram managementBudget managementPeople managementNonprofit experienceSTEM engagementVolunteer coordinationTeam developmentStudent-centered practiceDigital tools familiarityCommunication skillsOrganizational skills