Senior Associate, People Operations, Advancement

Boston University Advancement

Boston University Advancement is at a pivotal moment, guided by new leadership and a clear strategic framework for growth and impact. Our work is organized around three core priorities: securing $500 million in philanthropy annually; deepening relationships with a strategically defined segment of alumni and donors; and strengthening the organizational foundation while launching focused priority areas across the University.

 

Advancement is evolving into a highly collaborative, matrixed model that integrates new University leadership, regional engagement, and the distinctive strengths of BU’s schools and colleges. With more than 250 advancement professionals, the organization is building the capacity, partnerships, and culture required to deliver sustained philanthropic momentum and institutional impact.

 

Senior Associate, People Operations

 

The Senior Associate, People Operations & Strategic Projects serves as a key operational partner within the People & Culture team, supporting the effective delivery of people strategies, programs, and organizational priorities across Boston University Advancement.

 

This role serves as a primary liaison between People & Culture and the Finance & Operations team and works closely with Human Resources, Information Technology, Facilities, and other university partners to coordinate the operational infrastructure that supports employees and the workplace. The Senior Associate manages a portfolio of operational and strategic projects, including space and facilities coordination, budget and purchasing processes, vendor management, workplace logistics, systems and process improvement, and employee-facing programs.

 

The Senior Associate brings strong project management, organizational, and relationship-building skills to ensure People & Culture initiatives translate into well-coordinated, efficient, and sustainable processes. The role requires sound judgment, attention to detail, the ability to manage multiple priorities, and the ability to work independently while collaborating effectively across functions.

 

Position Responsibilities

 

People Operations & Cross-Functional Coordination

• Serve as a primary operational liaison between People & Culture and Finance & Operations, Human Resources, Information Technology, Facilities, and other university partners.
• Coordinate people-related operational processes and workflows to ensure timely, consistent, and effective execution.
• Develop, document, and maintain processes, procedures, resources, and tools that support the effective operation of the People & Culture function.
• Coordinate employee lifecycle logistics, including onboarding, transitions, and departures, in partnership with appropriate university teams.
• Identify opportunities to streamline processes, clarify ownership, improve communication, and enhance the employee experience.
• Maintain accurate records, trackers, calendars, and documentation related to People & Culture operations and initiatives.
• Serve as a resource to managers and employees on operational processes and direct questions to the appropriate People & Culture or university partner.

 

Finance, Budget & Resource Management

• Partner with Finance & Operations on People & Culture budgets, expenditures
• Monitor spending and maintain accurate budget tracking for People & Culture programs, services, and initiatives.
• Coordinate purchasing, procurement, invoices, contracts, and related financial processes.
• Identify opportunities to improve operational efficiency and use resources effectively.

 

Space, Facilities & Workplace Operations

• Serve as the People & Culture point of contact for Advancement workplace and space-related needs.
• Coordinate with Finance & Operations, Facilities, and university partners on office space, moves, renovations, seating, furniture, equipment, and workplace needs.
• Maintain seating plans, workspace assignments, space inventories, and related documentation.
• Coordinate office moves, relocations, workspace changes, and associated employee communications.
• Support the effective use of shared workspaces, meeting areas, and collaborative spaces.
• Coordinate facilities-related requests and ensure issues are appropriately communicated, escalated, and resolved.

 

Vendor & Partnership Management

• Coordinate relationships with external vendors and service providers supporting People & Culture initiatives.
• Manage contracts, renewals, invoices, deliverables, and communications with vendors in partnership with appropriate university offices.
• Monitor vendor performance and identify opportunities to improve services, efficiency, and value.
• Coordinate with university partners and external providers to ensure People & Culture programs and services are delivered effectively.

 

People & Culture Programs & Employee Experience

• Provide operational and project management support for People & Culture programs, workshops, manager forums, employee events, and engagement initiatives.
• Coordinate program logistics, including scheduling, space, vendors, materials, communications, registration, and follow-up.
• Develop repeatable processes and project plans for recurring People & Culture programs and initiatives.
• Partner with the Director, People & Culture and Associate Director, Talent Management to operationalize employee engagement, learning, development, performance, and culture initiatives.
• Identify operational barriers that may negatively affect the employee experience and recommend solutions.
• Support internal communications and employee-facing resources related to People & Culture programs, policies, workplace changes, and organizational initiatives.

 

Required Skills

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• 3–5 years of relevant professional experience in operations, project management, human resources, program coordination, or a related field.
• Demonstrated experience coordinating projects, managing multiple priorities, and ensuring timely completion of deliverables.
• Strong organizational skills and exceptional attention to detail, with the ability to maintain accurate records, documentation, trackers, and project plans.
• Experience coordinating across teams, departments, or functional areas to support operational processes and organizational priorities.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to communicate processes, coordinate logistics, and develop clear documentation and employee-facing resources.
• Demonstrated ability to identify process gaps, recommend improvements, and develop tools or procedures that support operational efficiency and consistency.
• Ability to exercise sound judgment, maintain confidentiality, and handle sensitive employee and organizational information appropriately.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office applications, including Excel, Word, PowerPoint, and Outlook, and the ability to learn new systems and technology platforms.
• Demonstrated ability to work independently, exercise initiative, and collaborate effectively with colleagues and stakeholders at all levels of an organization.

 

 

Additional Qualifications

• Experience supporting human resources, people operations, employee experience, or organizational development functions.
• Experience with budget tracking, purchasing, procurement, invoice processing, contract administration, or vendor management.
• Experience coordinating office space, facilities, workplace logistics, equipment, relocations, or other workplace operations.
• Experience planning and executing employee programs, workshops, meetings, events, or engagement initiatives.

 

But that’s not all we’re looking for; we want someone who embodies our values:

• Teamwork, transparency, and mutual respect, because we value every member’s contributions and know that leadership can come from anywhere.
• Diversity, equity, inclusion, and a commitment to ensuring that each of us knows we belong here.
• Integrity in how we work and how we treat one another.
• Strategic thinking and curiosity in the relentless pursuit of fresh approaches and measurable results.
• Continuous growth and improvement, both as individuals and as a team.
• Joy and shared appreciation for working hard toward goals that matter.

To apply and learn more about Advancement at Boston University and other job opportunities, please stop by the Advancement Talent website: https://www.bu.edu/advancement-talent/.

We recognize that no candidate brings every experience or qualification to a role. If you're excited about this opportunity and believe your skills and experiences could contribute to our team, we encourage you to apply, even if your background doesn't align perfectly with every qualification listed. We value diverse perspectives, experiences, and ways of thinking, and we're committed to building a team where everyone can thrive.

We are an equal opportunity employer, and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, natural, protective, or culturally significant hairstyle, religion, sex, age, national origin, physical or mental disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information, military service, pregnancy or pregnancy-related condition, or marital, parental, or veteran status. We are a VEVRAA Federal Contractor.

If you require reasonable accommodation in order to complete the employment application process, please contact the Equal Opportunity Office at 617-358-1796.

 

Required Experience