Job SummaryThe Associate Director for Operations will be the lead administrative and operational officer for the Dr. Lucy Jones Center for Disaster Resilience at Caltech, responsible for turning the Center's strategic vision into effective day-to-day practice. Reporting to the Center Director, this position will oversee administrative operations, financial management, partner-facing logistics, and internal coordination across Caltech units that support the Center's mission to apply hazard science to real-world resilience and risk reduction, with a particular focus on Southern California. The role is central to building a high-functioning hub that supports partnerships, targeted research, and broad outreach connecting Caltech expertise with governments, businesses, and communities.
Essential Job DutiesCenter Operations:- Design, implement, and continuously improve processes that support the Center's three program areas: Partnership for Disaster Resilience, Targeted Research, and Broader Outreach.
- Manage day-to-day administrative functions, including scheduling, facilities coordination, procurement, and general office operations.
- Operationalize the Alliance for Disaster Resilience, including membership structures, benefits, delivery, and relationship management systems. Plan and execute partner-facing activities, such as annual meetings, roundtables, scenario exercises, field trips (e.g., fault tours), cross-sector workshops, and virtual briefings.
- Assist the Director in multi-year planning for Center growth, including operational capacity, partnership development, and program expansion. Help shape staffing plans as the Center grows, including defining roles, assisting with recruitment, and onboarding new team members.
- Prepare internal summaries and reports for Caltech leadership and external stakeholders documenting impact and progress.
Financial Management:- Develop and manage the Center's annual operating budget in consultation with the Center Director.
- Oversee financial tracking for philanthropic gifts, membership contributions, sponsored research, and other revenue streams, ensuring compliance with Caltech and sponsor requirements.
- Monitor project expenditures and prepare financial reports for internal and external stakeholders.
- Develop and track key performance indicators for Center operations and programs (e.g., participation, partner retention, project throughput).
Research and Development:- Partner with colleagues at USGS to enhance the public interface for ShakeAlert. Conduct quantitative communications research to better understand barriers to the adoption of ShakeAlert technology and devise improvements to the public interface. This involves working with physical scientists, social scientists, and outside entities.
- Oversee the Center's outreach programs, including public briefings after significant earthquakes, training activities for early-career scientists, and collaborative events with other Caltech centers. Work with Southern California Seismic Network (SCSN) staff to develop and implement new strategies for media engagement.
- Coordinate with the SCSN, the Division of Geological and Planetary Sciences, and other Caltech entities to ensure smooth collaboration.
- Develop proposals for targeted research projects and multi-institutional initiatives, including budgets, timelines, and reporting.
- Other duties as assigned.
Basic Qualifications- A doctorate in a social science relevant to risk communication (e.g., Journalism, Communications, or Sociology).
- 2+ years of practical experience with disaster resilience, hazards, emergency management, climate adaptation, or related domains.
- 2+ years of experience developing and managing membership or partnership programs (corporate, civic, or philanthropic).
- Demonstrated success running complex operations that combine events, partnerships, and sponsored or philanthropic projects.
- Strong financial management skills, including budgeting, forecasting, and reporting.
- Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail, with the ability to manage multiple projects and deadlines in a fast-moving environment.
Preferred Qualifications- Published research in the changing media environment and effective approaches for combating misinformation during crises.
- Proven ability to work effectively with diverse stakeholders, including faculty, senior institutional leaders, corporate and government partners, and community organizations.
- Outstanding written and oral communication skills, including the ability to translate technical program needs into clear operational plans.
- Familiarity with Caltech or similar research-intensive institutions and their administrative systems.
Required DocumentsHiring Range$103,000 to $130,000 per year
The salary of the finalist(s) selected for this role will be set based on a variety of factors, including but not limited to, internal equity, experience, education, specialty and training.
As one of the largest employers in Pasadena, CA, Caltech is committed to providing comprehensive benefits to eligible employees and their eligible dependents. Our benefits package includes competitive compensation, health, dental, and vision insurance, retirement savings plans, generous paid time off (vacation, holidays, sick time, parental leave, bereavement, etc.), tuition reimbursement, and more. Non-benefit eligible employees will have access to some benefits such as onsite counseling and sick time. Learn more about our benefits and staff perks.
