Department: Risk Management
Salary/Grade: NEX/12

Job Summary:

The Operations Coordinator will be responsible for supporting the Director of Operations and Operations Manager in carrying out Northwestern’s COVID-19 screening/testing program for students, faculty, and staff.  The Coordinator will serve on a team responsible for ensuring compliance with the University’s established protocols for testing. Reporting to the Operations Manager, the Coordinator will work in partnership with Northwestern Medicine (NM) and University Health Services helping to oversee the day-to-day operations of multiple COVID-19 Testing Sites and associated staff.

Please note: This position will be on-campus with no availability to work remotely. The primary work location for this position will be the Evanston campus, but the position requires flexibility and availability to spend time on the Chicago campus. This is a temporary position that is expected to last 9-12 months with the possibility of extension based on mutual agreement. This position requires some night and weekend work, as necessary.

Specific Responsibilities:

• Carry out a set of administrative responsibilities for the COVID testing on-site team(s), including but not limited to staff training, performance evaluation, IT and technical support.  Includes serving as an NU ambassador in all interactions with key stakeholders (on-site staff, University Leadership, students, faculty, staff, external vendors, cross-functional partners)
• Help manage testing team’s adherence to critical compliance and operational processes, including participant management; sample management; data entry and analysis; monitoring/reporting; and compliance.  Set the tone for the team with a positive and productive environment and a collegial, team-focused culture.
• Troubleshoot issues and capitalize on opportunities that arise on-site while maintaining smooth operations.
• Ensure testing team members have adequate resources, training, and education materials to rigorously adhere to required PPE and health and safety protocols.
• Partner with Procurement to develop reliable inventory management approach including monitoring medical supply levels and helping to inform testing prioritization decisions.
• Develop collaborative strategies to identify effective approaches for process improvement through strong relationships with colleagues across the University and Northwestern Medicine and carry through to successfully execute
• Assist with other projects, administrative duties and initiatives as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications:

• High school diploma or equivalent.
• 4-5 years of professional work experience with a focus on operational experience and/or project management experience and track record of successfully meeting established expectations.
• People management experience.

Minimum Competencies: (Skills, knowledge, and abilities.)

• Ability to demonstrate self-confidence and appropriate accountability and assertiveness while acting as a team player and showing appreciation for and respecting the collective role of a team.
• Strong interpersonal skills the highest standards of professionalism, including reliable presence, tact, discretion and a customer service-oriented approach.
• Ability to direct and work with cross-functional teams including establishing strong relationships with a wide range of key stakeholders and staff.
• Ability to think strategically and implement tactical initiatives.
• Strong judgement and the ability to problem solve, re-prioritize and pivot as needed in a fast-paced, dynamic environment.
• Proven time management, organizational, and project management skills.
• Strong verbal and written communication, persuasion, and listening skills.
• Aptitude with technology, including strong proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite applications and willingness to learn new technology tools.
• Ability to handle confidential information with professionalism and discretion.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s Degree.
• Experience in higher education and/or healthcare.
• Strong analytical skills and comfort with MS Excel analysis.

Northwestern University is an Equal Opportunity, Affirmative Action Employer of all protected classes, including veterans and individuals with disabilities. Women, racial and ethnic minorities, individuals with disabilities, and veterans are encouraged to apply. Hiring is contingent upon eligibility to work in the United States.