Manager of Administration and Strategic Initiatives

Colby College•Colby, KS

About The Position

Reporting to the Director of the Lunder Institute for American Art (LIAA), the Manager of Administration and Strategic Initiatives plays a central role in translating the Institute’s goals and vision into effective operations and sustainable practices. Working closely with the Director, the Manager provides leadership in the planning, management, reconciliation, and evaluation of the Lunder Institute's budget and operations while overseeing the administrative and operational infrastructure that supports the Institute’s programs, fellowships, residencies, and initiatives. The Manager collaborates with the Manager of Fellowships and Programs, the Coordinator of Fellowships, and other Institute staff to operationalize the Institute’s mission and values through effective project management, administrative systems, and organizational processes. They support the Director in ensuring that budget and program administration processes and projects are completed efficiently and accurately, serving as a key liaison with the Colby Museum and Colby College finance teams. In this capacity, the Manager coordinates financial management activities, including reporting and reconciliation, and works with museum and College partners to prepare financial, demographic, and program information required for institutional and grant reporting. The Manager also oversees the day-to-day administrative and logistical functions of the Institute, including maintaining records and documentation, preparing meeting materials and presentations, coordinating communications with museum and College partners, and supporting special projects and institutional partnerships. They supervise interns supporting administrative and operational functions and serve as a primary logistics liaison for fellows, residents, and visiting scholars. In addition, the Manager coordinates the use and operations of Lunder Institute spaces and facilities, including those at the Greene Block + Studios and housing for fellows, working closely with Colby facilities and external partners. Through this work, the Manager represents the Lunder Institute across campus and within the broader community, helping to sustain, monitor, and communicate the Institute’s work through a strong finance, operations, and program management lens.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree or equivalent combination of education and experience
3 - 5 years of budget and administrative experience in higher education, museums, nonprofits, or similar organizations
Experience with budget management and financial record systems; Workday and Excel experience preferred
Experience preparing and presenting budget or financial reports
Proficiency with Microsoft Office and Google Workspace; familiarity with Adobe Creative Suite, Airtable, or similar tools preferred
Strong written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills
Ability to synthesize information and communicate key points clearly
Strong organizational and project management skills with attention to detail and ability to meet deadlines
Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a fast-paced environment
Commitment to fostering an inclusive and equitable work environment
Appreciation for the mission and values of a liberal arts institution

Nice To Haves

Experience supporting marketing or communications efforts, including social media or newsletter, preferred

Responsibilities

Manage the Lunder Institute budget, including expense tracking, reconciliations, credit card verification, budget analysis, and preparation of annual budget in collaboration with the Director and museum staff.
Oversee grant administration, including resource tracking, data analysis, and financial reporting.
Coordinate facilities and operations for the Greene Block + Studios, including maintenance requests, shared space logistics, and housing arrangements for fellows, residents, and guests.
Partner with LIAA staff to plan and coordinate Institute events and public programs, including occasional evening and weekend programs.
Recruit and oversee interns supporting administrative and operational work, including coordinating payroll and participation.
Support the maintenance and updates of Lunder Institute digital platforms, including the website, in collaboration with museum communications, IT, and external partners.
Develop and maintain administrative systems and operational processes that support the Institute’s programs, fellowships, residencies, and partnerships.
Collaborate with Lunder Institute, museum, and College colleagues to ensure consistent and effective operational practices.
Support project management for Institute initiatives, including coordinating timelines and collaborating with communications and engagement teams.
Manage administrative operations such as scheduling, purchasing, contracts, travel coordination, and compliance with College policies.
Prepare and maintain Institute communications, presentations, records, and documentation.
Participate in Lunder Institute and Colby Museum staff meetings and contribute to institutional initiatives and planning.
Represent the Lunder Institute by building strong relationships with colleagues, fellows, residents, collaborators, and campus partners.
Engage in professional development aligned with departmental and institutional priorities.