Founded in 2021, the Krach Institute for Tech Diplomacy at Purdue (KITDP) aims to secure freedom from techno-authoritarian threats by accelerating the widespread innovation and adoption of trusted technology. The Institute is the preeminent authority on Tech Diplomacy, integrating tech expertise, Silicon Valley strategies and foreign policy tools to build the Global Tech Trust Network of governments, companies and individuals united around a set of trust principles and a common mission to ensure technology advances freedom. KITDP is a bipartisan initiative under the Purdue Research Foundation (PRF), a 501(c)(3) nonprofit affiliated with Purdue University, with physical offices in West Lafayette, IN, and Washington, DC.

The Krach Institute for Tech Diplomacy at Purdue is seeking an experienced and driven Deputy Director for Operations to play a key role in establishing operational excellence at KITDP. Reporting directly to the Chief Operating Officer, this position will be responsible for overseeing project planning across the organization and all key functions, managing day-to-day operations, and ultimately contributing to the Institute’s impact and effectiveness. The Deputy Director will partner with senior leaders across the Institute to help develop and track the execution of comprehensive project plans and processes, ensuring achievement of organizational goals on-time and on-budget. He/she will lead project management, utilizing trackers, analytics, dashboards, and effective communication with stakeholders across the organization. He/she will manage resource allocation and project budgets, leading on contract administration and documentation of processes within the organization.

Responsibilities

• Develop and assess progress against comprehensive project and action plans, in partnership with project and functional leaders, ensuring that teams and/or individuals execute against plans on-time and on-budget. 
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to define project scopes, objectives, and deliverables.
• Monitor project progress, identify potential risks, and work with the appropriate team members or leaders to implement proactive solutions.
• Manage project deliverables and help coordinate various functions.

• Streamline and optimize day-to-day operations to enhance efficiency and productivity.
• Foster effective communication and collaboration among internal teams, including burn reporting and frequent updates to key stakeholders.
• Implement and improve operational policies and procedures.

• Work closely with the COO to contribute to the development and refinement of the institute’s overall strategy.
• Provide insights and recommendations based on industry trends and best practices.
• Support the COO in translating strategic initiatives into actionable operational plans.
• Work with the COO on quarterly offsite strategic planning and facilitation.

• Cultivate strong relationships with internal and external stakeholders, particularly at Purdue University and the broad network of Fellows and Senior Advisors.
• Facilitate communication between different teams and ensure alignment with strategic objectives.
• Represent the institute in relevant meetings and forums.

• Monitor resource allocation for projects and initiatives, ensuring regular communication with the COO.
• Collaborate with finance and HR departments to ensure optimal resource utilization and alignment with budget.
• Identify opportunities for resource optimization and cost efficiency.

Skills, Knowledge and Expertise

• Strong understanding of strategic planning, operations management, and project lifecycle.
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills. You are an operational task-master and friendly partner to all at the same time. 
• Ability to work collaboratively in a dynamic, fast-paced environment. 
• Agility and extreme ownership are a must. 
• Lean Six Sigma and/or Project Management Certification highly desirable.

Education/Experience

• Bachelors’ degree in a relevant field; advanced degree or professional experience in business, management, international affairs or related fields is highly desirable.
• 3-5 years' experience required.
• Proven experience in program or project management, with a track record of successful execution.