Operations Manager - University of Arizona Applied Research Corporation

Location: Tucson, AZ 85713 (hybrid)

Clearance Required: Current or eligible for Top Secret/SCI

Do you excel at keeping moving parts aligned, people engaged, and projects on track? Are you motivated by supporting mission-focused programs where organization, adaptability, and problem-solving matter most?

Our client, a University of Arizona-affiliated non-profit advancing defense and security research by connecting faculty and research teams with funding opportunities and public-private partnerships, is seeking an Operations Manager to provide tactical coordination and logistics support across projects and programs. This role is key to ensuring smooth execution of market research, outreach campaigns, demonstration events, and digital resource management.

This is an opportunity to be at the center of innovative technology projects, supporting collaboration between government, industry, and research partners. You'll have the chance to shape impactful programs while working with a mission-driven team. The ideal candidate thrives in complex, fast-moving environments and is comfortable supporting R&D or defense-related projects.

What You'll Do:

• Coordinate bi-weekly meetings and maintain partner engagement schedules.
• Develop and manage RFI/RFQ campaigns, including vendor submissions and initial response screening.
• Facilitate outreach, marketing, workshops, and demonstration events (virtual and in-person).
• Serve as primary coordinator for quarterly demonstration and experimentation events.
• Maintain digital repositories of research findings, partner capabilities, and reports.
• Support contract reporting and collaborative event delivery.
• Manage logistics for workshops and market them via email, social media, and web platforms.

What We're Looking For:

• Bachelor's degree in Business, Public Administration, Technology Management, or equivalent certifications/experience.
• 5+ years of experience in operations or project support for R&D or defense-related programs.
• Familiarity with DoD or federal contracting environments.
• Strong skills in data and knowledge management systems.
• Exceptional organizational and multitasking skills.
• Active TS/SCI clearance preferred (or ability to obtain and maintain).

Compensation & Benefits Include:

• Competitive salary.
• Health, dental, and vision insurance; life and disability coverage; retirement plan.
• Paid time off and holidays.
• Professional development opportunities.
• Qualified tuition reduction.

Details

• Location: Tucson, AZ 85713.
• Schedule: Full-time, Monday–Friday, 8:00–5:00 with occasional adjustments to support customer needs.
• Occasional travel required to support workshops, demonstrations, and partner events

Equal Opportunity Employer:

Our client is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law. This position requires U.S. citizenship and the ability to obtain and maintain a security clearance.