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Assistant Vice President of Operations

Phillips Theological Seminary -
Tulsa, OK

Job Details

Full-time
$81,564 - $95,838 a year

Qualifications

Vendor relationship building
Staff supervision
Fiscal management
Resource allocation (project management tasks)
Team supervision
Bachelor's degree
Data-driven problem-solving
Managing projects
Community relationship building
Managing business operations budgets
Stakeholder relationship building
Senior leadership

Full Job Description

FLSA Classification: FT/exempt

Salary Grade/Level: A19

Position Title: Assistant Vice President of Operations

Reports to: Vice President of Operations

Date Created/Revised: April 2026

Salary Range: $81,564 - $95,838+

Phillips Theological Seminary offers theological education dedicated to learning the
way of Jesus in order to cultivate vital congregations, communities, conversations,
and the public good. The Seminary is affiliated with the Christian Church (Disciples of
Christ). Located at the trifinium of the Creek, Osage, and Cherokee Nations, and just
minutes east of the Greenwood District of Tulsa, OK, better known as Black Wall
Street. Phillips is committed to justice initiatives and relational solidarity. We are
committed to diversity, interculturality (e.g., Africana, Latinx, Asian, and Indigenous
American communities), and justice with attention to the social realities of race, class,
ethnicity, gender, and queer expressions of the human experience.

Summary/Objective:
The Assistant Vice President of Operations is responsible for the day-to-day
leadership and strategic coordination of the Seminary's People & Culture, and
Safety & Security. Reporting to the Vice President of Operations, this position
serves as a key operational leader, ensuring the effective delivery of services that
support the Seminary's mission and enhance the employee and community
experience. The Assistant Vice President collaborates closely with the VP of
Operations, senior leadership, faculty, and staff to implement policies, manage
programs, and foster a culture of excellence, and safety.

Essential Functions:
People & Culture

Implements and manages the People & Culture strategy in alignment with the

organization's mission, values, and strategic goals.

Leads inclusion and belonging initiatives, ensuring these principles are

integrated into daily operations, policies, and programs.

Oversees the Manager of People & Culture and collaborates with senior

leadership on employee engagement, workforce planning, and organizational
culture initiatives.

Manages talent acquisition processes to attract and retain qualified

candidates aligned with the Seminary's mission and values.

Ensures HR policies and practices are fair, transparent, legally compliant, and

reflect the organization's values.

Oversees employee relations, conflict resolution, and provides guidance on

complex personnel matters in collaboration with the VP of Operations.

Implements and monitors performance management programs that promote

accountability, continuous feedback, and professional development.

Manages compensation and benefits administration, ensuring

competitiveness and internal equity.

Oversees employee onboarding, training, and development programs that

support staff growth and institutional goals.

Maintains accurate HR records and ensures compliance with all employment

laws and regulations.

Safety & Security

Implements and manages comprehensive safety and security programs

aligned with the Seminary's mission and operational needs.

Enforces safety policies, procedures, and best practices for physical security,

risk management, and emergency response.

Ensures ongoing compliance with local, state, and federal safety and security

regulations, with particular attention to higher education requirements.

Manages the implementation, testing, and ongoing refinement of emergency

preparedness and crisis management plans.

Coordinates with the VP of Operations and Senior Director of

Communications on crisis communication protocols and response.

Conducts regular safety audits and risk assessments, recommending

improvements as needed.

Manages relationships with local law enforcement, emergency responders,

and security vendors.

Works with the institutional technology team to oversee security systems,

access control, and monitoring protocols.

Leads safety training programs for employees and students.

Administrative and Leadership Responsibilities

Collaborates with other vice presidents, senior directors, and department

heads on cross-functional initiatives and institutional priorities.

Participates in Seminary Cabinet meetings and other leadership forums as

assigned.

Prepares reports, presentations, and briefings on operational matters for

senior leadership and the Board of Trustees as requested.

Supports institutional planning, policy development, and problem resolution in

operational areas.

Manages departmental budgets and ensures cost-effective resource

allocation.

Promotes positive working relationships across departments and with

external partners and vendors.

Identifies trends, opportunities for innovation, and best practices to enhance

operational effectiveness.

Represents the Seminary at professional conferences and community events

as appropriate.

Competencies:
• Knowledge of organizational structure, workflow, and operational best

practices in higher education or nonprofit settings

Understanding of institutional policies, procedures, and the regulatory

environment

Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to interact effectively with diverse

stakeholders including faculty, staff, students, community members, and
external partners

Demonstrated leadership, organizational, and management skills
Employee development and performance management capabilities
Analytical and critical thinking skills with the ability to analyze data and make

informed decisions

Strong verbal and written communication skills and the ability to present

effectively to various audiences

Ability to supervise and develop staff, including organizing, prioritizing, and

scheduling work assignments

Ability to foster a collaborative and inclusive work environment
Ability to manage multiple priorities and complex projects simultaneously
Strategic planning and implementation skills
Knowledge of HR best practices, employment law, and compliance

requirements

Understanding of safety and security protocols, emergency management,

and risk assessment

Proficiency with relevant technology systems and platforms
Ability to maintain confidentiality and exercise sound judgment
Cultural competency and commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion
Problem-solving skills with a solutions-oriented mindset
Ability to work effectively under pressure and adapt to changing priorities

Supervisory Responsibilities:
Directly supervises the Manager of People & Culture, the Phillips safety team, and
outside security contractors. Provides leadership, direction, and performance
management for these team members and their respective functions.

Work Environment:
This position requires a self-motivated leader with strong attention to detail and
excellent organizational skills. The work environment requires the ability to work
both independently and collaboratively, managing multiple priorities while
maintaining productivity and responsiveness to Seminary stakeholders. Regular
interaction with employees, students, visitors, and external partners is expected.

Physical Demands:
This is primarily an office-based position with regular movement throughout campus
facilities. The position requires the ability to conduct site visits, attend events, and
participate in emergency response activities. Occasional lifting or moving of
materials up to 25 pounds may be required. The ideal candidate must be able to
complete all physical requirements of the job with or without a reasonable
accommodation.

Position Type/Expected Hours:
This position is full-time and requires 40 hours per week.

Travel:
No travel outside of the work setting is required

Required Education/Experience:
• Bachelor's Degree required

Minimum 5-7 years of progressive work experience in operations, human

resources, or related fields

Minimum 3 years of supervisory or management experience
Experience managing multiple functional areas or complex projects
Experience with budget management and resource allocation

Preferred Education/Experience:
• Master's Degree in Business Administration, Human Resources, Higher

Education Administration, or related field

Experience in higher education, nonprofit, or mission-driven organizational

settings

Professional certifications in HR (PHR, SHRM-CP), or safety management
Experience with crisis management and emergency response
Knowledge of ADA compliance and accessibility best practices
Familiarity with theological education or faith-based organizations

EEO Statement:
Phillips is an Equal Opportunity, ecumenical seminary of the Christian Church
(Disciples of Christ). We are approved by the University Senate of the United
Methodist Church. Phillips Theological Seminary is an equal employment
opportunity employer who complies with all federal, state, and local equal
employment opportunity laws The Seminary does not discriminate against

employees or applicants base on race, color, national or ethnic origin, alienage and
citizenship status, marital status, age, sex, gender (including gender identity and
expression), sexual orientation, genetic information, pregnancy, disability, military
status, or religion. The Seminary’s commitment to equal opportunity extends to all
aspects of the employment relationship, including hiring, promotions, training,
working conditions, compensation, and benefits.

Other Duties:
Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a
comprehensive listing of activities, duties, or responsibilities that are required of the
employee. The omission of specific statements of duties does not exclude them
from the position if the work is similar, related, or a logical assignment to the
position. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change at any time with or
without notice.

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