Operations Manager

POSITION SUMMARY

The Operations Manager is a full-time, salaried position with benefits, responsible for the management of day-to-day operations, maintenance, construction, sustainability, regional initiatives, security, and infrastructure improvements. The Operations Manager will also liaise with community stakeholders on regional projects outside of the Cortex boundary. The Operations Manager will work closely with Cortex staff, property owners, developers, regional initiative partners, property managers, the City of St. Louis, construction contractors, and community stakeholders to ensure a high-quality experience for tenants and visitors to the Cortex Innovation District.

Cortex believes its success is of vital importance to the future growth and prosperity of the St. Louis region, and seeks a committed individual who shares this vision, who desires to make a difference, and who wants to be part of a transformative organization.

CORTEX INNOVATION DISTRICT

Cortex creates space for innovators from a diversity of backgrounds to transform ideas into solutions. Weaving together people, places, and organizations, Cortex accelerates inclusive economic growth in the St. Louis region. Cortex creates equitable economic impacts by leveraging high-quality facilities, developing programs that build knowledge and networks, and convening strategic partnerships that attract and support emerging and established companies. Founded in 2002 through a collaboration of Washington University in St. Louis, BJC HealthCare, the University of Missouri – St. Louis, Saint Louis University, and the Missouri Botanical Garden, the Cortex Innovation District (CortexSTL.org) is an internationally recognized hub of innovation and entrepreneurship that is focused on accelerating inclusive economic growth in St. Louis.

Cortex’s mission is to advance inclusive economic growth in the St. Louis region. Cortex’s 5-year strategic plan can be found on our website.

REPORTING STRUCTURE

Reports to:                     Vice President of District Operations

Direct reports:               Courtesy Grounds Associate

Collaborates with:        Staff, partner organizations, property managers, tenants and members of the public

POSITION RESPONSIBILITIES. This position will advance our mission by:

• Assisting in preparing and managing annual operations budget.
• Creating and maintaining policies and procedures for all areas of responsibility.
• Maintaining historical and current operation department files in SharePoint, inclusive of construction and real estate.
• Assisting in managing Cortex-owned lessee spaces, scheduling vendor services and providing access to buildings as needed.
• Managing Security contractor, camera system infrastructure and software with associated vendors and suggesting upgrades to system as needed.
• Leading monthly security coordination meeting for the Cortex District and compiling necessary annual reports.
• Managing Courtesy Grounds Associate in partnership with The Independence Center, coordinating schedule with District Experience team.
• Maintaining Cortex Operations equipment, taking inventory and procuring supplies for the department as needed.
• Completing service requests for City services as related to public realm on behalf of Cortex.
• Assisting in implementation of Cortex Sustainability Plan and related initiatives.
• Being responsible for Green Infrastructure annual report to MSD.
• Assisting VP of District Operations in liaising and working with City of St. Louis and external stakeholders (WashU Sustainability Dept., Arch to Park, Trailnet) on St. Louis regional projects such as sustainability, real estate initiatives, building policy, and public transportation; attending meetings as necessary.
• Other duties may be assigned.

SKILLS, ABILITIES AND ATTITUDE. We do not expect all applicants to have all the following characteristics; we are hoping for a mix of:

• Proven track record as a team leader with an understanding of management practices.
• Demonstrated project and budget management skills.
• Experience in development and implementation of sustainability projects and initiatives.
• Strong business acumen with a broad understanding of fundamental business principles.
• Ability to lead and influence others who are not direct reports or part of the Cortex organization.
• Analytical problem-solving skills with strong attention to detail.
• Ability to make decisions and solve problems.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills.
• Ability to negotiate and execute contracts.
• The confidence to represent Cortex in public forums.
• Willing to participate in ongoing Anti-Bias/Anti-Racism Training.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office (Outlook, Excel).
• Ability to read and interpret Architectural Plans and Specifications.
• A passion for an impactful mission.

PREFERED QUALIFICATIONS

• Minimum of 5+ years of experience in business, construction management; contracting, sustainability or similar experience.
• At least 5 years of management experience.
• Real estate experience is a plus.
• Technical writing skills.
• Experience managing sustainability data.

DIVERSITY, INCLUSION AND EQUITY

Cortex actively seeks to increase diversity of its workforce. Cortex is an Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, religion, gender, age, veteran status, political affiliation, sexual orientation, marital status or disability (in compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act) with respect to employment opportunities.

COMPENSATION

The hiring range for this position is $60,000-$65,000. Cortex employees also receive a benefits package that includes health insurance, 10 holidays, 20 days of PTO a year, 10% 401K matching after 6 months, and others. Work location is in-person in the Cortex Innovation District.

RESUME SUBMISSIONS

Please submit a letter of interest and resume to resumes[@]cortexstl.org. In the letter of interest, be sure to include information about your years of experience, certifications held, level of management attained, record-keeping style and comfort with technology. We will interview until we fill the position but prefer a submission date of EOB January 12, 2024.