Leading and Improving Operational Efficiencies

Jonathan Okstad, PhD, MBA, recently joined Feinberg Dean's Administration as the director of operations. Previously, he was part of the Basic Science Administration (BSA) research administration team.

Prior to joining Northwestern, he earned a bachelor's degree in sociology from North Dakota State University, a Master of Education from the University of Minnesota–Twin Cities, an MBA in Strategic Management from St. Catherine University, and a PhD in Educational Leadership & Policy Studies from Loyola University Chicago. He is a certified professional project manager. 

Where is your hometown?  

I was born and raised in Grand Forks, North Dakota. I lived and worked in Minneapolis, before moving to Chicago to pursue my PhD. Almost 10 years later, I'm proud to call Chicago home. 

What led you to Northwestern?  

I joined Feinberg after working at the Crown Family School of Social Work, Policy, and Practice at the University of Chicago. Having recently completed my PhD, I was looking for an opportunity where I could combine my interests in higher education, organizational strategy and operational excellence. Feinberg offered the chance to support an institution that is advancing research and education at the highest level while working alongside incredibly talented colleagues. I joined the Basic Science Administration (BSA) on the research administration team, which was a great fit and like returning home as I previously served as director of sponsored programs administration at a liberal arts college in Minnesota. 

What are you currently working on?   

I transitioned into the role of director of operations in the Feinberg Dean’s Office this spring. Building on work I started during my time in BSA, I’m focused on finding ways to reduce administrative burden, improve operational efficiencies, strengthen communication and build community across the school. I’ve always enjoyed using tools like Smartsheet and SharePoint to simplify processes, and my new role gives me the opportunity to approach that work more broadly across Feinberg. 

Outside of Northwestern, I remain active in higher education scholarship. I’m currently co-editing a special journal issue on doctoral education planned for release in 2027 and continuing collaborations with colleagues on research spanning STEM education, organizational change and theory, and social determinants of health, with recent work published and additional work under review. 

How does your work support the research enterprise at Feinberg? 

Much of our work happens behind the scenes, with a focus on making things easier for the people doing the work. We’re constantly looking for ways to simplify processes, reduce administrative burden, and improve how our systems and services work. I enjoy working at the intersection of strategy, operations and service, helping connect people, resources and processes to advance Feinberg’s research mission. 

Why do you enjoy working at Northwestern? 

I was drawn to Northwestern because of its reputation, but it’s the people and community at Feinberg that have kept me here. There’s a culture of collaboration, innovation and continuous improvement, where people are encouraged to think creatively and challenge how we do things. I enjoy working alongside colleagues who care about making a difference and supporting research that has the potential to improve lives.