The client invites nominations and expressions of interest for the position of Chief Operating Officer and Senior Vice Chancellor (COO/SVC). this leadership role will help guide institutional operations during a period of organizational alignment and transformation. the COO/SVC is expected to provide collaborative, strategic leadership to advance the organization’s operational effectiveness and support the broader mission.
reporting directly to the chancellor and serving as a member of the university cabinet, the COO/SVC will lead critical operations across all campuses. responsibilities include oversight and leadership for core operational functions such as information technology and cybersecurity, facilities, public safety, emergency management, transportation, and other essential services. the role will also lead an organization of approximately 993 employees and oversee a combined operational budget of approximately $204 million.
a key priority will be advancing a “one” model to strengthen alignment and collaboration across campuses while improving efficiency and reducing duplication. the successful candidate will bring at least ten years of leadership experience in a large, complex environment, such as higher education, corporate, or public institutions, with demonstrated success working across multiple functions in a matrixed structure. qualifications include strong stakeholder relationship-building, experience managing complex and regulated operations, and the ability to integrate strategic vision with operational discipline, analytics, personnel leadership, and emotional intelligence. a bachelor’s degree in a relevant field is required, while a graduate degree and knowledge of the higher education landscape and operations of a large research university are preferred.