Chief Operating Officer

University of Colorado; Aurora; Hybrid; CAD 389,000 - 448,000; Full time

Job summary

A prestigious medical institution is seeking a Chief Operating Officer to manage operations and strategic planning for the Gates Institute. The successful candidate will lead teams, oversee daily operations, and ensure alignment with the Institute's mission. A Master's degree in business or healthcare management and at least 7 years of operational management experience are required. This role also involves managing relationships with external partners and contributing to strategic growth. A hybrid work model is offered, allowing for a balanced work-life arrangement.

Benefits

Medical plan options

Dental plan options

Disability insurance

Retirement 401(a) Plan

Twenty-two vacation days per year

Unlimited sick days

Tuition benefit

Reduced transit fare

Qualifications

• At least 7 years of professional operational management experience.
• Experience at the senior management or leadership level.
• Skills in coaching senior level staff and developing high-performance teams.

Responsibilities

• Provide effective leadership and oversee daily operations.
• Develop and implement a system for tracking strategic goals.
• Manage relationships with internal and external partners.

Skills

Leadership

Strategic planning

Communication

Analytical skills

Operational management

Education

Master’s degree in business or healthcare management

Job description

University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus

Department: Gates Institute

Job Title: Chief Operating Officer

Position #: 00820692 – Requisition #: 38516

Job Summary

Cell and gene therapies (CGTs) have recently demonstrated the potential to transform the treatment of patients with life‑threatening and life‑altering diseases. A major hurdle in the translation of CGT occurs at the transition of an innovative scientific idea into the clinic. Gates Institute will efficiently advance novel CGTs from the laboratory to patients with the goal of creating safe and effective transformative medicines. To achieve this, the Institute must connect highly innovative translational science, manufacturing science, regulatory expertise, compliance, clinical operations, and clinical research with excellence in patient care at the University of Colorado and similarly focused partner institutions in the region and across the globe. The Institute will also partner with industry to facilitate the mission where appropriate and when synergies have been identified.

The Chief Operating Officer (COO) is responsible for operational management and strategic planning for the Gates Institute. This person will oversee the design, implementation, and monitoring of actions needed to achieve the operating goals, objectives, policies, procedures, and mission of the Gates Institute. The COO will coordinate, manage, and direct some senior management team members; serve as liaison to the Gates Institute partners when needed; and work alongside the Executive Director to ensure strategy, accountability, and governance are overseen by the Board of Directors. The COO will bridge the organization's strategic vision with operational realities.

The COO reports directly to the Executive Director of the Gates Institute. The position requires a large degree of independent action with minimal supervision to meet required deadlines. This person will make any major decisions collaboratively with the Executive Director.

Key Responsibilities

• Provide effective and inspiring leadership by being actively involved in the programs and services of the Institute, developing a broad and deep knowledge of all programs.
• Oversee the design, implementation, and monitoring of actions needed to achieve the operating goals, objectives, policies, procedures, and mission of the Gates Institute.
• Lead and develop teams within the Institute to promote a positive culture, encourage maximum performance, and support the mission and vision of the Gates Institute.
• Oversee daily operations of the company and supervise the work of Gates Institute teams including but not limited to finance and HR, communications, community engagement, and product management.
• In collaboration with programs and units, set strategic goals and objectives for performance and growth.
• Develop and implement a system for tracking and reporting on the progress of strategy implementation.
• Manage relationships with internal and external partners and/or companies.
• Support education initiatives that are part of the Gates Institute mission.
• Support the Executive Director in advisory board and executive committee management and communications.
• In partnership with the Director of Finance and Administration, prepare and submit an annual operational budget, manage effectively within this budget, and report accurately on progress made and challenges encountered.
• In partnership with the Director of Finance and Administration, hire and retain qualified faculty and/or staff to meet institute objectives.
• Represent the Gates Institute with the media and external constituency groups including community, governmental, and private and public organizations.
• Ensure sustainability of the Institute’s operational units through sound operational management.
• Establish effective governance and risk management practices for the Gates Institute.

Work Location

Hybrid – this role is eligible for a hybrid schedule of 1 day per week on campus and as needed for in‑person meetings.

Why Join Us

Gates Institute is a world‑class translational research institute with biomanufacturing capabilities. Based at the University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, we are part of a rich biomedical ecosystem, enabling the development of life‑saving treatments for a host of diseases at unmatched speed and scope. We bring together and support researchers and clinicians who specialize in regenerative, cell and gene therapies, accelerating their discoveries from concepts to cures.

To learn more about the Gates Institute, click here.

Why work for the University?

We have AMAZING benefits and offer exceptional amounts of holiday, vacation and sick leave! The University of Colorado offers an excellent benefits package including:

• Medical: Multiple plan options
• Dental: Multiple plan options
• Additional Insurance: Disability, Life, Vision
• Retirement 401(a) Plan: Employer contributes 10% of your gross pay
• Paid Time Off: Accruals over the year
• Vacation Days: 22/year (maximum accrual 352 hours)
• Sick Days: 15/year (unlimited maximum accrual)
• Holiday Days: 10/year
• Tuition Benefit: Employees have access to this benefit on all CU campuses
• ECO Pass: Reduced rate RTD Bus and light rail service

There are many additional perks & programs with the CU Advantage.

Qualifications

Minimum Qualifications

• Master’s degree in business, healthcare management or healthcare administration
• At least 7 years of professional operational management and/or business administration experience, which includes experience at the senior management or leadership level.
• Applicants must meet minimum qualifications at the time of hire.

Preferred Qualifications

• Organizational management experience, which included coaching senior level staff and managing and developing high‑performance teams.
• Experience developing and implementing program strategies.
• Demonstrated experience leading organizational transformation projects and program development.
• Experience with and a proven commitment to quality programs and data‑driven program evaluation.
• Experience working with and demonstrated understanding of the drug approval process.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Analytic and decisive decision maker with the ability to prioritize and communicate to faculty and staff key objectives and tactics necessary to achieve organizational goals
• Strong written and verbal communication skills; a persuasive and passionate communicator with excellent public speaking skills
• Action‑oriented, entrepreneurial, flexible, and innovative approach to operational management
• Passion, humility, integrity, positive attitude, mission‑driven, and self‑directed

How to Apply

1. A letter of interest describing relevant job experiences as they relate to listed job qualifications and interest in the position
2. Resume
3. Three to five professional references, including name, address, phone number (mobile number if appropriate), and email address

Questions should be directed to: Lindsey Fouquette [e-mail]

Screening of Applications Begins

The review of applications will begin immediately and will continue until the posting closes on December 20th at midnight.

Anticipated Pay Range

The starting salary range for this position has been established as $283,000 - $325,000.

The above salary range represents the University’s good faith and reasonable estimate of the range of possible compensation at the time of posting. This position may be eligible for overtime compensation, depending on the level.

Your total compensation goes beyond the number on your paycheck. The University of Colorado provides generous leave, health plans and retirement contributions that add to your bottom line.

Total Compensation Calculator: http://www.cu.edu/node/153125

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement

CU is an Equal Opportunity Employer and complies with all applicable federal, state, and local laws governing nondiscrimination in employment. We are committed to creating a workplace where all individuals are treated with respect and dignity, and we encourage individuals from all backgrounds to apply, including protected veterans and individuals with disabilities.

ADA Statement

The University will provide reasonable accommodations to applicants with disabilities throughout the employment application process. To request an accommodation pursuant to the Americans with Disabilities Act, please contact the Human Resources ADA Coordinator at [e-mail].

Background Check Statement

The University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus is dedicated to ensuring a safe and secure environment for our faculty, staff, students and visitors. To assist in achieving that goal, we conduct background investigations for all prospective employees.

Vaccination Statement

CU Anschutz strongly encourages vaccination against the COVID-19 virus and other vaccine preventable diseases. If you work, visit, or volunteer in healthcare facilities or clinics operated by our affiliated hospital or clinical partners or by CU Anschutz, you will be required to comply with the vaccination and medical surveillance policies of the facilities or clinics where you work, visit, or volunteer, respectively. In addition, if you work in certain research areas or perform certain safety sensitive job duties, you must enroll in the occupational health medical surveillance program.