Chief Operating Officer | International University in Gurugram

FyndBridge Consultants & Advisors; Gurugram District; On-site; INR 6,000,000 - 8,000,000; Full time

Job summary

FyndBridge Consultants & Advisors is recruiting a Chief Operating Officer to lead the India operations of a foreign university establishing its first campus in the country.

The role oversees academic operations, financial management, regulatory compliance, and stakeholder engagement, driving strategic growth while aligning with the parent university’s global standards and delivering an exceptional educational experience for students and faculty.

Qualifications

• Master’s degree in Business Administration, Education Management, or related field.
• Doctoral degree would be an advantage.
• Minimum 15 years of leadership experience in academic administration, higher education management, or corporate strategy.

Responsibilities

• Strategic Leadership - Develop and execute a campus strategy aligned with the university's mission.
• Operational Oversight - Lead day-to-day campus operations including administration and services.
• Financial Stewardship - Formulate and manage annual budgets and resource allocation.
• Academic & Regulatory Compliance - Ensure compliance with Indian regulations and quality benchmarks.
• Partnership Development - Cultivate strategic partnerships with industry, academia and government.
• Student & Faculty Experience - Champion student success and foster excellence among faculty.

Skills

Strategic leadership

Regulatory navigation

Stakeholder engagement

Education

Master's degree in Business Administration or Education Management

Job description

The Chief Operating Officer (COO) will play a founding leadership role in bringing to life

the vision of establishing a world‑class higher education institution in India, by leading

the India operations of a foreign university setting up its first campus in the country.

This strategic leadership role entails overseeing the full spectrum of institutional functions —ranging from academic operations and financial management to regulatory compliance and stakeholder engagement. The COO will ensure alignment with the parent university’s global vision and standards, while driving operational excellence, sustainable growth, and a transformative educational experience for students.

Key Responsibilities:

1. Strategic Leadership - Develop and execute a comprehensive campus strategy in alignment with the university's global mission, ensuring long-term growth, academic distinction, and market relevance.

2. Operational Oversight - Lead day‑to‑day campus operations, including administration, student services, infrastructure, and faculty recruitment, ensuring efficiency and

3. Financial Stewardship - Formulate and manage annual budgets, optimize resource allocation, and drive financial sustainability while maintaining accountability and transparency.

4. Academic & Regulatory Compliance - Ensure full compliance with Indian higher education regulations as well as internal academic policies and quality benchmarks set by the University.

5. Partnership Development - Cultivate and manage strategic partnerships with industry leaders, academic institutions, and government bodies to enhance academic relevance and employability outcomes.

6. Student & Faculty Experience - Champion student success through improved academic support, research opportunities, and campus life. Foster a culture of excellence and engagement among faculty and staff.

Qualifications & Experience

• Master’s degree in Business Administration, Education Management, or related field. A doctoral degree would be an advantage.
• Minimum 15 years of leadership experience in academic administration, higher education management, or corporate strategy, preferably with exposure to both Indian and international education systems.
• Proven expertise in navigating regulatory frameworks, strategic planning, and stakeholder engagement at senior levels.