Chief Operating Officer M/F

Skema; Raleigh (NC); On-site; USD 150,000 - 210,000; Full time

Job summary

A global business education leader located in Raleigh, NC is seeking an experienced Chief Operating Officer (COO) to drive operational strategy and ensure excellence in student experience and administration. The ideal candidate will possess a Master’s degree or MBA and 5-10 years of relevant experience, preferably in higher education or EdTech. The role includes overseeing finance, compliance, and cross-functional teams in a multicultural environment, with the added advantage of proficiency in French.

Qualifications

• 5-10 years of relevant experience in operations, preferably within higher education or EdTech.
• Proven ability to lead cross-functional teams and complex projects.
• Strong understanding of local regulations in the education sector.
• Strategic thinker with strong analytical and organizational skills.
• Comfortable working in a multicultural, fast-paced environment; visa knowledge a plus.

Responsibilities

• Drive and execute operational strategy aligned with the school’s growth plan.
• Oversee finance, budgeting, legal & regulatory compliance.
• Supervise campus operations and coordinate cross-functional teams.
• Coordinate cross-functional teams across Admin, HR, Finance, and Tech.
• Support academic delivery in collaboration with academic leadership.
• Foster a culture of innovation, quality, and operational excellence.
• Lead support teams (administration, IT, communications, etc.).
• Participate in recruitment, training, and upskilling of staff.

Skills

Leadership

Strategic thinking

Analytical skills

Interpersonal abilities

Communication

Interpersonal skills

Regulatory knowledge

Organizational skills

Education

Master's degree or MBA

Job description

# Chief Operating Officer M/F* Raleigh, 27606* CDI* 01/01/2026## Description**Join a Global Leader in Business Education****SKEMA Business School** is located in Raleigh, NC and is a world-renowned institution with triple accreditation from EQUIS, AACSB, and AMBA. With over 10,000 students worldwide and 10 campuses across the globe including France, China, Brazil, South Africa, the UAE, and the USA. —SKEMA delivers programs from undergraduate, graduate to Executive Education that equip students to thrive in the global knowledge economy. We are driven by multiculturalism, humanism, academic excellence, and a commitment to innovation.SKEMA offers a vibrant and international work environment, ideal for individuals who are passionate about education and eager to contribute to shaping future global business leaders. If that sounds like you, we invite you to apply!**Joining SKEMA means putting your talents at the service of a high-impact mission: creating a cutting-edge education model to develop the potential of each of our students, corporate partners, and staff!****Let's talk about your future role!**We are looking for an experienced Chief Operating Officer to join the executive leadership team of a fast-growing international business school based in Raleigh.As the COO, you’ll be the operational backbone of the institution, ensuring excellence in student experience, administration, compliance, and growth execution. You’ll report directly to the CEO/Dean and play a key role in scaling the school locally and internationally.As such, your main responsibilities will include the following:* Drive and execute operational strategy aligned with the school’s growth plan.* Oversee finance, budgeting, legal & regulatory compliance.* Supervise campus operations: facilities, IT, logistics...* Coordinate cross-functional teams (Admin, HR, Finance, Tech).* Support academic delivery in collaboration with academic leadership.* Foster a culture of innovation, quality, and operational excellence.* Lead support teams (administration, IT, communications, etc.).* Participate in recruitment, training, and upskilling of staff.## Profil**Your strengths and little extras :*** Master's degree or MBA required (Business, Engineering, or related field) with 5-10 years of relevant experience in operations, preferably within higher education, EdTech, or international institutions.* Proven ability to lead cross-functional teams and complex projects.* Strategic thinker with strong analytical and organizational skills.* Excellent leadership, communication, and interpersonal abilities.* Strong understanding of local regulations in the education sector (visas, accreditations, etc.).* Comfortable working in a multicultural, fast-paced environment.* French advantageous* Be part of a purpose-driven, international academic institution shaping the next generation of global leaders* Take ownership of high-impact marketing and communications projects with global visibility* Collaborate with diverse, dynamic teams across France, the U.S., and beyond