Strategic COO & SVP, Higher Education Operations

Korn Ferry Executive Search; United States; On-site; USD 250,000 - 450,000; Full time

Job summary

Korn Ferry Executive Search is engaged to assist a major university in appointing its Chief Operating Officer and Senior Vice Chancellor (COO/SVC). The role reports to the chancellor and serves on the university cabinet, guiding campus-wide operational excellence during organizational alignment and transformation.

Responsibilities include leadership for information technology and cybersecurity, facilities, public safety, emergency management, and transportation across campuses.

Qualifications

• Ten+ years of leadership experience in a large, complex environment.
• Bachelor's degree required; graduate degree preferred in relevant field.
• Strong stakeholder relationships, experience managing regulated operations, cross-functional collaboration.

Responsibilities

• Oversee IT & cybersecurity, facilities, public safety, emergency management, and transportation across campuses.
• Lead an organization of approximately 993 employees and oversee a combined operating budget of about $204 million.
• Advance a 'one' model to strengthen alignment and collaboration while improving efficiency and reducing duplication.

Skills

Leadership experience

Stakeholder relationship-building

Operational management

Strategic thinking

Analytical abilities

Emotional intelligence

People leadership

Education

Bachelor's degree

Graduate degree preferred

Job description

Korn Ferry Executive Search is engaged to assist a major university in appointing its Chief Operating Officer and Senior Vice Chancellor (COO/SVC). The role reports to the chancellor and serves on the university cabinet, guiding campus-wide operational excellence during organizational alignment and transformation.

Responsibilities include leadership for information technology and cybersecurity, facilities, public safety, emergency management, and transportation across campuses.