Chief Operating Officer and Senior Associate Vice President (COO)

Description

Governors State University invites qualified candidates to submit their credentials for consideration to fill the position of Chief Operating Officer and Senior Associate Vice President (COO). Reporting to the President of Governors State University and serving on the cabinet, the Chief Operating Officer (COO) serves as a senior administrative leader responsible for ensuring the effective, efficient, and strategic operation of Governors State University’s core administrative and operational functions. Overseeing Facilities Management (FDM), Procurement and Business Services, Information Technology Services (ITS), and the Public Safety Department, and other auxiliary responsibilities as assigned by the president. The COO ensures that the university’s infrastructure, services, and systems operate seamlessly in support of academic excellence and student success. This role provides cross-divisional leadership to advance operational integrity, data-informed decision-making, sustainability, and continuous improvement across the university.

Essential Responsibilities

40% Strategic Leadership and Fiscal Stewardship

• Translate institutional strategy and framework into actionable operational plans, ensuring alignment with academic, administrative, and student success initiatives.
• Advance strategic fiscal stewardship by aligning resource allocation, operational efficiencies, and long-term financial planning to strengthen institutional resilience and position the University for sustainable growth.

30% Operational and Sustainability Leadership

• Oversee daily operations across assigned administrative units, including Facilities Management, Public Safety Department, Information Technology Services, and Procurement and Business Services.
• Develop and implement campus-wide sustainability initiatives aligned with GovState’s strategic goals and environmental commitments. Oversee energy efficiency programs, waste reduction strategies, and sustainable procurement practices. Collaborate with Facilities and academic departments to promote green building standards and environmentally responsible operations. Monitor and report on sustainability metrics and progress toward carbon neutrality or other environmental benchmarks. Engage students, faculty, and staff in sustainability education and outreach efforts.
• Builds a collaborative, high-performance culture across Facilities Management, Procurement, Information Technology Services, and Public Safety through clear direction, accountability, and professional development.

15% Compliance and Risk Management

• Ensures robust compliance and risk management across all operational divisions by establishing clear standards, monitoring adherence to federal and state regulations, and implementing policies that safeguard the University’s assets, data, and community. The COO proactively identifies operational, financial, technological, and safety risks, develops mitigation strategies, and leads cross-departmental coordination to maintain a culture of accountability and regulatory integrity. By promoting continuous assessment, transparent reporting, and strong internal controls, the COO strengthens institutional resilience and ensures that each department operates ethically and securely, in full alignment with university policies and legal requirements.

10% Leadership and Collaboration

• Foster a culture of collaboration, accountability, and innovation across departments; serve as a liaison between administrative units and senior administrative leadership.
• Lead initiatives to improve operational efficiency, service delivery, and organizational effectiveness.

5% All other duties as assigned by the President of Governors State University.

Required and Preferred Qualifications

Required Education and Experience

• Master’s degree in business administration, management, or a field related to the position.
• Ten (10) years of professional administrative level experience in operation, business administration, management, or related field
• Seven (7) years of supervision experience that includes responsible oversight over multi-level hierarchy within departments.
• Demonstrated efficient and effective stewardship over resources with the ability to assess needs and analyze results.
• Demonstrated ability to develop and administer budgets.
• Demonstrated ability to strategically plan, implement and assess initiatives to meet short- and long-range goals.
• Demonstrated ability to establish and maintain healthy relationships with internal and external stakeholders.
• Evidence of strong written and oral communications skills that include the ability to disseminate information, create and deliver reports and presentations, articulate the mission and goals of reporting units, how they are interdependent and align with university policies and legal requirements.

Desired Education and Experience

• Certified Project Manager (PMP)
• Three (3) years of experience in a unionized/labor-negotiated environment
• Five (5) years of experience in higher education administration

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Regulatory Compliance
• Risk Management Principles
• Financial Management
• Higher Education Administration
• Operational and Administrative Management

Application Details

Please attach the following to your application for consideration:

• Cover letter of interest
• CV or Resume
• Transcripts

Review of candidate materials will continue until this position is filled. For priority consideration complete applications should be submitted by March 31, 2026.

Application Deadline

Open until filled.