Senior Vice President and Chief Operating Officer

Operating Officer (SVP-COO). Reporting directly to President Rev. Brian J. Shanley, O.P., the SVP-COO will serve as the University's chief operating officer and a trusted strategic advisor, providing leadership across a broad portfolio of administrative and operational functions while helping to advance the institution's strategic priorities, financial sustainability, and Catholic and Vincentian mission. Founded in 1870 by the Congregation of the Mission (Vincentian community), St. John's is one of the nation's leading Catholic universities and among the most diverse institutions of higher education in the United States. With campuses and locations in New York, Rome, Paris, and Limerick, more than 200,000 alumni worldwide, and a longstanding commitment to academic excellence, service, and social mobility, the University combines the opportunities of a global institution with the distinctive character of a mission-centered community. Situated in the heart of Queens, New York, St. John's is guided by a strategic plan focused on empowering student success, strengthening financial sustainability, and enhancing institutional effectiveness. The SVP-COO oversees a diverse portfolio that touches nearly every aspect of campus life and operations, including Athletics, Campus Facilities and Services, Human Resources, Information Technology, Marketing and Communications, Public Safety, and Student Affairs. Working closely with a talented team of vice presidents and senior leaders, the SVP-COO will ensure operational excellence across these areas while fostering collaboration, accountability, and alignment in service of the University's mission and strategic goals. This opportunity comes at a consequential time for the institution. As higher education continues to face enrollment pressures, changing student expectations, technological disruption, and financial challenges, St. John's seeks a leader who can help the University operate more effectively, efficiently, and strategically. The next SVP-COO will serve as the President's operational counterpart, translating institutional priorities into action, helping lead major initiatives, and ensuring that resources, people, and processes are aligned to achieve desired outcomes. An important early priority will be listening broadly across the campus community, building relationships with key stakeholders, and identifying opportunities to strengthen organizational effectiveness. The University seeks a leader who can break down silos, foster productive collaboration across administrative divisions, and successfully guide change in a way that is inclusive, transparent, and respectful of the institution's culture and traditions. The successful candidate will bring a demonstrated ability to improve operations, implement innovative solutions, and help create a more responsive and service-oriented organization. The next SVP-COO will also play a central role in advancing financial sustainability and operational stewardship. Working closely with colleagues across the institution, the individual will help identify efficiencies, evaluate business processes, leverage data and emerging technologies, and align investments with institutional priorities. Particular emphasis will be placed on utilizing technology and artificial intelligence thoughtfully and strategically to enhance decision-making, improve service delivery, and support the work of faculty, staff, and students. Above all, St. John's seeks a leader who embraces the University's Catholic and Vincentian identity and who leads with integrity, humility, compassion, and a commitment to service. The successful candidate will join a dynamic institution with a strong foundation, a compelling mission, and significant opportunities ahead, helping shape the future of a university dedicated to transforming lives through education, opportunity, and faith-inspired leadership. All applications, nominations, and inquiries are invited. Applications should include, as separate documents, a CV or resume and a letter of interest addressing the themes in the leadership profile . WittKieffer is assisting St. John's University in this search. For fullest consideration, candidate materials should be received by November 30, 2026 . Application materials should be submitted using WittKieffer's candidate portal . Nominations and inquiries can be directed to: Zach Smith, Ph.D., Ben Haden, and Randi Miller StJohnsCOO@wittkieffer.com The salary range for this position is $450,000 to $500,000. Consistent with its mission as a Catholic, Vincentian, metropolitan, and global institution of higher education, St. John's University abides by all applicable federal, state, and local laws, and prohibits discrimination on the basis of race, color, national origin, religion, disability, age, gender, gender identity, sex (including sexual harassment and sexual violence), sexual orientation, marital status, alienage, citizenship status, status as a victim of domestic violence, genetic predisposition or carrier status, status in the uniformed services of the United States (including veteran status), or any other characteristic protected by law. The University also abides by Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972. The University's policy of nondiscrimination extends to employment opportunities, admission of students to its programs, and to the administration of its educational policies, scholarships, loan programs, athletics, and other institutionally administered programs or activities generally made available to students at the University. je-a076ea4916f640c58b9947165b2bcc2c