Job Description

The University of Oklahoma is seeking a strategic and dynamic leader to serve as the Chief Operating Officer (COO). This executive-level position will oversee critical operational functions, ensuring seamless integration across the Norman, Health Sciences Center, and Tulsa campuses. The COO will be responsible for Human Resources, Information Technology, Capital Projects, Safety, Facilities and Operations, and Strategic Initiatives, reporting directly to the University President.

The ideal candidate will be a visionary leader with a proven track record of managing large-scale operations across diverse functions. They will have a strong ability to foster collaboration, promote efficiency, and implement strategic initiatives to drive continuous improvement and excellence in operational services.

Key Responsibilities:

• Leadership and Integration: Provide strategic leadership to ensure the full integration and alignment of HR, IT, Capital Projects, Safety, Facilities and Operations, and Strategic Initiatives across all campuses.


• Operational Efficiency: Oversee the development and implementation of operational policies and procedures that enhance effectiveness, efficiency, and service delivery, ensuring a seamless experience across all university operations.


• Human Resources: Partner with the Chief Human Resources Officer (CHRO) to ensure talent management strategies align with the university’s goals and foster a supportive, inclusive, and engaged workforce across both campuses.


• Information Technology: Work closely with the Chief Information Officer (CIO) to ensure that both campuses are leveraging technology to drive innovation, enhance services, and meet the operational needs of faculty, staff, and students.


• Capital Projects and Facilities: Oversee planning, execution, and management of all capital projects, ensuring timely completion, budget adherence, and alignment with the university's long-term goals. Ensure that campus facilities are maintained to the highest standards of safety, sustainability, and functionality.


• Safety and Emergency Preparedness: Collaborate with the appropriate departments to ensure that both campuses meet the highest standards of health, safety, and emergency readiness. Develop, implement, and oversee comprehensive emergency preparedness plans, ensuring the university is equipped to respond effectively to a wide range of emergencies. Coordinate training and drills to prepare staff, faculty, and students for various emergency scenarios, fostering a culture of safety and preparedness across all campus operations.


• Strategic Initiatives: Lead the implementation of high-impact strategic initiatives that support the university’s long-term growth and operational excellence. This includes identifying and driving operational improvements and innovations that enhance the university’s overall mission.


• Stakeholder Collaboration: Build strong relationships with university leadership, faculty, staff, and external stakeholders to align operational functions with the university's broader academic, research, and community goals.


• Board of Regents Interaction: Collaborate with the University President and executive leadership team to provide reports and updates on operational functions and strategic initiatives to the Board of Regents. Present and discuss key operational matters and decisions that impact the university’s long-term goals.


• Government and Community Relations: Collaborate with the Vice President of Executive Affairs to work with local, state, and federal government officials to ensure compliance with regulations, promote university interests, and advocate for initiatives that support the university’s operational and strategic goals. Together, represent the university in discussions with public and private sector leaders regarding operational partnerships and infrastructure projects, ensuring alignment with the institution's long-term objectives.


• Continuous Improvement: Foster a culture of continuous improvement by identifying opportunities for process optimization, cost savings, and operational efficiency while ensuring high standards of service and compliance with university policies and regulations.

Skills and Competencies:

• Strong leadership and team-building skills with the ability to inspire and motivate staff at all levels.


• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to positively engage and collaborate with diverse stakeholders.


• Proven experience in strategic planning, project management, and implementing large operational improvements.


• Deep understanding of HR, IT, facilities management, and safety operations in a higher education or similarly complex setting.


• Ability to manage multiple priorities, projects, and deadlines effectively.


• Strong problem-solving and decision-making abilities, with a focus on achieving results.

Salary:  Commensurate with education and experience

        For best consideration apply by: January 10, 2025

• Education: A master’s degree in business administration, public administration, management, or a related field is preferred.


• Experience: A minimum of 10 years of progressive leadership experience in operational management, with a track record of successfully leading large-scale operations in complex, multi-location environments.


• Equivalency: Candidates with a bachelor’s degree and 12 years of progressive leadership experience in operational management, including a proven ability to lead large-scale, multi-location operations, will also be considered.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience managing operations in a large complex organization.


• Familiarity with integrated strategic initiatives that drive operational excellence across multiple locations.


• Experience in higher education or healthcare administration.

Qualified applicants are requested to submit a cover letter, resume or curriculum vitae and a list of at least three professional references.  For inquiries, please email chro@ou.edu.

By submitting my application, I certify that all information provided in support of my application for employment is true, correct and does not misrepresent my history or qualifications. I hereby authorize and give my consent to the University to confirm all such information and waive my right to privacy thereto to the extent required to verify relevant background and ability to perform all job-related functions. My consent specifically includes, but is not limited to, my prior job function, work performance, education, criminal record and other job-related issues. I understand that willful falsification or misrepresentation constitutes grounds for denying employment or for dismissal therefrom. If hired by the University, I agree to comply with its employment policies, rules, and regulations.