Chief Operating Officer

Application Instructions

Interested individuals should complete an online application and be prepared to upload the following documents at the time of application:

• Current CV or Resume
• Cover letter summarizing interest and qualifications for the role
• List of 3 professional references including current telephone and email addresses for all references.

For full consideration, please submit your materials by position closing date.

Applications will be accepted until midnight (Eastern Time Zone) on the ‘Posting End Date’ shown below.

Business

Title:

Chief Operating Officer, Finance and Administration

Applications Accepted From: Public:
Open to the Public

Posting Number: 2016270T

Posting End Date: 03/15/2026

The Chief Operating Officer for Finance and Administration reports directly to the Vice President for Finance and Administration and serves on the leadership team, shaping strategy and operational excellence across the university. This role provides executive oversight of Facilities Management, Design & Construction, Sustainability, Ohio University Police Department (OUPD), Emergency Management, University Planning, Mail Services, Transportation & Parking, Moving & Surplus, Environmental Health and Safety, and Real Estate, ensuring projects and programs are delivered on time, on budget, and in full compliance with regulatory and institutional standards.

By aligning these diverse departments, the COO drives efficient resource utilization, risk mitigation, and a safe, sustainable campus environment that supports the university’s mission.

Manages a variety of highly complex administration processes, such as development and implementation of strategic plans, continuous improvement projects, and stakeholder engagement. May serve on institutional wide committees on the behalf of leadership requiring detailed content knowledge and expertise. Utilizes independent judgement and discretion to formulate and manage operational and strategic planning processes. Provides input on financial and strategic viability for initiatives.

Ensures effective management of institutional operations through strategic coordination of critical resources. Serves on various department, division, and/or University committees.

Responsible for the strategic direction and oversight of complex functional areas or multiple departments. Formulates policies, strategies, and systems that enhance the University’s position in the competitive marketplace. Leads large, complex teams, possibly managing multiple layers of managers. Contributes to shaping the long‑term strategic vision of the University, ensuring alignment with overarching goals.

• Supervisory Responsibilities:
  
  Manages entire business departments under the division of Finance and Administration.
• Fiscal Responsibilities:
  Oversees multi‑million‑dollar projects, manages budgets for major central departments.
• Problem Solving:
  Solves highly complex, University‑wide problems with long‑term consequences.
• Independence of Action:
  Full autonomy in decision‑making, accountable for business outcomes.
• Communication and
  
  Collaboration:
  
  Leads communication with board members, partners, and internal/external stakeholders. Responsible for successful implementation of organizational goals.

This position operates primarily in a professional office environment and routinely uses standard office equipment while engaging frequently with senior leaders, campus partners, government officials, contractors, and external stakeholders. The role requires regular travel across campus and occasional travel between university locations, including site visits to construction projects, facilities, and real estate properties. These visits may involve walking active job sites, navigating uneven terrain, climbing stairs, and exposure to varying weather conditions, noise, dust, and other construction‑related environments, with personal protective equipment required as appropriate.

The role requires the ability to sit or stand for extended periods, communicate effectively in person and virtually, review detailed reports and plans,…