Chief Operating Officer, Finance and Administration

Chief Operating Officer, Finance and Administration

Position Summary:

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, 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.

• Provide executive oversight of Facilities Management, Design & Construction, Sustainability, Ohio University Police Department, Emergency Management, University Planning, Mail Services, Transportation & Parking, Moving & Surplus, Environmental Health and Safety, and Real Estate.
• Manage entire business departments under the division of Finance and Administration.
• Oversee complex administrative processes including development and implementation of strategic plans, continuous improvement projects, and stakeholder engagement.
• Oversee multi‑million‑dollar projects and manage budgets for major central departments.
• Lead communication with board members, partners, and internal/external stakeholders.
• Ensure effective management of institutional operations through strategic coordination of critical resources.
• Serve on various department, division, and university committees.

• Master’s degree in a related field.
• 15 or more years of related professional experience.
• 9 or more years of supervisory experience, or equivalent education and experience.

Department Facilities Management. Pay rate will be commensurate with the candidate’s education and experience in relation to the minimum qualifications and internal equity.

Applications will be accepted until midnight (Eastern Time Zone) on the posting end date: 03/15/2026.

Posting Number: 2016270T

Job Category:
Administrative at‑will appointment.

Employment Type:

full‑time regular. Job Family:
Administrative Management. Job Level: M5. Job Open Date: 02/12/2026.

Pay Grade: 24. Pay Range: $ - $.

Interested individuals should complete an online application and 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.

Submit materials by the position closing date: 03/15/2026.

This position is eligible for medical, vision, dental, basic and supplemental life insurance, winter break closure, paid holidays, educational benefits for you and eligible dependents, sick leave, vacation, and retirement.

All qualified applicants are encouraged to apply and will receive consideration free from discrimination on the basis of age, ancestry, color, disability, ethnicity, gender, gender identity or expression, genetic information, military service or veteran status, national origin, pregnancy, race, religion, sex, sexual orientation, status as a parent or foster parent, or any other bases under the law. Ohio University is an equal access/equal opportunity employer.

Applicants may contact Josh Smith th for questions about this position.

• Resume/Curriculum Vitae
• Cover Letter
• References

* How did you learn about this position?

• The Athens Messenger
• The Chronicle of Higher Education
• Ohio University employee
• OHIO Jobs Line (phone)
• Employment Agency
• Posted Announcement
• Professional association
• Social Media (Linked In, Twitter, etc)
• OTHER

Ohio University, Grosvenor West, Athens, OH 45701.

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