Chief Operating & People Officer; ADMIN MGR

Overview

The Chief Operating & People Officer (COPO) is a senior executive leadership role responsible for the overall health, effectiveness, and alignment of CPE's people, operations, and internal administrative systems. Reporting directly to the Dean, the COPO serves as the division's chief advisor on workforce strategy, organizational culture, and operational excellence. This role provides unified executive leadership across Human Resources, Information Technology, Facilities, and Dean's Office Operations, ensuring internal systems, people practices, and service standards operate cohesively and proactively.

The COPO moves CPE toward a modern, prevention-focused, metrics-driven operating model that supports growth, accountability, and a healthy workplace culture. The role reflects the Dean's commitment to clarity, transparency, and sustained organizational excellence.

• Operational Leadership & Strategy (35%)
• People, Culture & Workforce Leadership (35%)
• Change Management & Organizational Development (15%)
• Executive Collaboration & Communication (15%)

• Bachelor's degree in Business Administration, Public Administration, Human Resources, Organizational Development, Higher Education Administration, or a related field, or an equivalent combination of education and substantial, relevant professional experience.
• Minimum of 10-12 years of progressively responsible leadership experience, including senior executive, deputy, or enterprise-level roles with oversight of multiple operational and administrative functions within a complex organization.
• Demonstrated success leading organization-wide operations and internal services, aligning people strategy, operational systems, and organizational practices to mission and long-term sustainability, especially in resource-constrained or self-supporting environments.
• Demonstrated experience leading large-scale organizational change, including operational redesign, systems modernization, workforce or service-delivery transformation, and cultural change in complex, matrixed, or decentralized environments.
• Strong background in people, culture, and workforce leadership, including employee relations, conflict resolution, talent development, performance management, and building organizational trust through clear communication and transparency.
• Proven ability to lead, develop, and hold accountable senior leaders and managers, fostering high standards of performance and collaboration.
• Ability to partner with and oversee enterprise technology and data-informed operations, including workflow optimization, systems implementation, service standards, and metrics-driven management practices (e.g., OKRs, KPIs, dashboards).

• Master's degree (MBA, MPA, MA, JD, or related field).
• Experience in higher education or the UC system, including academic personnel processes.
• Experience leading organizational transformation, workforce modernization, or digital operations improvement.
• Experience directing HR and operational teams during growth, restructuring, or cultural change.
• Familiarity with UC labor relations, HR systems, and collective bargaining environments.

• Salary: $ - $ per year
• Salary Frequency:
  Monthly
• Salary Grade:
  Grade 27
• UC
  
  Job Title:
  
  ADMIN MGR 2
• UC Job Code: 000548
• Number of Positions: 1
• Appointment Type:
  Staff:
  Career
• Percentage of Time: 100%
• Location:
  
  Aggie Square (AGGSQ)
• Union Representation: 99 - Non-Represented (PPSM)
• Benefits Eligible:
  Yes
• Hybrid work arrangement:
  This position is hybrid (mix of on-site and remote work)

UC Davis Continuing and Professional Education (CPE) is the lifelong learning arm of the university. The division provides a diverse portfolio including pre-college, professional continuing education, workforce development, international exchange, and training for partners. CPE serves learners regionally and globally, with approximately 180 employees and about 1,700 instructors.

UC Davis offers comprehensive benefits, including medical plans, dental and vision coverage, extensive leave, paid holidays, vacation, sick time, continuing education allowances, and retirement options. See the Benefits pages for details and eligibility rules. If represented by a union, benefits are negotiated with your union.

This is a critical position, and employment is contingent upon background checks and may include drug screening, medical evaluation clearance, and functional capacity assessment. Misconduct Disclosure: candidates may need to disclose certain misconduct-related information as part of the hiring process.

UC Davis is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will be considered without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, age, or protected veteran status. See UC policies on anti-discrimination and the Principles of Community.