Chief Operating Officer (COO)

Summary

The Chief Operating Officer (COO) will be a part of the leadership team for the Vice President for Finance and Administration/Chief Financial Officer and will provide both strategic and day to day leadership of all major university operational functions.

Responsibilities:

Strategic Leadership

Supervise four-person team consisting of the Director of Facility Management, the Director of Planning, Design and Construction, and a new position to be created to lead enterprise risk management at MSU Denver.
The position will be responsible for regular updates to the University's Senior Leadership Team and to the Board of Trustees and will take part in cross-functional teams to lead key operational projects across the university.
Drive long-term planning for campus facilities, integrating sustainability, accessibility, and innovative design principles into project goals.
Department Oversight and People Operations

Oversight of facilities management, including maintenance and custodial services for existing and new university owned buildings.
Oversight of construction, including providing leadership of multiple, major construction projects as well as all other construction activity undertaken by MSU Denver.
Lead efforts to maximize utilization of MSU Denver's allocated facilities while maintaining flexibility to adapt to academic and operational changes.
Oversee the creation and implementation of an ERM framework, ensuring the integration of risk assessment into university decision-making processes.

Collaboration and Cross-Campus Relationships

Serve as the primary liaison with the Auraria Campus (AHEC) for all facility, safety, events management, food services, parking services and other operational functions delivered in Auraria's unique shared campus environment.
Work collaboratively with colleagues in Academic Affairs, Athletics, Student Affairs, and all branches to accomplish key goals and support student success through high functioning operations of the university.
Build and maintain strong relationships with partner institutions, city agencies, and community stakeholders to advance MSU Denver's operational objectives.
Take responsibility for emergency preparedness and emergency management for MSU Denver in coordination with other campus partners (AHEC, Community College of Denver, University of Colorado Denver)
Oversee environmental health and safety responsibilities for MSU in coordination with other campus partners.

Innovation and Continuous Improvement

Foster a culture of innovation and continuous improvement by identifying opportunities for process optimization, cost savings, operational efficiency, and data-driven improvements that help MSU Denver meet our 2030 strategic plan.

Policy Development and Implementation

Develop and implement an enterprise risk management program.
Develop and implement a structure for document management for the university, including MOUs, contracts and other agreements.
Oversee the development and implementation of operational policies and procedures that are in line with MSU Denver's CADRE values while enhancing effectiveness and efficiency to ensure a seamless experience across all university operations.

Additional Duties and Responsibilities

Other duties as assigned.

Required Qualifications

To be successful in this position, you must have the following:

• Bachelor's Degree in a related field, including Business Administration, Public Administration or similar fields.
• Seasoned leader with previous experience in senior/executive/leadership roles, with expertise in operations relevant to the role.
• Previous oversight of operations in a large company/institution.
• Experience in strategic planning, project management, and implementation of operational improvements.
• Six or more years of direct, relevant experience in a similar role.

Preferred Qualifications

• Master's degree in Business Administration, Public Administration, or a similar field.
• Experience in leading operations in a public sector and/or higher education environment.
• Knowledge of State of Colorado reporting/compliance processes.
• Experience with enterprise risk management creation and implementation.
• Demonstrated success in leading large-scale operations in a complex, multi-location environment.

Skills

• Strong leadership with the ability to motivate and grow staff at all levels.
• High interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to confidently engage and collaborate with diverse stakeholders.
• Ability to evaluate and implement new ideas that are in line with university policy and goals.
• Ability to use data and analytics to make informed decisions.
• Ability to lead change in a complex and dynamic environment.
• Ability to develop and deliver effective and informative presentations

Salary for Announcement
Under Colorado law, MSU Denver is required to provide a reasonable estimate of the compensation range for this role and should not offer a salary outside of the range posted in this job announcement. This range takes into account a variety of factors including but not limited to experience, skills, knowledge, abilities, education, licensure and certifications, analysis of internal equity, and other business and organizational needs. It is not typical for an individual to be offered a salary at or near the top of the range for a position. Salary offers are determined based on final candidate qualifications and experience.

The full salary range that the University reasonably expects to pay for this position is $127,300.00 - $212,600.00 .

This position is paid monthly and is eligible for MSU Denver benefits.

Schedule Information:

Working Days of the week: Monday - Friday 8-5

Evening or weekend work: As needed

Schedule: This Chief Operating Officer is a crucial position in the Administration Branch. Working on campus is required, though there is room for a hybrid schedule.

Travel: As needed

Instructions to Apply

To ensure full consideration, applications must be received by 11:59pm (MT) 2/11/2025
For full consideration, please submit the following documents:
Resume
Cover letter describing relevant job experiences as they relate to listed job qualifications and interest in the position
3 professional references will be required of the finalist. One reference must be a prior supervisor.
Official transcripts will be required of the candidate selected for hire.

Internal applicants must apply through their MSU Denver Workday profile by searching 'Find Jobs'

Open Until Filled

The University's benefits package is comprehensive and offers medical, vision and dental, free RTD pass, tuition reimbursement, as well as a life and supplemental insurance plans, retirement plans and other programs, such as accessto a long-term disability (LTD) plan.Visit MSU Denver'sbenefits websiteto learn more.

For a brief overview, please see: https://www.msudenver.edu/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/MSU-Benefit-Summary.pdf.

The University will provide reasonable accommodations to applicants with disabilities throughout the employment application process. To request an accommodation pursuant to the Americans with Disabilities Act, please contact the Human Resources ADA Coordinator at totalrewards@msudenver.edu.

Background Checks

Metropolitan State University of Denver is dedicated to ensuring a safe and secure environment for our faculty, staff, students, and visitors. To Assist in achieving that goal, we conduct background checks on all finalists for positions at the University prior to employment.

Metropolitan State University of Denver is a unique, access-oriented campus community that values diversity, equity, and inclusion in all its forms. Our student population consists of nearly 58% first generation students and over 50% students of color. We are a designated Hispanic Serving Institution located in downtown Denver.

We create an equitable learning and working environment in concert with individuals who consistently demonstrate commitment to equity and inclusion. We greatly value the diverse identities and perspectives of our students, faculty, and staff and recognize that in order to achieve a just and equitable society, diversity must go beyond simple representation. It requires critical inquiry and dialogue and a commitment to action. We strive to provide a culture of belonging for all community members to achieve personal and professional success.