COO & Senior Managing Director, Strategic Planning & Initiatives

How to ApplyA cover letter is required for consideration (one page or less) and should be submitted with your resume as a single file due to system constraints.In your cover letter, please briefly describe your interest in this position and specify how your background aligns with each of the required qualifications.For questions about this position or to request accommodations, please email View email address on us.fitly.work SummaryThe Stephen M. Ross School of Business at the University of Michigan is a diverse learning community grounded in the principle that business can be an extraordinary vehicle for positive change in today's dynamic global economy. The Ross School of Business mission is to build a better world through business. Through our powerful ideas, purpose-driven leaders, and positive impact, we empower business leaders to make a positive difference in the world. Learn more about Ross HERE. Michigan Ross values a culture of diversity, equity, and inclusion. We are committed to the development of diverse and culturally intelligent staff who thrive and contribute to a positive and inclusive environment.The Executive Education Center ('EE') originated in Ann Arbor, MI, USA in 1935 and by the 1940's was offering an array of courses, workshops, and conferences with an overwhelming response from corporations. Today, the Center offers more than 30 different public program offerings and an extensive portfolio of custom programs annually serving over 4,000 business executives around the world. Since the early 90's we have had a global footprint with locations in the United States, India, and China. We deliver programs globally, wherever our corporate clients request. We are proud that both our open enrollment and custom programs for Executive Development are highly regarded. Leadership Excellence Magazine has consistently rated Michigan's Executive Education Leadership Development programs #1 from 2008-2013. The Financial Times lists Michigan Ross as among the top ten executive education providers in the world.As the senior member of the Executive Education (EE) Leadership Team and a key member of the Executive Committee, the Chief Operating Officer and Senior Managing Director, Strategic Planning & Initiatives, reports directly to the Chief Executive Education Officer (CEEO). Partnering with the CEEO, you will help set and achieve EE's mission and 5-year growth goals through the planning and execution of our strategic goals, and financial leadership. Responsibilities include establishing budget targets and collaborating with the EE leadership team according to our priorities.You will ensure operational excellence for customers (middle and senior-level executives across multiple sectors) by overseeing faculty, staff, and vendors at four global locations (Ann Arbor, MI; Los Angeles, CA; Detroit, MI; Southeast Asia). Your role will involve leadership and development of program delivery and customer service teams, managing three direct and 12-15 indirect reports. Additionally, you will be the primary liaison with internal and external service providers to achieve strategic and operational initiatives.This role is hybrid with on-site expectations in Ann Arbor, MI. You will travel to various locations.The full job description is available HERE.Responsibilities*EE-Wide Leadership; Strategic Planning & Financial Management (45%)Partner with the CEEO to identify and evaluate growth opportunities, set strategic direction, develop short- and long-range objectives, and secure alignment from the EE Leadership Team and Executive Committee, as appropriate.Lead the development and implementation of goals, priorities, policies, and procedures; translate strategic objectives, landscape analysis, SWOT findings, and identified risks into KPIs and an annual EE-wide work plan that informs resource planning, budgeting, and performance reviews.Lead EE-wide project management and communication for annual budgeting, product review, pricing, and strategic planning processes.Own the unit's contracting process, with authority to negotiate contracts with partners and providers; serve as primary liaison to U-M Central Procurement.Build and sustain relationships with internal and external partners in support of EE's strategic objectives.Operational Leadership; Global Program Management & Facility Oversight (30%)Manage day-to-day global operations across EE's delivery locations, including facilities, scheduling, maintenance, and coordination with facilities, ITS, HR, and finance.Analyze and improve operational processes, policies, and service delivery to increase productivity and revenue; recommend appropriate service and staffing levels.Ensure effective program delivery through strong Program Manager collaboration with faculty and program directors, client satisfaction, and adherence to budget.Lead negotiations and agreements with vendors providing venues, food and beverage, accommodations, materials, and other services; oversee contract administration and compliance.Direct cross-EE work across systems, accounting and finance, materials and graphics, customer service, and administrative support for sales.Operational Team Leadership; Staff Management and Development (15%)Recruit, manage, and develop a high-performing, high-service, customer-oriented team; guide the Team Lead and serve as functional supervisor for University and Ross Shared Services support to EE.Plan, assign, and review staff work, projects, and programs; evaluate work products and methods and resolve problems.Communicate vision and expectations and support professional growth through ongoing feedback, coaching, and skill development.Build a collaborative and respectful team culture and address team challenges.Develop organization-wide documentation, standard operating procedures, and knowledge management tools that support onboarding, learning, and retention.EE-Wide Strategic Initiatives (10%)Serve as a change champion, driving continuous process improvement and transformational initiatives in support of EE's strategic priorities.Lead efforts to improve organizational effectiveness by integrating functional, systems, and administrative operations for efficiency, cost-effectiveness, and quality.Track strategic initiatives and the EE-wide project portfolio against objectives, milestones, and measurement criteria, providing leaders and staff with on-demand visibility into project status.Build strong working relationships with the EE Leadership Team and internal and external service providers to coordinate strategic initiatives.Advise the CEEO by providing context and background on key issues and coordinating research, projects, and initiatives.Other related duties as required.Required Qualifications*Bachelor's Degree and 8+ years of experience, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.Experience developing client relationships with executives and leaders in large global firms.Knowledge of adult learning theory and practices.5+ years of experience in strategic planning.5+ years of managerial and team leadership responsibility.6+ years of fiscal management responsibility.Modes of WorkPositions that are eligible for hybrid or mobile/remote work mode are at the discretion of the hiring department. Work agreements are reviewed annually at a minimum and are subject to change at any time, and for any reason, throughout the course of employment. Learn more about the work modes.Additional InformationWhy Work at Michigan?In addition to a career filled with purpose and opportunity, the University of Michigan offers a comprehensive benefits package to help you stay well, protect yourself and your family and plan for a secure future. Benefits include:Generous time off (Vacation, Holidays, Season Days)A retirement plan that provides two-for-one matching contributions with immediate vestingMany choices for comprehensive health insuranceLife insuranceLong-term disability coverageFlexible spending accounts for healthcare and dependent care expensesFlexible Work ProgramRoss Onsite Fitness CenterAdditional InformationThe salary offer range for this position is $120,000 - $169,000. Salary offers are determined based on several factors, including a candidate's experience, skills, and qualifications, along with internal equity considerations. It is not common for new hires to be placed at the top of the range.Application DeadlineJob openings are posted for a minimum of seven calendar days. The review and selection process may begin as early as the eighth day after posting. This opening may be removed from posting boards and filled anytime after the minimum posting period has ended.U-M EEO StatementThe University of Michigan is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We are committed to providing an environment of mutual respect where equal employment opportunities are available to all applicants, including protected veterans and individuals with disabilities.Job Opening ID282818Working TitleCOO & Senior Managing Director, Strategic Planning & InitiativesJob TitleOperations DirectorWork LocationAnn Arbor CampusAnn Arbor, MIModes of Work Hybrid Full/Part TimeFull-TimeRegular/TemporaryRegularFLSA StatusExemptOrganizational GroupSchool Bus AdminDepartmentROSS SCH Executive EducationPosting Begin/End Date9/08/2026 - 10/08/2026Salary$120,000.00 - $169,000.00Career Interest Administration