Interim Chief Operating Officer and Senior Vice Chancellor

Position Overview

Under the direction of the Chancellor, the University of Kansas operates as a highly matrixed organization (One KU) that thrives on cross-functional teams, where members from all areas of the university collaborate to achieve the strategic goals of the university. This matrixed approach fosters innovation and problem-solving by bringing different perspectives together through cooperation and united purpose within the university. The One KU approach creates agility the Chancellor's leadership team (the University Cabinet) needs to thrive in complexity and deliver meaningful results. The success of One KU is dependent on clarity, collaboration, empowerment and responsibility amongst all leaders of the university that is replicated throughout each area of the university.

The Chancellor leads the university, supported by the guidance, counsel, and leadership of the Chancellor's executive leadership team (the University Cabinet). The Chancellor delegates responsibility to members of the University Cabinet to lead mission critical and core functional areas of the university, providing collective leadership to advance the university mission and vision. The University Cabinet works collaboratively to establish principles, policies, and processes that are clearly articulated and guide operations throughout the university. The University Cabinet also reviews and provides counsel for decision making to the Chancellor on major unit reorganizations, significant new financial commitments, strategic intercampus initiatives, and matters that have major impact on external relations. The Cabinet ensures communications of strategic matters to organize and align activities across campuses and throughout the university.

Job Summary

The Interim Chief Operating Officer and Senior Vice Chancellor for the University of Kansas reports directly to the Chancellor and will serve to address immediate organizational priorities and ensure uninterrupted service, leadership and decision making during a period of transition. The interim assignment is anticipated to be six months but may be extended or end earlier based on the outcome of an external search.

The COO /SVC is responsible for the leadership and coordination of the university's operational functions across all campuses. The Operations team at KU provides essential services that make possible the execution of the university's academic and research missions, including maintenance / repair / construction of facilities, development and support of IT infrastructure / applications / cybersecurity, and public safety, among others enumerated below.

This position is responsible for ensuring the operational functions of the university are optimized and efficient to create a safe and supportive environment for the entire KU community.

Job Responsibilities

The COO/SVC provides strategic direction and leadership to the following functions for all KU campuses (except as noted):

• IT and Cybersecurity
• Facilities Management – Maintenance, Repair, Space Management, Construction
• Campus Master Planning
• Parking and Transportation Services
• Public Safety / Police
• Emergency Management
• Environment, Health & Safety
• Center for Technology and Commercialization (CTC)
• KUMC Workday Service Center (co-lead with Chief Human Resources Officer)
• Serve as an essential partner with the Chancellor and Executive Vice Chancellors to drive a broad spectrum of critical institutional strategies forward to create a culture of excellence and continual improvement.
• Work closely with Executive and Senior Vice Chancellors and other leadership members to plan, direct and implement operational strategies that move the University of Kansas forward. Create relationships with key stakeholders on campus to ensure collaboration on operational initiatives.
• Establish and shape policies in support of the Chancellor's vision of KU and provide systematic and holistic policy review.
• Collaborate with university leaders and government agencies to create, advocate and support legislative goals.
• Ensure the university follows all applicable regulations, laws, policies and agreements applicable to Operations.
• Provide strategic vision and ensure execution of efficient strategies, policies and processes to embody KU's mission and vision.
• Identify opportunities to improve the culture of KU, facilitate strategic growth, and create an inclusive environment for students, staff and faculty.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in business, operations management, engineering, IT/Computer Science or other applicable field of study.
• Demonstrated success working in a matrixed structure with senior leaders across multiple functions.
• Minimum of 10 years successful leadership of large operational or IT organization in a complex higher education, corporate or public institution.
• Demonstrated executive leadership skills combining vision, innovation, collaboration, personnel management, analytics and emotional intelligence.
• Proven ability managing complex organizations in regulated environments.
• Aptitude developing relationships internal and external to the university.
• Skilled in employee development and management.

This position requires a formal degree in the cited discipline area(s) to ensure that candidates have advanced knowledge, analytical skills and professional competencies necessary to perform the duties of the position. The level of degree is commonly recognized as the standard qualification for similar roles in the public and private sector, ensuring that the university remains competitive with industry aligned practices, enhances collaboration with external partners, and supports the delivery of services and programs that meet professional and market-driven expectations.

Preferred Qualifications

• Intricate knowledge of the higher education landscape and the operational functions of a large research university.
• Graduate degree in applicable field of study.

Additional Information

This position is open to internal University of Kansas employees only (all campuses eligible).

Advertised Salary Range: Commensurate with experience

Anticipated Start Date: Monday August 31, 2026

Assignment: Hybrid