Chief Operating Officer, University Advancement
Inside Higher Ed
Location: Columbus State University
Full/Part Time: Full Time
Regular/Temporary: Regular
Great universities inspire the very best in us. They nurture new ideas, fresh perspectives, and creative problem-solving. They challenge students to discover their passions - and to turn those passions into thriving careers that improve our world.
Columbus State University is exactly that kind of place. With exceptional facilities, ideal class sizes, and unique field experiences, our students have room to create. Here, every faculty and staff member is part of the educational process, actively mentoring students and championing each new step in their journey.
Located just 100 miles southwest of Atlanta, CSU is part of the University System of Georgia and offers a variety of benefits to full-time benefits-eligible employees and some of our half-time (or more) employees. Benefits that may be elected could include health insurance, dental insurance, life insurance, Teachers Retirement System (or Optional Retirement Plan), as well as earned vacation time, sick leave, and 13 paid holidays (if applicable). Also, our full-time employees who have been employed with us successfully for more than 6 months can be considered for the Tuition Assistance Program. Consider applying with us today!
Department Information
University Advancement
Job Summary
Columbus State University seeks a dynamic and visionary leader to serve as the Chief Operations Officer (COO) for the Office of Advancement. The COO will lead and oversee all aspects of daily operations and financial functions to maximize cross-functional collaboration with units across campus. This position will collaborate closely with the Assistant vice President, Business Operations and Chief Accounting Officer to monitor cash flow and expenses; approve payments to campus constituents in alignment with financial policies; and manage vendor relationships and contracts. The COO is responsible for fiscal management, adhering to endowment spending policies; and reporting across the core campus networks.
Responsibilities
Board and Stakeholder Engagement - As a trusted partner to the Chief Advancement Officer, the COO will serve as a key liaison between staff, the Board of Trustees, and external partners and stakeholders; staff designated to Board committees and prepare Board materials/presentations related to financial reporting; and represent the Advancement Office at select stakeholder events.
Strategic Leadership & Planning - Partner with the Chief Advancement Officer and Board of Trustees to translate the foundation's vision into actionable multi-year operational plans.
Internal operations & management - Serve as the internal leader of the organization, ensuring smooth day-to-day operations, including:
- Act as a proxy for the Chief Advancement Officer in internal management and bridge the gap across cross-functional teams
- Oversee divisions performance metrics, data analytics, and institutional dashboards to measure and evaluate progress.
- Lead the performance management process that measures and evaluates progress against goals for the organization.
- Provide for all staff a strong day-to-day leadership presence; bridge and streamline operations and support to various colleges and departments across campus
- Oversee the implementation and maintenance of technology systems in collaboration with the Chief Information Officer. Standardize internal operations, including IT infrastructure, cybersecurity procedures, and risk management.
Team leadership - In partnership with the Chief Advancement Officer (CAO) develop staff retreats and other activities which foster professional development, team strengthening and a culture where employees can grow and reach their potential; develop and facilitate staff meetings and other avenues for productive communication.
- Oversee performance management, compensation structures, recruitment, and professional development programs.
Finance and Operations - Provide executive oversight of the foundation's financial strategy, annual budgeting, and long-range financial planning.
- Ensure internal controls, audit readiness, and strict regulatory compliance with nonprofit and private foundation tax and governance laws
- Oversee institutional funds, endowment management, and grant-making distribution processes.
Required Qualifications
Required Qualifications include: Bachelor's degree from an accredited institution in Business Administration, Finance, Nonprofit Management or related field.; A minimum of five (10) years of full-time experience, with a minimum of five years of senior-leaderships experience supervising teams in budgeting, finance, and advancement/foundation related work.; Demonstrated success in organizational management, including finance, systems, strategic budgeting, and business analysis.
Preferred Qualifications
Preferred Qualifications include: Master's degree in Higher Education Administration, Business Administration, Finance or related discipline.; Exceptional financial acumen, proficiency in balancing endowment growth and operational capacity, and strong board-facing communication skills.; Knowledge of non-profit board management practices and requirements.
Proposed Salary
Salary is commensurate with education and experience.
Contact Information
If you have any questions, please contact Karen McCauley, Hiring Manager, via email at ***email_hidden***
USG Core Values
The University System of Georgia is comprised of our 25 institutions of higher education and learning as well as the System Office. Our USG Statement of Core Values are Integrity, Excellence, Accountability, and Respect. These values serve as the foundation for all that we do as an organization, and each USG community member is responsible for demonstrating and upholding these standards. More details on the USG Statement of Core Values and Code of Conduct are available in USG Board Policy 8.2.18.1.2 and can be found on-line at https://www.usg.edu/policymanual/section8/C224/#p8.2.18_personnel_conduct.
Additionally, USG supports Freedom of Expression as stated in Board Policy 6.5 Freedom of Expression and Academic Freedom found on-line at https://www.usg.edu/policymanual/section6/C2653.
Institutional Values
- Excellence: Actively engaging outstanding methods in teaching, academic discovery, creative pursuits, student success, cultural enrichment and the overall campus community.
- Creativity: Pursuing distinction through inquiry and innovation, challenging convention and focusing on solutions.
- Engagement: Dynamic civic involvement and participation of students, faculty, staff and alumni in the university experience.
- Sustainability: Advancing fiscal responsibility, well-being, innovation, lifelong learning and environmental stewardship.
- Inclusion: Cultivating and championing a campus environment that welcomes diverse backgrounds, ideas, perspectives and practices.
- Servant Leadership: Leading through ethical empowerment and service.
Conditions of Employment
Requirements
All selected candidates are required to submit and successfully pass a background investigation to include reference checks and verification of academic credentials (if applicable). Other additional requirements may be required based upon specific position duties:
- A credit check completed for Positions of Trust and or approved departmental Purchase Card usage;
- Pre-employment drug testing for positions with high-risk responsibilities.
- Motor vehicle reports are required for positions that are required to drive a Columbus State University fleet vehicle or other vehicle designated as a fleet vehicle. A successful drug screening will be required as a condition of employment a randomly thereafter.
*Applicants for positions of trust may be asked to disclose criminal record history during the initial screening process and prior to a conditional offer of employment. *
For Faculty Hires: Final candidates will be required to provide proof of completed academic degree(s) as well as post-secondary coursework in the form of original transcript(s). Those candidates trained by a foreign institution will also be required to provide an educational/credential evaluation.
All employees are responsible for ensuring the confidentiality, availability, and integrity of sensitive information by exercising sound judgment and adhering to cybersecurity and privacy policies during their employment and beyond. Additionally, all members of the USG community must adhere to the USG Statement of Core Values must also be aware of and comply with the Board of Regents policies on Freedom of Expression and Academic Freedom.
Equal Employment Opportunity
Columbus State University is proud to be an equal employment, equal access, and equal educational opportunity institution. It is the policy of our institution to recruit, hire, train, promote and educate persons without regard to race, color, national or ethnical origin, age, disability, gender, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity or veteran status as required by applicable state and federal laws.
Other Information
This is a supervisory position.
This position has financial responsibilities.
This position will not be required to drive.
This role is considered a position of trust.
This position does not require a purchasing card (P-Card).
This position will not travel
This position does not require security clearance.
Background Check
- Position of Trust + Education & Credit
Special Applicant Instructions
Visit Columbus State University's online Careers portal to drive your career with us! The online applicant system provides you with the ability to review job opportunities and apply to those that you are interested in and feel qualified for. Each job posting has a summary description of the position and required qualifications. All job applications must be submitted through the online portal system.
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