Chief Operating Officer & Senior Vice President

Overview of the Division

Operations encompasses several divisions with unique focus areas working collaboratively to support the teaching, research and outreach mission of Texas A&M University. Bringing together the time and talent of these divisions supports service-oriented functions, the strategic implementation of university-wide projects and the development of streamlined processes to better serve our campus community. These functions include; Emergency Management, Environmental Health and Safety, Facilities and Energy Services, Technology Services, Transportation Services, University Center & Special Events, and University Police Department.

For more information please visit the Operations website.

Position Description

The Search

The Chief Operating Officer and Senior Vice President reports directly to the President and is responsible for providing strategic oversight for campus operations including technology, transportation, facilities, safety, and security while ensuring that the university’s day-to-day operations are administered efficiently and effectively. This position will collaborate with senior leadership of the University as well as leadership of the Texas A&M University System. This position is assigned responsibility for the following units: Emergency Management; Environmental Health & Safety; Facilities & Energy Services; Transportation Services; Technology Services; University Center & Special Events; and University Police Department.

Patti Darby is leading this search from Texas A&M University Executive Searches.

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Key Responsibilities

Operational & Strategic Oversight

Provides status and operational effectiveness updates related to assigned units, as well as collaborating with the President and executive leadership to forecast and prepare for upcoming adjustments or developments impacting day-to-day operations, operational strategy and/or other university goals and objectives. Works with the President and executive leadership in the development and implementation of high priority strategic projects. Supports the President and other key leadership in addressing public affairs issues and may handle matters of institutional importance on behalf of the President, as appropriate. Advises and provides recommendations to the President on a variety of internal and external issues affecting key university operations. Committed to efforts to improve performance, collaborative effectiveness and enhance programmatic efficiency. Evaluate the impact of campus growth and new on- and off-campus initiatives on operations, technology, safety, and security needs. Coordinates finance, human resource, and marketing/communications support with appropriate professionals from centralized functions to address respective needs.

Leadership

Develops, oversees, and directs projects, programs, initiatives, and/or activities to meet the mission and strategic objectives of Texas A&M University. Translates strategy into actionable steps for growth, implementing organization-wide goal setting, performance management, and annual operations planning. Oversees Emergency Management; Environmental Health & Safety; Facilities & Energy Services; Transportation Services; Technology Services; University Center & Special Events; and University Police Department. Works with various internal and external entities to facilitate initiatives and coordinates special projects. Develops communication processes within the division to provide clear guidance and solutions. Lead and direct the budget review and resource allocation processes for assigned units and coordinates oversight of operations and accounting. Monitor performance with tracking software/instruments and take corrective measures when necessary and prepare detailed updates and forecasts.

Collaboration

Partners with the A&M System Leadership and associated administrators while interacting with senior university leadership as well as industry, government, and community officials and stakeholders in the representation, development, and implementation of strategic initiatives. Provides unique insight and perspective on the impact of federal, state and local policy and efforts on university initiatives and leverage university experts and key contributors to promote Texas A&M University support, innovation and collective solutioning. Build and maintain trusting relationships with key customers, clients, partners, and stakeholders. Provides unique insight and perspective on the impact of federal, state and local policy and efforts on university initiatives and leverage university experts and key contributors to promote Texas A&M University support, innovation and collective solutioning. Works with President and cabinet to coordinate and assess continuous improvement efforts.

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Operational & Strategic Oversight

Provides status and operational effectiveness updates related to assigned units, as well as collaborating with the President and executive leadership to forecast and prepare for upcoming adjustments or developments impacting day-to-day operations, operational strategy and/or other university goals and objectives. Works with the President and executive leadership in the development and implementation of high priority strategic projects. Supports the President and other key leadership in addressing public affairs issues and may handle matters of institutional importance on behalf of the President, as appropriate. Advises and provides recommendations to the President on a variety of internal and external issues affecting key university operations. Committed to efforts to improve performance, collaborative effectiveness and enhance programmatic efficiency. Evaluate the impact of campus growth and new on- and off-campus initiatives on operations, technology, safety, and security needs. Coordinates finance, human resource, and marketing/communications support with appropriate professionals from centralized functions to address respective needs.

Leadership

Develops, oversees, and directs projects, programs, initiatives, and/or activities to meet the mission and strategic objectives of Texas A&M University. Translates strategy into actionable steps for growth, implementing organization-wide goal setting, performance management, and annual operations planning. Oversees Emergency Management; Environmental Health & Safety; Facilities & Energy Services; Transportation Services; Technology Services; University Center & Special Events; and University Police Department. Works with various internal and external entities to facilitate initiatives and coordinates special projects. Develops communication processes within the division to provide clear guidance and solutions. Lead and direct the budget review and resource allocation processes for assigned units and coordinates oversight of operations and accounting. Monitor performance with tracking software/instruments and take corrective measures when necessary and prepare detailed updates and forecasts.

Collaboration

Partners with the A&M System Leadership and associated administrators while interacting with senior university leadership as well as industry, government, and community officials and stakeholders in the representation, development, and implementation of strategic initiatives. Provides unique insight and perspective on the impact of federal, state and local policy and efforts on university initiatives and leverage university experts and key contributors to promote Texas A&M University support, innovation and collective solutioning. Build and maintain trusting relationships with key customers, clients, partners, and stakeholders. Provides unique insight and perspective on the impact of federal, state and local policy and efforts on university initiatives and leverage university experts and key contributors to promote Texas A&M University support, innovation and collective solutioning. Works with President and cabinet to coordinate and assess continuous improvement efforts.

Qualifications & Characteristics

Required Education & Experience

Bachelor’s degree or equivalent combination of education and
Ten years progressively responsible experience leading facilities, health & safety, IT and/or transportation functions, including experience in building partnerships across disciplines & functions especially amongst academic, industrial, government, and non-profit and philanthropic partners, and ideally also experience in financial stewardship of an organization.
Demonstrated track record of developing and overseeing programs to support academic goals.
Ability to multi-task and work cooperatively with others.

Preferred Education & Experience

Experience of creating and sharing a vision, setting strategic goals, leading others to effectively execute programs and cross-functional expertise in two or more of the areas of experience listed.

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