Chief Operating Officer

Chief Operating Officer Philanthropic University Ventura, CA Job Details Full-time $1 - $140,000 a year 8 hours ago Benefits Health insurance Vision insurance Retirement plan Qualifications Resource allocation Financial forecasting Strategic management Operations management Master's degree Change management Continuous improvement Cross-functional collaboration Cross-functional team management Senior leadership Full Job Description Position Overview Philanthropic University seeks a strategic, forward-thinking, and execution-focused Chief Operating Officer (COO) to serve as a key member of the executive leadership team. The COO will provide vision, leadership, and oversight of the University's operational infrastructure to ensure alignment with institutional priorities, financial sustainability, and an exceptional student and employee experience. This role is critical in translating the University's strategic vision into effective, coordinated, and measurable operational execution. The COO will lead core administrative and operational functions through a team of senior leaders while working in close partnership with the President and Provost to ensure that academic and operational priorities are fully aligned, resourced, and supported. Expectations Philanthropic University is a startup institution currently progressing through the accreditation process. We currently have an application with the BPPE pending final approval. Following BPPE approval, we plan to submit applications to WASC and ACOE. These applications require that the university identify its Chief Operating Officer during the accreditation process. The first degree program planned for launch is the Doctor of Optometry (OD) program. At this stage, this role will begin as an unpaid Board of Directors position. The board currently meets for approximately one hour every 2-3 months. As the university becomes operational and funding is established, the selected candidate will transition off the Board of Directors into a paid executive leadership role as Chief Operating Officer. The university is tentatively planning the following compensation structure for the COO position: Year 1 of operations: $140,000 Year 2 of operations: $161,000 Year 3 of operations: $185,000 Year 4 of operations: $212,000 2% annual raises thereafter Compensation projections are tentative and dependent upon university funding, operational growth, and board approval. Reporting Structure The Chief Operating Officer reports directly to the President and works in close collaboration with the Provost and executive leadership team. Core Responsibilities 1. Strategic Leadership and Institutional Alignment Serve as a strategic advisor to the President and executive leadership team on operational effectiveness, organizational design, and institutional performance Translate institutional strategy into actionable operational plans, systems, and measurable outcomes across all operational areas Ensure alignment between academic priorities and operational capacity. infrastructure, and resource allocation Lead enterprise-level initiatives that support institutional growth, innovation, and long-term sustainability Identify organizational risks and opportunities and proactively develop solutions that support institutional success 2. Executive Oversight of Operational Functions The Chief Operating Officer provides executive leadership and strategic oversight of the University's core operational functions through a team of senior leaders. These areas are led by functional experts who report to the COO and are responsible for day-to-day management within their respective divisions. The COO provides executive leadership and strategic oversight through senior leaders across the following areas: Facilities and Campus Operations Human Resources Information Technology Enrollment Management Marketing and Communications Strategic Partnerships Finance and Budget 3. Operational Excellence and Continuous Improvement Establish and implement systems, processes, and performance metrics to drive efficiency, effectiveness, and accountability across the University Leverage data, analytics, and institutional insights to inform decision-making and improve organizational performance Identify and implement opportunities to streamline operations and enhance service delivery Promote a culture of mentorship and innovation that improves operational effectiveness while supporting the academic mission Ensure that operational systems are scalable and adaptable to support institutional growth and evolving needs 4. Financial Leadership and Resource Stewardship Oversee institutional budgeting, financial planning, and resource allocation processes Ensure alignment between financial strategy and institutional priorities Monitor financial performance and implement strategies to ensure long-term fiscal sustainability Partner with academic leadership to align financial investments with program development and student success initiatives 5. Collaboration and Executive Leadership Partner closely with the Provost to ensure that operational infrastructure effectively supports academic programs, instructional delivery models, and student success initiatives Serve as a key member of the executive leadership team, contributing to institutional strategy, planning, and decision-making Lead and mentor a high-performing team of senior leaders, fostering a culture of accountability, collaboration, and continuous improvement Promote strong collaboration between academic and administrative units to ensure alignment and shared accountability Ensure clear, consistent, and transparent communication across all operational areas Qualifications Master's degree required; Doctorate preferred Minimum of 10 years of progressively responsible leadership experience in higher education or a similarly complex organization Demonstrated experience leading through senior leaders across multiple operational functions Strong financial acumen and experience with budgeting, forecasting, and resource allocation Proven ability to lead large-scale, cross-functional initiatives and drive organizational change Experience working collaboratively with executive leadership, including academic leadership Deep understanding of how operational strategy supports academic excellence and student success outcomes Leadership Profile A strategic thinker who understands the full institutional landscape An enterprise-level leader who leads through others and builds strong leadership teams A collaborative partner who fosters alignment across operational and academic functions A data-informed decision-maker who uses evidence to guide strategy and execution An innovative leader who drives continuous improvement and operational excellence A mission-driven professional committed to access, student success, and institutional impact Why This Role Matters The Chief Operating Officer plays a pivotal role in ensuring that Philanthropic University operates as a cohesive, aligned, and high-performing institution. By leading through strong operational leadership, aligning systems with strategy, and fostering collaboration across divisions, the COO enables the University to deliver on its mission, expand access, and achieve long-term sustainability. This role is essential to ensuring that vision is not only defined, but executed—creating an environment where academic excellence, operational effectiveness, and student success are fully aligned and sustained. Philanthropic University's Mission The mission for Philanthropic University is to mentor future doctors with a modernized curriculum while supporting the underserved with revolutionary access to healthcare.

We do so by:

Mentoring doctors to be analytical, critical thinkers via innovative methods of instruction. Operating a free clinic which will support the underserved while cultivating well-rounded, compassionate doctors. Involving all students in research with the goal of expanding access to healthcare for all patients.

Pay:

$1.00 - $140,000.00 per year

Benefits:

Health insurance Retirement plan Vision insurance

Education:

Master's (Required)

Experience:

leadership experience in higher education: 10 years (Required)

Work Location:

In person