Chief Operating Officer (COO)

The University of Southern California School of Cinematic Arts (SCA) is the only media school in the world that teaches all the major disciplines of the Cinematic Arts SCA offers a uniquely interdisciplinary learning experience. Currently ranked as the top film school by the Hollywood Reporter the school has 96 years of history as a leader in the industry. We are seeking a Chief Operating Officer who will work as a member of the leadership team on strategic planning staff engagement and special projects as summarized below.

JOB SUMMARY

The Chief Operating Officer (COO) oversees financial administrative and operational functions for the school and provides daily leadership and management that follows the universitys and schools mission and core values. The COO contributes directly to development and implementation of comprehensive multi-functional operations. The primary responsibilities include creating and monitoring unit-wide finance budgets and staff management and engagement plans based on data and school goals. Additionally the COO provides clear information and recommendations to senior leadership regarding support services requirements use of school assets and development of unit-wide operational strategies ensuring the maximum utilization of school resources.

The ideal candidate will have significant experience of 12 years or more in the areas of budgeting human resources and facilities management at the University of Southern California. The candidate will have held leadership positions in an academic unit and have a Masters degree in a relevant field. This position oversees administrative support teams for human resources payroll finance information technology and communications.

JOB RESPONSIBILITIES

Oversees school/division administrative functions and provides leadership and management of multiple core operational functions following the universitys mission and core values. Designs and implements business operations strategies governance structures and administrative procedures pertaining to university resources (e.g. employees facilities finances). Collaborates with and provides guidance to senior leadership executive staff and department managers on varied operational requirements to ensure ongoing maintenance and currency of the operations infrastructure. Responsible for aligning fundraising goals with financial management practices and ongoing institutional priorities.

Manages and allocates financial resources (e.g. reserves endowment) ensuring thorough planning and efficient use. Exerts full operating authority over the preparation of varied budgets (e.g. annual operating capital) leveraging expertise to make recommendations to leadership with detailed forecasts. Develops and analyzes models for operating budgets and cash flow. Assesses and reports on organization-wide financial and administrative operations performance and provides recommendations for improvement. Oversees evaluation analysis and reporting of school/division operational performance data strategic priorities and numerous other relevant metrics

Assists senior leadership with development and management oversight of advisory boards administration of committees strategic initiatives and unit-wide operational goals. Participates in institutional planning and policy development representing the school/division in administrative and financial forums. Coordinates special projects and provides clear information and recommendations to senior management regarding strategic development of support services use of school/division assets and development of operational strategies. Ensures maximum utilization of university resources including facilities and equipment. Maintains currency with trends and best practices related to areas of specialty. Partners with varied internal/external stakeholders.

Develops implements and provides leadership oversight for comprehensive operational processes and staffing across key financial and administrative units/departments and establishes goals for performance and growth across multiple functional areas within a school or division. Ensures appropriate employee talent selection organizational and leadership capabilities for assigned functional areas. Reviews overall talent selection management and employee engagement strategies. Oversees development preparation and editing of high-level communications (e.g. official correspondence publications presentations). Ensures compliance with all laws regulations policies and procedures. Encourages a workplace culture where all employees are valued value others and have the opportunity to contribute through their ideas words and actions in accordance with the USC Code of Ethics.

The salary range for this position is $233198-$275000. When extending an offer of employment the University of Southern California considers factors such as (but not limited to) the scope and responsibilities of the position the candidates work experience education/training key skills internal peer equity federal state and local laws contractual stipulations grant funding as well as external market and organizational considerations.

REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE SKILLS AND ABILITIES

Experience with budget planning and management business case development and organizational change practices in an academic unit.

Excellent executive program/project management skills with experience defining requirements and demonstrated financial management aptitude.

Demonstrated ability to work independently with minimal supervision deftly handle time-sensitive matters meet strict deadlines and accomplish high-profile and sometimes confidential tasks.

Demonstrated leadership interpersonal organizational critical thinking and analytical skills. Excellent written and oral communication skills.

Proven ability to interpret analyze and apply pertinent policies procedures regulations and requirements and to motivate others to action by articulating visions and strategies.

Ability to build develop and manage complex high-performing teams fostering an environment of trust collaboration transparency and accountability.

Demonstrated knowledge of current and emerging higher education issues and relevant/essential rules policies laws and best practices.

Demonstrated experience interacting with a broad spectrum of leaders and community members exercising diplomacy good judgment and discretion.

Minimum Education: Bachelors degree


Minimum Experience: 10 years in an operational leadership role at large complex organizations.

Minimum Skills: Experience with budget planning and management business case development and organizational change practices. Excellent executive program/project management skills with experience defining requirements and demonstrated financial management aptitude. Demonstrated ability to work independently with minimal supervision deftly handle time-sensitive matters meet strict deadlines and accomplish high-profile and sometimes confidential tasks. Demonstrated leadership interpersonal organizational critical thinking and analytical skills. Excellent written and oral communication skills. Proven ability to interpret analyze and apply pertinent policies procedures regulations and requirements and to motivate others to action by articulating visions and strategies. Ability to build develop and manage complex high-performing teams fostering an environment of trust collaboration transparency and accountability.
Preferred Education: Masters degree

Preferred Experience: 12 years in an operational leadership role at higher education institutions.
Preferred Skills: Demonstrated knowledge of current and emerging higher education issues and relevant/essential rules policies laws and best practices. Demonstrated experience interacting with a broad spectrum of leaders and community members exercising diplomacy good judgment and discretion.

USC is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race color religion sex sexual orientation gender identity national origin protected veteran status disability or any other characteristic protected by law or USC policy. USC observes affirmative action obligations consistent with state and federal law. USC will consider for employment all qualified applicants with criminal records in a manner consistent with applicable laws and regulations including the Los Angeles County Fair Chance Ordinance for employers and the Fair Chance Initiative for Hiring Ordinance and with due consideration for patient and student safety. Please refer to theBackground Screening Policy Appendix Dfor specific employment screen implications for the position for which you are applying.

We provide reasonable accommodations to applicants and employees with disabilities. Applicants with questions about access or requiring a reasonable accommodation for any part of the application or hiring process should contact USC Human Resources by phone at or by email at. Inquiries will be treated as confidential to the extent permitted by law.

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