Internal Only Interim Chief Operating Officer & Senior Vice Chan
Job Location:
Lawrence, KS - USA
Monthly Salary:
Not provided by the employer
Posted:
5 August 2026 (30+ days ago)
Application Deadline:
2 November 2026
Vacancies:
1 Vacancy
Job Summary
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 universitys operational functions across all campuses. The Operations team at KU provides essential services that make possible the execution of the universitys 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.
Disclaimer
The University of Kansas prohibits discrimination on the basis of race color ethnicity religion sex national origin age ancestry disability status as a veteran sexual orientation marital status parental status gender identity gender expression and genetic information in the universitys programs and activities. Retaliation is also prohibited by university policy. The following person has been designated to handle inquiries regarding the nondiscrimination policies and is the Title IX coordinator for all KU and KUMC campuses: Associate Vice Chancellor for Civil Rights and Title IX Room 1082 Dole Human Development Center 1000 Sunnyside Avenue Lawrence KSTTY.
Interim Chief Operating Officer & Senior Vice Chancellor University of Kansas
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 Chancellors 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 Chancellors 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.
This position is open to internal University of Kansas employees only (all campuses eligible).
To apply for the opening in addition to the online application the following documents are required to be considered for this position:
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 universitys operational functions across all campuses. The Operations team at KU provides essential services that make possible the execution of the universitys 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 Chancellors 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 KUs mission and vision.
- Identify opportunities to improve the culture of KU facilitate strategic growth and create an inclusive environment for students staff and faculty.
Disclaimer
The University of Kansas prohibits discrimination on the basis of race color ethnicity religion sex national origin age ancestry disability status as a veteran sexual orientation marital status parental status gender identity gender expression and genetic information in the universitys programs and activities. Retaliation is also prohibited by university policy. The following person has been designated to handle inquiries regarding the nondiscrimination policies and is the Title IX coordinator for all KU and KUMC campuses: Associate Vice Chancellor for Civil Rights and Title IX Room 1082 Dole Human Development Center 1000 Sunnyside Avenue Lawrence KSTTY.
- Bachelors 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.
- Intricate knowledge of the higher education landscape and the operational functions of a large research university.
- Graduate degree in applicable field of study.
Interim Chief Operating Officer & Senior Vice Chancellor University of Kansas
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 Chancellors 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 Chancellors 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.
This position is open to internal University of Kansas employees only (all campuses eligible).
To apply for the opening in addition to the online application the following documents are required to be considered for this position:
- Cover letter.
- Resume.
- List of three (3) professional references.
Required Experience:
Chief
About Company
Thank you for your interest in employment with the University of Kansas. If you need assistance with the application process please contact Human Resources at [email protected] or 785-864-4946.