Chief Operating Officer

Engineering a World of Possibilities

The Colorado School of Mines is a premier engineering and applied science university with a legacy spanning 150 years. As we continue to shape the future of our industry, we seek a visionary Chief Operating Officer to catalyze our strategic mission. This role is not merely about maintaining operations; it is about architecting a robust, efficient, and future-ready infrastructure that empowers our academic, research, and student success initiatives.

Reporting directly to the Executive Vice President, the COO serves as the chief architect of university operations. You will provide strategic leadership to the CIO, CHRO, and other key executives, ensuring their initiatives are synergistically aligned to advance the institution's long-term goals. From overseeing the outsourced internal audit program to driving enterprise risk management, your focus will be on fostering a culture of continuous improvement and operational excellence across all administrative functions.

In this capacity, you will champion innovation in technology, workforce strategy, and physical asset development. You will work closely with the State legislature, local municipalities, and peer institutions to advance university operations, while ensuring a resilient and safe campus environment. Your leadership will be pivotal in embedding a culture of service innovation, customer-centricity, and outcome orientation, ensuring that the university community is served efficiently through high-impact initiatives.

The Hiring Process

To apply for this position, please complete an online application. You are required to upload both a resume or CV and a cover letter. Please note that references will not be contacted until later in the selection process, and you will be informed before such contact is made. Successful completion of a background investigation is required for this position.

Visa sponsorship is not available for this role. This posting may be used to fill more than one vacancy based on business needs. For the best consideration, we encourage you to apply soon, as the posting may close without notice or be extended as needed.

Equal Opportunity & Culture

Colorado School of Mines is committed to equal opportunity for all persons. We do not discriminate on the basis of age, sex, gender (including gender identity and gender expression), ancestry, creed, marital status, race, ethnicity, religion, national origin, disability, sexual orientation, genetic information, veteran status, or current military service. We do not retaliate against community members for filing complaints regarding these protected statuses.

Our commitment to nondiscrimination and equal access is reflected in the administration of our policies, procedures, and programs. We strive to achieve a talented student body and workforce through compliance with federal and Colorado state laws, administrative regulations, and executive orders to prevent discrimination and address potential allegations of inequality or safety concerns.

If you are a qualified individual with a disability or a disabled veteran and require a reasonable accommodation to access job openings or apply for a job, please contact our Human Resources team at hr@mines.edu or 303.273.3250.

Work location

Work model: On-site

Ponderosa Loop Trail, Park County, Colorado, United States

Colorado

Key Responsibilities

check_circleDesign and propose forward-thinking operational strategies aligned with university mission and long-term goals
check_circleOversee the outsourced internal audit program to strengthen enterprise risk management and drive operational excellence
check_circleLead the design of a dynamic workforce strategy to attract, hire, and retain top-tier talent
check_circleChampion enterprise-wide risk management by identifying and mitigating regulatory, ethical, and operational risks
check_circleEnsure a resilient, safe, and financially sustainable campus environment to support academic and student success initiatives
check_circleApply strategic financial acumen to evaluate budgets, resource allocation, and operational efficiency for fiscal sustainability
check_circleDrive organizational transformation by embedding a culture of operational excellence, service innovation, and performance

Requirements

verified15+ years progressive leadership experience
verifiedMaster's degree in business administration, higher education administration, public administration, or related field (or equivalent experience)
verifiedExecutive level experience in risk management, compliance, human resources, finance, or technology
verifiedExperience in university or complex organization financial oversight
verifiedBackground investigation required
verifiedNo visa sponsorship available

Nice to Have

Prior experience in research organizations or R1 research settings. Experience working in grant-based funding models. Previous experience collaborating with state, local, and Federal partners.

Benefits & Perks

check_circleFlexible health and dental care optionscheck_circle13 paid holidays per year including a week-long winter breakcheck_circleFully vested retirement plan on first day of employment with generous employer contributioncheck_circleTuition benefits: 6 credits per year for employees and 50 percent discount for dependentsFree RTD Ecopass

Skills, education and keywords

Skills: Risk Management, Compliance, Human Resources, Finance, Technology Leadership, Strategic Planning, Organizational Change, Grant-Based Funding Models, Resume, CV.

Education: Master's degree required, but experience may substitute.

Frequently asked questions about Chief Operating Officer at Mechanical Engineering at Colorado School of Mines

What does a Chief Operating Officer at Mechanical Engineering at Colorado School of Mines do?expand_more

Day-to-day, the Chief Operating Officer at Mechanical Engineering at Colorado School of Mines will design and propose forward-thinking operational strategies aligned with university mission and long-term goals; oversee the outsourced internal audit program to strengthen enterprise risk management and drive operational excellence; lead the design of a dynamic workforce strategy to attract, hire, and retain top-tier talent; and champion enterprise-wide risk management by identifying and mitigating regulatory, ethical, and operational risks.

What are the requirements for this Chief Operating Officer role?expand_more

To qualify for the Chief Operating Officer at Mechanical Engineering at Colorado School of Mines position, applicants should have: 15+ years progressive leadership experience; Master's degree in business administration, higher education administration, public administration, or related field (or equivalent experience); Executive level experience in risk management, compliance, human resources, finance, or technology; Experience in university or complex organization financial oversight; Background investigation required; and No visa sponsorship available.

Where is the Chief Operating Officer role at Mechanical Engineering at Colorado School of Mines located?expand_more

Chief Operating Officer at Mechanical Engineering at Colorado School of Mines is based in Ponderosa Loop Trail, Park County, Colorado, United States. This is a on-site role.

Is this Chief Operating Officer job remote, hybrid, or on-site?expand_more

Mechanical Engineering at Colorado School of Mines has listed this Chief Operating Officer role as on-site.

How much experience is required for this Chief Operating Officer role?expand_more

Chief Operating Officer at Mechanical Engineering at Colorado School of Mines typically requires 15+ years of relevant experience at the executive level.

What skills do you need for the Chief Operating Officer role at Mechanical Engineering at Colorado School of Mines?expand_more

Key skills for Chief Operating Officer at Mechanical Engineering at Colorado School of Mines include Risk Management; Compliance; Human Resources; Finance; Technology Leadership; Strategic Planning; Organizational Change; and Grant-Based Funding Models.

What education is required for Chief Operating Officer at Mechanical Engineering at Colorado School of Mines?expand_more

Educational requirements for this role: Master's degree required, but experience may substitute.

What category does the Chief Operating Officer role belong to?expand_more

Chief Operating Officer at Mechanical Engineering at Colorado School of Mines is part of the admin job category on Recrutus.