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 university’s and school’s 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 Master’s 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 university’s 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 $233,198-$275,000. 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 candidate’s 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: Bachelor's 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: Master's 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.