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USC is a leading private research university located in Los Angeles – a global center for arts, technology and international business. As one of the city’s largest private employers, responsible for more than $8 billion annually in economic activity in the region, we offer the opportunity to work in a dynamic environment with professionals from a variety of backgrounds, in careers that span a broad spectrum of talents and skills across a variety of academic schools and units. As a USC employee, you will enjoy excellent benefits and perks, and you will be a member of the Trojan Family - the faculty, staff, students and alumni who make USC a great place to work. Think you’ve got what it takes to join us? We invite you to search our open positions and apply!

Chief Operating Officer

Alfred E. Mann School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences Los Angeles, California

Founded in 1905, the USC School of Pharmacy has played a key leadership role in both the advancement of the field of pharmacy and in the education of new generations of pharmacists and remains one of the nation's foremost schools of pharmacy today.

The USC Alfred E. Mann School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences seeks a dynamic and highly experienced Chief Operating Officer (COO) to join its team.

Reporting to and working closely with the Dean, the Chief Operating Officer will provide day­-to-day leadership and management for the Mann School that mirrors the adopted mission and core values of the university and will participate in the development of long-range strategic plans, governance structure, and objectives for practice management.

The Chief Operating Officer (COO) oversees all financial and administrative operations functions and contributes directly to development and implementation of comprehensive multi-functional operations strategies. The COO provides recommendations to senior leadership regarding requirements for support services, use of school assets, and development of unit-wide operational strategies. The COO maintains ongoing evaluation, analysis, and reporting of school financial and operational performance against strategic priorities.

The COO designs and implements business operations strategies, governance structures, and administrative procedures pertaining to university resources (e.g., employees, facilities, finances, information technology). The COO 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.

The Chief Operating Officer will work with the office and financial managers to manage and oversee all financial and business planning activities. Oversee the reporting and monitoring of organizational performance metrics. Provide clear information, advice and recommendations to senior management regarding strategic development of support services, the use of school assets and the development of activities to ensure the best possible learning environment for students and will direct the administrative and financial operations for the school through subordinate managers, supervisors and professional staff.

The COO develops, implements and provides leadership oversight for comprehensive operational processes across key financial and administrative units, including finance, human resources, information technology, and facilities. The COO reviews overall talent selection, management and employee engagement strategies. The COO promotes an environment that fosters inclusive relationships and creates unbiased opportunities for contributions through ideas, words, and actions that uphold principles of the USC Code of Ethics.

Qualifications

The minimum education is a master's degree with 10+ years of progressively responsible experience in operational leadership at a large, complex organization, preferably higher education.

Preferred qualifications and experience:

  • ability to work independently, 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 oral and written communication skills and ability to provide effective communication expertise over assigned areas;
  • proven ability to interpret, analyze, and apply pertinent policies, procedures, regulations, and requirements;
  • ability to build, develop and manage diverse, high-performing teams, fostering an environment of trust, collaboration, transparency, and accountability;
  • 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.

The annual base salary range for this position is $240,000 - $305,000. 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.

For your application to be considered, please attach your cover letter and CV to your employment application.


Minimum Education: Master's degree Combined experience/education as substitute for minimum education Minimum Experience: 15 years Minimum Field of Expertise: Degree in Business Administration, Accounting, or related field. Management experience in a large, multi-faceted school, corporate or hospital environment. Thorough knowledge of management principles, budgeting, finance, accounting and applicable laws/regulations.


REQ20165127 Posted Date: 07/27/2025

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