The University of Kansas (KU) invites nominations and expressions of interest for the position of Chief Operating Officer and Senior Vice Chancellor (COO/SVC).

KU is a top-tier teaching and research institution and the flagship public university of Kansas. With record enrollment of more than 31,000 students, KU is one of only 38 public institutions in the Association of American Universities (AAU) and offers more than 400 degree and certificate programs. Across its campuses and locations in Lawrence, Kansas City, Overland Park, Wichita, and Salina, KU advances a statewide mission of education, research, healthcare, and service.

At an important moment of institutional alignment and transformation, KU seeks a collaborative and strategic leader to serve as its next Chief Operating Officer and Senior Vice Chancellor. Reporting directly to Chancellor Douglas Girod and serving as a member of the University Cabinet, the COO/SVC will provide leadership for critical operations across all KU campuses, including information technology and cybersecurity, facilities, public safety, emergency management, transportation, and other essential functions. The COO/SVC will lead an organization of approximately 993 employees and oversee a combined operational budget of approximately $204 million.

A key priority will be advancing KU’s One KU model, strengthening alignment and collaboration across campuses while improving efficiency and reducing duplication. Working closely with the Chancellor and senior leadership, the COO/SVC will ensure KU’s operational capabilities and resources are aligned with the University’s broader mission and priorities

The successful candidate will bring at least ten years of leadership experience within a large organization in a complex higher education, corporate, or public institution environment, as well as demonstrated success working across multiple functions in a matrixed environment. Ideal candidates will be strategic and collaborative leaders with experience managing complex organizations in regulated environments; the ability to build strong relationships with internal and external stakeholders; and a record of combining vision, innovation, operational discipline, analytics, personnel leadership, and emotional intelligence. A bachelor’s degree in business, operations management, engineering, or another applicable field is required; a graduate degree and knowledge of the higher education landscape and operations of a large research university are preferred.

KU has retained Korn Ferry, a global organizational consulting firm, to assist with this search. The search is being led by Vickie Antolini, Anna Flagg, and Libby Kiggins. All inquiries, nominations, and expressions of interest should be submitted in confidence to Korn Ferry. Applications should include a detailed curriculum vitae and a letter of interest highlighting the applicant’s relevant leadership experience. To ensure full consideration, materials should be submitted electronically, in confidence, by Monday, November 30th, to KU-COO@kornferry.com.