University of California, Davis · 9 hours ago
Chief Operating & People Officer (ADMIN MGR 2)
The University of California, Davis is seeking a Chief Operating & People Officer (COPO) to lead the overall health and effectiveness of its operations and people strategies. The COPO will provide executive leadership across various administrative functions, ensuring cohesive and proactive internal systems and practices to support a healthy workplace culture.
Responsibilities
35% - Operational Leadership & Strategy
35% - People, Culture & Workforce Leadership
15% - Change Management & Organizational Development
15% - Executive Collaboration & Communication
Qualification
Required
Bachelor's degree in Business Administration, Public Administration, Human Resources, Organizational Development, Higher Education Administration, or a related field, or an equivalent combination of education and substantial, relevant professional experience
Minimum of 10–12 years of progressively responsible leadership experience, including service in senior executive, deputy, or enterprise-level roles with oversight of multiple operational and administrative functions (e.g., Human Resources, Information Technology, facilities, administrative services, or equivalent) within a complex organization
Demonstrated success leading organization-wide operations and internal services, aligning people strategy, operational systems, and organizational practices to institutional mission, strategy, and long-term sustainability—particularly in resource-constrained or self-supporting environments
Demonstrated experience leading large-scale organizational change, including operational redesign, systems modernization, workforce or service-delivery transformation, and cultural change in complex, matrixed, or decentralized environments
Strong background in people, culture, and workforce leadership, including employee relations, conflict resolution, talent development, performance management, and building organizational trust through clear communication, transparency, emotional intelligence, and consistent follow-through
Proven ability to lead, develop, and hold accountable senior leaders and managers, fostering high standards of performance, service quality, collaboration, and shared ownership across diverse functional teams
Demonstrated ability to partner with and oversee enterprise technology and data-informed operations, including workflow optimization, systems implementation, service standards, and the use of metrics-driven management practices (e.g., OKRs, KPIs, dashboards) to improve accountability, decision-making, and organizational performance
Preferred
Master's degree (MBA, MPA, MA, JD, or related field)
Experience in higher education or the UC system, including academic personnel processes
Experience leading organizational transformation, workforce modernization, or digital operations improvement
Experience directing HR and operational teams during periods of growth, restructuring, or cultural change
Familiarity with UC labor relations, HR systems, and collective bargaining environments
Benefits
High quality and low-cost medical plans to choose from to fit your family's needs
UC pays for Dental and Vision insurance premiums for you and your family
Extensive leave benefits including Pregnancy and Parental Leave, Family & Medical Leave
Paid Holidays annually as stipulated in the UC Davis Health Policies or Collective Bargaining Agreement
Paid Time Off/Vacation/Sick Time as stipulated in the UC Davis Health Policies or Collective Bargaining Agreement
Continuing Education (CE) allowance and Education Reimbursement Program as stipulated in the UC Davis Health Policies or Collective Bargaining Agreement
Access to free professional development courses and learning opportunities for personal and professional growth
WorkLife and Wellness programs and resources
On-site Employee Assistance Program including access to free mental health services
Supplemental insurance offered including additional life, short/long term disability, pet insurance and legal coverage
Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSFL) Qualified Employer & Student Loan Repayment Assistance Program for qualified roles
Retirement benefit options for eligible roles including Pension and other Retirement Saving Plans. More information on our retirement benefits can be found here
Company
University of California, Davis
UC Davis was founded in 1908 to serve the state of California. We do and we always will.
Funding
Current Stage
Late StageLeadership Team
Recent News
2023-10-27
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