Apply on Employer Site

UCAR - The University Corporation for Atmospheric Research · 1 day ago

UCAR Deputy Chief Operating Officer

Boulder, CO

Full-time

Hybrid

Director/Executive

$183K/yr - $229K/yr

10+ years exp

UCAR is seeking a Deputy Chief Operating Officer (COO) to join our team to provide enterprise-level leadership for UCAR's operational infrastructure, ensuring the effective delivery of services that support UCAR’s federally funded research mission. This senior executive will help shape operational strategy and translate organizational priorities into coordinated, high-performing operations.

EducationSearch Engine

No H1B

Responsibilities

Lead development and implementation of enterprise-level strategic initiatives aligned with UCAR's mission and organizational goals

Establish cross-functional governance structures to drive strategic priority-setting, resource allocation, and operational alignment across all Laboratory, Center, Program, and Office (LCPO) functions

Develop and monitor performance metrics that assess operational effectiveness, strategic progress, and organizational risk

Integrate risk identification and mitigation into strategic planning and decision-making processes

Lead enterprise-wide process improvement initiatives that enhance operational performance, cost efficiency, and compliance through stakeholder engagement, satisfaction surveys, and data-driven analysis

Design and implement operational workflows that improve quality, timeliness, consistency, and risk management across the organization

Establish, monitor, and report on enterprise-wide key performance indicators (KPIs) to measure operational impact and inform evidence-based recommendations for continuous improvement

Direct change management efforts including stakeholder engagement, communication strategies, training, and adoption support

Monitor operational budgets and provide strategic analysis and recommendations on current-year and forward-year resource allocation, financial tradeoffs, and risk mitigation

Partner with the COO in budget planning, execution, and reconciliation to ensure optimal deployment of resources aligned with organizational priorities

Serve as acting COO during absences, providing continuity of executive leadership

Oversee UCAR's organizational project portfolio, delivering strategic guidance and performance oversight to the COO

Lead preparation and submission of critical federal deliverables, including the annual operating plan, NSF management review, and performance-based management plan

Direct bi-annual operational satisfaction surveys and translate findings into actionable improvements

Contribute to organizational governance through participation in investigations, hiring committees, and other executive initiatives as needed

Qualification

Operational LeadershipStrategic & Financial AcumenProcess ExcellenceRisk Management & ComplianceProject & Portfolio LeadershipAnalytical & Systems ThinkingSound Judgment & DiscretionExecutive Presence & Stakeholder EngagementCollaborative LeadershipAdaptability & Resilience

Required

Master's degree in business or related operational management, or 10 years of comparable operational management leadership experience

5 years of cross-functional management experience

Comprehensive knowledge of enterprise business operations across finance, facilities, infrastructure, compliance, and administrative functions, with proven ability to lead in complex, federally funded research environments

Expertise in strategic planning, budget management, and financial analysis with demonstrated ability to align resources to organizational priorities and navigate multi-year funding cycles

Track record of leading enterprise-wide process improvement and change management initiatives that deliver measurable results in operational efficiency, quality, and cost-effectiveness

Strong capability in identifying, assessing, and mitigating organizational risk, including regulatory compliance, governance, and federal reporting requirements

Exceptional communication and interpersonal skills with ability to influence and engage effectively across all organizational levels, from individual contributors to boards and federal partners

Demonstrated success managing complex, cross-functional initiatives from conception through implementation, including coordinating diverse stakeholders and competing priorities

Advanced ability to synthesize complex data, assess organizational performance against metrics, and develop evidence-based recommendations for strategic and operational decisions

Proven capacity to build high-performing, collaborative teams, integrate diverse perspectives, and foster organizational alignment in matrixed environments

Established track record of handling confidential, sensitive, and high-stakes matters with appropriate judgment, professionalism, and executive-level decision-making capability

Ability to thrive in rapidly evolving environments, anticipate emerging challenges, and proactively drive organizational readiness and continuous improvement

Preferred

Previous experience supporting C-level executives in a Federally Funded Research and Development Center (FFRDC) or similar environment

Benefits

Tuition Assistance, time off allowance to attend classes, and other professional development opportunities.

UCAR contributes 10% of your eligible pay into your retirement account; 100% fully vested on day one.

Starting minimum accrual of 20 days of personal time off each year (prorated for less than full-time positions).

10 paid holidays.

12 weeks of paid parental leave.

Short-term medical leave paid at 100% of your regular salary.

EcoPass for local Colorado residents to use the Denver and Boulder-area transit system at no cost.

Company

UCAR - The University Corporation for Atmospheric Research

Expanding horizons in meteorology and weather forecasting, water cycle hydrology, oceanography, solar physics, atmospheric chemistry and air quality, climate science, computer science, environmental science, and STEM education.

Founded in 1960

Boulder, Colorado, USA

1001-5000 employees