Associate Vice Chancellor and Senior Executive Advisor to the Senior Vice Chancellor of Operations
University of Colorado Boulder
Operations
Boulder, CO, USA
Posted on Mar 27, 2026
Job Summary
The University of Colorado Boulder encourages applications for an Associate Vice Chancellor and Senior Executive Advisor to the Senior Vice Chancellor of Operations (SVCO)! This role serves as a senior strategic advisor, executive leader, and operational integrator supporting the SVCO in advancing the university’s strategic and operational priorities.
Reporting directly to the SVCO, this role functions as a thought partner, proxy, and trusted intermediary, helping to coordinate, align, and implement initiatives across operational divisions, including Human Resources, Information Technology, Health & Wellbeing, Public Safety, and Compliance, Ethics, and Policy.
The position provides high-level leadership in critical initiative planning, project execution, communications, issues management, and cross-functional coordination. The Associate Vice Chancellor ensures operational initiatives are aligned with institutional goals, supports effective executive decision-making, and helps cultivate a culture of accountability, innovation, and continuous improvement across the operations portfolio.
The role exercises significant independent judgment, discretion, and initiative, particularly in matters requiring confidentiality, executive-level problem-solving, and coordination across campus leadership.
CU is an Equal Opportunity Employer and complies with all applicable federal, state, and local laws governing nondiscrimination in employment. We are committed to creating a workplace where all individuals are treated with respect and dignity, and we encourage individuals from all backgrounds to apply, including protected veterans and individuals with disabilities.
Who We Are
The Senior Vice Chancellor for Operations (SVCO) oversees CU Boulder's public safety, health and wellness, information technology, human resources, and compliance, ethics and policy efforts.
Vision
CU Boulder will be nationally recognized for its inclusive and innovative learning and working environment.
Mission
SVCO provides creative and sustainable services that enable the CU Boulder community of faculty, staff and students to meet their educational and professional objectives.
What Your Key Responsibilities Will Be
Strategic Advisor & Executive Support:
- Serve as a trusted advisor and thought partner to the SVCO on strategic, operational, and organizational priorities.
- Act as proxy for the SVCO as delegated, representing the division in meetings, committees, and campus forums.
- Provide strategic counsel on operational performance, institutional risk, organizational effectiveness, and executive-level decision-making.
- Support alignment of operational units with the university’s strategic plan and institutional priorities.
- Coordinate regularly with the Chancellor’s Office, Cabinet members, Academic Affairs, and CU System leadership to ensure cross-campus alignment.
- Assist in identifying strategic risks and opportunities across operational divisions and recommend actionable solutions.
Strategic Planning & Initiative Execution:
- Lead and coordinate execution of division-wide initiatives and transformation efforts.
- Supervise progress on key operational priorities; develop performance metrics and dashboards to assess outcomes.
- Supervise special projects and task forces on behalf of the SVCO.
- Ensure alignment across operational divisions to promote integration, efficiency, and shared accountability.
- Identify process improvement opportunities and drive implementation of continuous improvement strategies.
- Support succession planning and leadership development initiatives within the operations portfolio.
Communications, Issues Management & Executive Briefing:
- Be responsible for preparation of executive briefings, reports, presentations, Board of Regents materials, and other critical communications.
- Draft and edit high-level correspondence, policies, and directives on behalf of the SVCO.
- Be responsible for information flow between the SVCO and division leaders to ensure timely decision-making and follow-through.
- Anticipate emerging issues and conduct research and analysis to prepare the SVCO for executive discussions.
- Coordinate internal and external communications related to operational priorities and initiatives.
- Ensure meeting planning and follow-up processes enhance executive effectiveness.
Operational Coordination & Institutional Alignment:
- Facilitate coordination across operational units to strengthen collaboration and resource integration.
- Informally mediate cross-functional challenges and elevate issues when resolution is required.
- Ensure initiatives across Human Resources, Information Technology, Health & Wellbeing, Public Safety, and Compliance, Ethics, and Policy reflect shared standards of excellence and accountability.
- Support enterprise risk management, compliance readiness, and operational continuity efforts.
Leadership & Supervision:
- Provide direct supervision of assigned staff, project managers, and/or central initiatives.
- Promote a collaborative, inclusive, and high-performance team culture within the SVCO office.
- Establish clear expectations, performance metrics, and accountability structures.
- Support talent development and succession planning efforts within the operational portfolio.
What You Should Know
- This role is working primarily on campus.
What We Can Offer
- The annual salary for this full-time position is $207,200 - $270,000.
- A signing bonus and/or relocation assistance may be available.
Benefits
At the University of Colorado Boulder, we are committed to supporting the holistic health and well-being of our employees. Our comprehensive benefits package includes medical, dental, and retirement plans; generous paid time off; tuition assistance for you and your dependents; and an ECO Pass for local transit. As one of Boulder County’s largest employers, CU Boulder offers an inspiring academic community and access to world-class outdoor recreation. Explore additional perks and programs through the CU Advantage program.
Be Statements
Be courageous. Be inspired. Be Boulder.
What We Require
- Master's or JD degree or an equivalent combination of education and experience may substitute for the degree on a year for year basis.
- 6+ years of progressively responsible job-related management experience that includes:
- Previous experience with large complex projects.
- Experience establishing relationships with internal, external business, political and civic constituencies.
What You Will Need
- Strategic executive judgment and discretion.
- Organizational integration and cross-functional leadership.
- Executive communications and briefing expertise.
- Data-informed decision-making.
- Sophisticated problem-solving and issues management.
- Change leadership and transformation management.
- Strong relationship-building and collaborator engagement skills.
- Commitment to fostering an environment where all individuals can thrive.
What We Would Like You to Have
- Previous experience (5 years) managing administrative responsibilities, in a complex environment.
- Experience working within the regulatory framework, especially previous experience within higher education in the state of Colorado.
- Previous supervisory experience.
- Proven past success in issues research.
- Proven past success in policy creation, advocacy and analysis.
Special Instructions
To apply, please submit the following materials:
1. A current resume.2. A cover letter that specifically tells us how your background and experience align with the requirements, qualifications, and responsibilities of the position.
We may request references at a later time.
Please apply by April 30, 2026, for consideration.
Note: Application materials will not be accepted via email. For consideration, please apply through CU Boulder Jobs.
In compliance with the Colorado Job Application Fairness Act, in any materials you submit, you may redact or remove age-identifying information such as age, date of birth, or dates of school attendance or graduation. You will not be penalized for redacting or removing this information.