Chief Operating Officer

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS

Education & Experience

• Bachelor’s degree and at least ten years of relevant experience in administrative and financial management, or an equivalent combination of education and relevant experience.
• Experience in legal operations or a professional services environment is preferred.

Certifications & Licenses

• MBA, JD or related advanced degree preferred.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Demonstrated strategic leadership, planning, and change management skills within complex organizations.
• Ability to drive process improvement and manage large-scale operational changes.
• Advanced financial expertise, including budget planning, forecasting, and financial reporting.
• Exceptional interpersonal, negotiation, and political acumen skills—able to influence stakeholders, solve problems, and drive resolution.
• Expert analytical and problem-solving skills, with the ability to generate data-driven insights for leadership.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS*

• Constantly perform desk-based computer tasks.
• Frequently sit for extended periods.
• Occasionally stand/walk, reach above shoulders, use a telephone, write by hand, and lift/carry objects up to 10 pounds.
• Rarely lift/carry objects up to 20 pounds.

*Consistent with its obligations under the law, Stanford provides reasonable accommodations for employees with disabilities.

WORKING CONDITIONS

• Sometimes required to work evenings and weekends.

The job duties listed are typical examples of work performed by positions in this job classification and are not designed to contain or be interpreted as a comprehensive inventory of all duties, tasks, and responsibilities. Specific duties and responsibilities may vary depending on department or program needs without changing the general nature and scope of the job or level of responsibility. Employees may also perform other duties as assigned. 

The expected pay range for this position is $250,000 to $350,000 per annum. Stanford University provides pay ranges representing its good faith estimate of what the university reasonably expects to pay for a position. The pay offered to a selected candidate will be determined based on factors such as (but not limited to) the scope and responsibilities of the position, the qualifications of the selected candidate, departmental budget availability, internal equity, geographic location and external market pay for comparable jobs. 

At Stanford University, base pay represents only one aspect of the comprehensive rewards package. The Cardinal at Work website (https://cardinalatwork.stanford.edu/benefits-rewards) provides detailed information on Stanford’s extensive range of benefits and rewards offered to employees. Specifics about the rewards package for this position may be discussed during the hiring process. 

The final candidate will need to successfully pass a background check to be considered for this position. 

Consistent with its obligations under the law, the University will provide reasonable accommodation to any employee with a disability who requires accommodation to perform the essential functions of the job. 

Stanford is an equal employment opportunity and affirmative action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.

How to Apply:

Stanford University has exclusively partnered with BarkerGilmore to manage the search for the position of Chief Operating Officer. BarkerGilmore will handle all inquiries and applications for this role.

For consideration, please submit your confidential resume to Sarah Sullivan sarah.sullivan@barkergilmore.com and Jennifer Carr jcarr@barkergilmore.com.