Chief Operating Officer

🔍 Office of the General Counsel, Stanford, California, United States

New

📁: Compliance Legal

📅   : 1 day ago Post Date

📅   : 106003 Requisition #

Reporting to the Deputy General Counsel and Managing Attorney, the COO is responsible for managing the administrative, financial, and operational functions of the OGC. This role requires a strategic leader who can balance high-level planning with hands-on execution, driving efficiency across finance, human resources, technology, and general office administration. The COO will lead initiatives to improve internal processes, enhance reporting accuracy and efficacy, standardize legal operations, and ensure successful completion of an array of key projects.

CORE DUTIES

Strategic Leadership & Organizational Management

Oversee the administrative and operational areas of the OGC. Develop, implement and document OGC policies and procedures that improve the overall effectiveness of the OGC, including budgeting, operational and other activities.
Improve organizational performance and develop strategies for continuous improvement.
Ensure that OGC produces high quality deliverables (for example, well-written reports and high-quality presentations) in a timely manner.
Direct staff and provide leadership to achieve the organization’s goals and vision. Responsible for hiring, staff retention and professional development for direct reports.

Financial Oversight & Reporting

Prepare compelling, well-written and data-driven reports and presentations for senior leadership, budget groups and other external stakeholders.
Lead the development of budget planning, forecasting, and financial reporting to ensure sound fiscal management.
Design financial models and forecasting systems to ensure OGC’s long-term financial sustainability.
Monitor and track legal spending trends, using data-driven reports to identify cost efficiencies and opportunities for process improvement.
Ensure implementation of an effective and user-friendly accounting system, streamlining financial operations and reducing inefficiencies.
Oversee financial viability and sustainability of OGC operations, making high-level decisions regarding resource allocation.
Track and analyze legal trends, OGC spending, and operational costs to provide Deputy General Counsel and Managing Attorney with clear, data-driven and actionable reports that support decision-making.

Process Improvement, Technology & Data Analytics

Establish standardized reporting metrics and dashboards to track legal and finance trends, workflow and office accomplishments, providing Deputy General Counsel and Managing Attorney with clear, data-driven insights.
Lead enterprise-wide process improvements within OGC, ensuring legal operations are optimized for efficiency, accuracy, and transparency.
Oversee implementation of new platforms and other technology solutions and ensure OGC leverages cutting-edge tools and stays ahead of industry trends.
Supervise staff training on technology tools and applications, optimizing productivity and efficiency.

Talent & Organizational Development

Oversee staff recruitment, onboarding and training.
Establish and maintain consistent policies, ensuring all team members understand work expectations and requirements.
Provide direct oversight and accountability for staff responsible for financial management and administrative functions.
Foster a culture of accountability, ensuring adherence to internal deadlines and project commitments.

Process Improvement & Standardization

Oversee a culture of continuous improvement and process standardization to ensure clear, consistent guidelines and workflows.
Drive improvements in key office policies, billing processes, and client service standards, creating clear, accessible resources for stakeholders.
Implement and provide oversight for centralized tracking systems for legal work, accomplishments, and initiatives, enabling leadership to easily generate reports for executive briefings and strategic planning.
Ensure that key communication channels are continuously updated for the University community to provide clear, concise and accurate information about legal services, contacts, key legal resources and the evolving legal landscape.

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.

Additional Information