Deputy Chief Operating Officer (COO) - Research

The Deputy Chief Operations Officer (Deputy COO) Research provides strategic leadership and operational oversight across a large, multi-site research enterprise. Drives organizational effectiveness and operational excellence across program management, strategy development, enterprise governance, capital planning, facilities and lease management, strategic contract management, organizational excellence, emergency management, safety, security, and program operations. Manages secure spaces in compliance with U.S. Intelligence Community and Department of Defense requirements, supporting national security initiatives. Contributes to institutional strategy and governance, collaborating with administrative leaders, sponsored programs offices, and senior stakeholders to align and execute strategic priorities. Oversees the establishment of employee objectives, evaluates performance outcomes, delivers constructive feedback, and recommends compensation adjustments.

Typically, will interact consistently with: Faculty, Staff, Students
Typically, will advise and counsel: Faculty and Staff
Supervise: Yes
Position of Trust: Yes

Job Duty 1 -
Provide enterprise-wide strategic and operational leadership to ensure alignment with institutional mission, growth objectives, and long-term priorities.

Job Duty 9 -
Champion continuous improvement and innovation, fostering a culture of agility, accountability, and excellence in operational practices.

Job Duty 10 -
Perform other duties as assigned.

Job Duty 2 -
Serve as a senior advisor to executive leadership on operational policy, business strategy, and contract execution, influencing decision-making at the highest levels.

Job Duty 3 -
Lead secure infrastructure planning and compliance for classified environments, ensuring adherence to DoD, NISPOM, and federal security standards.

Job Duty 4 -
Drive organizational effectiveness and operational excellence, implementing strategies that enhance performance, scalability, and service delivery.

Job Duty 5 -
Oversee execution of major operational programs and initiatives, ensuring timely delivery, resource optimization, and strategic impact.

Job Duty 6 -
Ensure regulatory and institutional compliance across all operational domains, including national security-related operations and sponsored program support.

Job Duty 7 -
Manage and develop high-performing, cross-functional teams, including unit heads, project managers, consultants, and research personnel.

Job Duty 8 -
Collaborate with internal and external stakeholders, including government partners, vendors, and institutional leaders, to advance strategic initiatives.

Educational Requirements
Bachelor's degree in a related discipline or equivalent, related experience

Required Experience
10+ years of relevant experience; 6+ years of supervisory knowledge

Preferred Educational Qualifications
Master's degree in a related discipline or equivalent, related experience

Preferred Experience
At least 2 years at the director-level

ABILITIES
Competencies

Business Acumen
Demonstrates deep understanding of the organization's mission, market dynamics, and financial drivers. Makes decisions that balance short-term performance with long-term sustainability and growth.

Collaboration & Relationship Building
Cultivates strategic partnerships and cross-functional collaboration. Navigates complex organizational dynamics with diplomacy and influence to achieve shared success.

Ethical Judgment & Integrity
Models ethical leadership and decision-making. Upholds transparency, fairness, and compliance. Promotes a values-driven culture across the enterprise.

SKILLS
Competencies

Strategic Thinking
Shapes long-range strategies that align with enterprise goals. Anticipates emerging trends, risks, and opportunities. Makes high-impact decisions grounded in data, insight, and foresight.

Leadership & People Management
Provides visionary leadership across multiple teams and functions. Builds and sustains a culture of excellence, inclusion, and accountability. Develops senior leaders and succession pipelines to ensure organizational continuity.

Communication & Influence
Communicates with clarity, authority, and empathy across diverse audiences. Builds consensus, drives alignment, and influences outcomes at the executive and stakeholder levels.

Operational Excellence
Champions enterprise-wide efficiency and effectiveness. Oversees complex budgets, resource strategies, and performance systems to deliver measurable results.

Change Management
Leads transformational change with strategic clarity and emotional intelligence. Builds organizational resilience and agility while fostering a culture of innovation and continuous improvement.

The University System of Georgia is comprised of our 26 institutions of higher education and learning as well as the System Office. Our USG Statement of Core Values are Integrity, Excellence, Accountability, and Respect. These values serve as the foundation for all that we do as an organization, and each USG community member is responsible for demonstrating and upholding these standards. More details on the USG Statement of Core Values and Code of Conduct are available in USG Board Policy 8.2.18.1.2 and can be found on-line at https://www.usg.edu/policymanual/section8/C224/#p8.2.18_personnel_conduct.

Additionally, USG supports Freedom of Expression as stated in Board Policy 6.5 Freedom of Expression and Academic Freedom found on-line at https://www.usg.edu/policymanual/section6/C2653.

The Georgia Institute of Technology (Georgia Tech) is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer. The Institute is committed to maintaining a fair and respectful environment for all. To that end, and in accordance with federal and state law, Board of Regents policy, and Institute policy, Georgia Tech provides equal opportunity to all faculty, staff, students, and all other members of the Georgia Tech community, including applicants for admission and/or employment, contractors, volunteers, and participants in institutional programs, activities, or services. Georgia Tech complies with all applicable laws and regulations governing equal opportunity in the workplace and in educational activities.

Equal opportunity and decisions based on merit are fundamental values of the University System of Georgia ("USG") and Georgia Tech. Georgia Tech prohibits discrimination, including discriminatory harassment, on the basis of an individual's race, ethnicity, ancestry, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy), national origin, age, disability, genetics, or veteran status in its programs, activities, employment, and admissions. Further, Georgia Tech prohibits citizenship status, immigration status, and national origin discrimination in hiring, firing, and recruitment, except where such restrictions are required in order to comply with law, regulation, executive order, or Attorney General directive, or where they are required by Federal, State, or local government contract.