Chief Operating & People Officer (ADMIN MGR 2)

The Chief Operating & People Officer (COPO) is a senior executive leadership role responsible for the overall health, effectiveness, and alignment of CPE's people, operations, and internal administrative systems. Reporting directly to the Dean, the COPO serves as the division's chief advisor on workforce strategy, organizational culture, and operational excellence.

This role is intentionally designed to provide unified executive leadership across Human Resources, Information Technology, Facilities, and Dean's Office Operations, ensuring that internal systems, people practices, and service standards operate cohesively and proactively.

The COPO is charged with moving CPE from fragmented, reactive operational practices toward a modern, prevention-focused, metrics-driven operating model that supports growth, accountability, and a healthy workplace culture. The role reflects the Dean's commitment to clarity, transparency, and sustained organizational excellence.

Apply By Date: February 27^th, 2026 at 11:59pm PST. First round consideration will begin February 13^th,2026. Selection activity may begin at anytime.

To be considered for this position, candidate must already have authorization to work in the United States. Unfortunately, we are unable to provide Visa Sponsorship at this time.

Minimum Qualifications - For full consideration, applicants are encouraged to upload license and/or certification if required of the position

• Bachelor's degree in Business Administration, Public Administration, Human Resources, Organizational Development, Higher Education Administration, or a related field, or an equivalent combination of education and substantial, relevant professional experience.
• Minimum of 10-12 years of progressively responsible leadership experience, including service in senior executive, deputy, or enterprise-level roles with oversight of multiple operational and administrative functions (e.g., Human Resources, Information Technology, facilities, administrative services, or equivalent) within a complex organization.
• Demonstrated success leading organization-wide operations and internal services, aligning people strategy, operational systems, and organizational practices to institutional mission, strategy, and long-term sustainability-particularly in resource-constrained or self-supporting environments.
• Demonstrated experience leading large-scale organizational change, including operational redesign, systems modernization, workforce or service-delivery transformation, and cultural change in complex, matrixed, or decentralized environments.
• Strong background in people, culture, and workforce leadership, including employee relations, conflict resolution, talent development, performance management, and building organizational trust through clear communication, transparency, emotional intelligence, and consistent follow-through.
• Proven ability to lead, develop, and hold accountable senior leaders and managers, fostering high standards of performance, service quality, collaboration, and shared ownership across diverse functional teams.
• Demonstrated ability to partner with and oversee enterprise technology and data-informed operations, including workflow optimization, systems implementation, service standards, and the use of metrics-driven management practices (e.g., OKRs, KPIs, dashboards) to improve accountability, decision-making, and organizational performance.

Preferred Qualifications

• Master's degree (MBA, MPA, MA, JD, or related field).
• Experience in higher education or the UC system, including academic personnel processes.
• Experience leading organizational transformation, workforce modernization, or digital operations improvement.
• Experience directing HR and operational teams during periods of growth, restructuring, or cultural change.
• Familiarity with UC labor relations, HR systems, and collective bargaining environments.

Key Responsibilities

• 35% - Operational Leadership & Strategy
• 35% - People, Culture & Workforce Leadership
• 15% - Change Management & Organizational Development
• 15% - Executive Collaboration & Communication

Department Overview

UC Davis Continuing and Professional Education (CPE) is the lifelong learning arm of the university. The division maintains the most diverse portfolio on the campus, with programs spanning pre-college, professional continuing education, workforce development, international academic and cultural exchange, and training services for corporate and agency partners. As a global leader in continuing education, CPE serves learners regionally, nationally and globally, and posts more than 55K enrollments annually making it the third largest UC Extension by enrollment. Beyond its community-facing role, CPE serves as the internal hub for online education in support of other academic units on the campus. CPE employs approximately 180 employees and draws on the expertise of approximately 1,700 instructors.

POSITION INFORMATION

• Salary or Pay Range: $122,300.00 - $259,900.00
• Salary Frequency: Monthly
• Salary Grade: Grade 27
• UC Job Title: ADMIN MGR 2
• UC Job Code: 000548
• Number of Positions: 1
• Appointment Type: Staff: Career
• Percentage of Time: 100
• Shift (Work Schedule): Manager will advise
• Location: Aggie Square (AGGSQ)
• Union Representation: 99 - Non-Represented (PPSM)
• Benefits Eligible: Yes
• This position is hybrid (mix of on-site and remote work)

Benefits

Outstanding benefits and perks are among the many rewards of working for the University of California. UC Davis offers a full range of benefits, resources and programs to help you bring your best self to work, as well as to help you and your family achieve your health, wellness, financial and career goals. Learn more about the benefits below and eligibility rules by visiting either our handy Benefits Summary for UC Davis Health Employees or Benefits Summary for UC Davis Employees and our Benefits Page.

If you are represented by a union, benefits are negotiated between the University of California (UC) and your union and finalized in a contract. Read your bargaining unit's employment contract, stay abreast of current negotiations and learn about collective bargaining at UC: https://ucnet.universityofcalifornia.edu/labor/bargaining-units/index.html

• High quality and low-cost medical plans to choose from to fit your family's needs
• UC pays for Dental and Vision insurance premiums for you and your family
• Extensive leave benefits including Pregnancy and Parental Leave, Family & Medical Leave
• Paid Holidays annually as stipulated in the UC Davis Health Policies or Collective Bargaining Agreement
• Paid Time Off/Vacation/Sick Time as stipulated in the UC Davis Health Policies or Collective Bargaining Agreement
• Continuing Education (CE) allowance and Education Reimbursement Program as stipulated in the UC Davis Health Policies or Collective Bargaining Agreement
• Access to free professional development courses and learning opportunities for personal and professional growth
• WorkLife and Wellness programs and resources
• On-site Employee Assistance Program including access to free mental health services
• Supplemental insurance offered including additional life, short/long term disability, pet insurance and legal coverage
• Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSFL) Qualified Employer & Student Loan Repayment Assistance Program for qualified roles
• Retirement benefit options for eligible roles including Pension and other Retirement Saving Plans. More information on our retirement benefits can be found here

Physical Demands

• Standing - Occasional Up to 3 Hours
• Walking - Occasional Up to 3 Hours
• Sitting - Frequent 3 to 6 Hours
• Lifting/Carrying 0-25 Lbs - Occasional Up to 3 Hours
• Pushing/Pulling 0-25 Lbs - Occasional Up to 3 Hours
• Bending/Stooping - Occasional Up to 3 Hours
• Squatting/Kneeling - Occasional Up to 3 Hours
• Twisting - Occasional Up to 3 Hours
• Reaching overhead - Occasional Up to 3 Hours
• Keyboard use/repetitive motion - Frequent 3 to 6 Hours

Mental Demands

• Sustained attention and concentration - Frequent 3 to 6 Hours
• Complex problem solving/reasoning - Occasional Up to 3 Hours
• Ability to organize & prioritize - Frequent 3 to 6 Hours
• Communication skills - Frequent 3 to 6 Hours
• Numerical skills - Occasional Up to 3 Hours
• Constant Interaction - Frequent 3 to 6 Hours
• Customer/Patient Contact - Frequent 3 to 6 Hours
• Multiple Concurrent Tasks - Frequent 3 to 6 Hours

Work Environment

UC Davis is a smoke and tobacco free campus effective January 1, 2014. Smoking, the use of smokeless tobacco products, and the use of unregulated nicotine products (e-cigarettes) will be strictly prohibited on any UC Davis owned or leased property, indoors and outdoors, including parking lots and residential space.

Special Requirements - Please contact your recruiter with questions regarding which activities apply by position

• This is a critical position, as defined by UC Policy and local procedures, and as such, employment is contingent upon clearing a criminal background check(s) and may include drug screening, medical evaluation clearance and functional capacity assessment

Misconduct Disclosure Requirement: As a condition of employment, the final candidate who accepts a conditional offer of employment will be required to disclose if they have been subject to any final administrative or judicial decisions within the last seven years determining that they committed any misconduct; received notice of any allegations or are currently the subject of any administrative or disciplinary proceedings involving misconduct; have left a position after receiving notice of allegations or while under investigation in an administrative or disciplinary proceeding involving misconduct; or have filed an appeal of a finding of misconduct with a previous employer.

A Culture of Opportunity and Belonging

At UC Davis, we're committed to solving life's most urgent challenges and building a healthier, more resilient world. We believe in growing through every challenge, continually striving to improve, and welcoming new perspectives that strengthen our community. We recognize that a vibrant and innovative organization values both individual strengths and shared purpose. The best ideas often emerge when people with different experiences come together.

As you consider joining UC Davis, we invite you to explore our Principles of Community, our Clinical Strategic Plan and strategic vision for research and education. We believe you belong here. The University of California, Davis is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will be considered for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, age or protected veteran status.

To view the University of California's Anti-Discrimination Policy, please visit: https://policy.ucop.edu/doc/1001004/Anti-Discrimination

Because we want you to feel seen and valued, our recruitment process at UC Davis supports openness and authenticity. Research shows that some individuals hesitate to apply unless they meet every qualification. You may be an excellent fit for this role-or the next one. We encourage you to apply even if your experience doesn't match every listed requirement. #YouBelongHere