Chief of Operations

Job Description

Job Description

Position Title

Chief of Operations

Department

Executive Leadership

Reports To

President

Supervises

Military Director; Facilities; Security; Information Technology

FLSA Status

Exempt

Employment Status

Full-Time; 12 months

The Chief of Operations serves as the senior operational leader responsible for ensuring the effective, efficient, and secure execution of all institutional support and operational functions across the College. This position oversees the integration of facilities, security, information technology, and military operations to ensure seamless support of the College's academic mission, cadet experience, and institutional priorities.

The Chief of Operations provides strategic direction, operational oversight, and resource alignment across all operational departments while maintaining a disciplined, mission-focused environment. This role ensures operational readiness, campus safety, infrastructure reliability, and organizational responsiveness in support of cadet development, enrollment growth, and institutional sustainability.

In a lean, mission-driven environment, the Chief of Operations drives accountability, operational excellence, and cross-functional coordination to ensure the College operates efficiently and effectively.

Essential Functions and Responsibilities

Operational Leadership & Integration

• Lead and synchronize all operational support functions across the institution
• Ensure operational departments are aligned with institutional priorities and mission objectives
• Develop and implement operational strategies that improve efficiency, effectiveness, and service delivery
• Serve as the principal operational advisor to the President on operational readiness, infrastructure, safety, and support services

Facilities & Infrastructure Oversight

• Oversee campus facilities operations, maintenance, capital improvement planning, and infrastructure management
• Ensure campus facilities support academic, military, residential, and administrative requirements
• Monitor operational performance, resource allocation, and long-term facility sustainability
• Coordinate emergency response, continuity planning, and operational recovery efforts

Security & Risk Management

• Provide oversight of campus security operations and institutional risk management initiatives
• Ensure campus safety policies, procedures, and emergency management protocols are implemented and maintained
• Coordinate crisis response planning and incident management efforts
• Ensure compliance with applicable safety, security, and regulatory requirements

Information Technology Oversight

• Oversee institutional technology operations, infrastructure, cybersecurity, and IT support services
• Ensure technology systems support institutional operations, communication, and strategic objectives
• Guide modernization initiatives and operational technology improvements
• Monitor cybersecurity readiness, data protection, and system continuity planning

Military Operations & Cadet Support

• Provide operational oversight and strategic direction to the Military Director
• Ensure military programs and cadet operations support institutional and leadership development objectives
• Coordinate operational support for military training, ceremonies, and cadet activities
• Maintain alignment between military operations and overall institutional priorities

Organizational Coordination & Execution

• Lead cross-functional operational coordination across departments
• Resolve operational issues requiring executive-level direction or multi-department collaboration
• Ensure operational priorities are executed effectively and efficiently
• Establish accountability measures and performance expectations across operational departments

Budgeting & Resource Management

• Assist in the development and management of operational budgets and resource allocation strategies
• Ensure responsible stewardship of institutional resources and operational expenditures
• Identify operational efficiencies and cost-saving opportunities while maintaining mission effectiveness

Performance Management & Accountability

• Establish operational metrics and evaluate departmental performance
• Identify operational risks, inefficiencies, and areas for improvement
• Hold operational leaders accountable for execution, responsiveness, and outcomes
• Drive continuous improvement initiatives across operational functions

Special Projects & Strategic Initiatives

• Lead or support major institutional operational initiatives as directed by the President
• Coordinate operational planning for institutional events, strategic growth, and organizational changes
• Support long-range planning efforts related to campus operations and institutional infrastructure

Supervisory Responsibilities

Direct oversight of the Military Director, Director of Facilities, Director of Security, and Director of Information Technology. Responsibilities include setting priorities, ensuring alignment with institutional objectives, reviewing performance, and maintaining accountability for execution and outcomes.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in business, operations management, public administration, leadership, or related field
• 7–10 years of progressive leadership experience in operations, administration, military leadership, or institutional management
• Demonstrated experience managing multiple operational functions and teams
• Strong operational planning, organizational leadership, and execution capabilities
• Ability to lead effectively in a structured, mission-focused environment

Preferred Qualifications

• Prior military service or experience in military leadership environments
• Experience in higher education, government, military institutions, or complex organizations
• Experience overseeing facilities, security, technology, or operational support functions
• Master's degree in leadership, business administration, public administration, or related field preferred

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Strong leadership, organizational, and operational management skills
• Exceptional communication and decision-making abilities
• Ability to manage complex operational environments and competing priorities
• Strong strategic planning and execution capabilities
• Ability to lead cross-functional teams and drive accountability
• High level of professionalism, judgment, and discretion
• Strong crisis management and problem-solving skills

Key Competencies

• Operational Excellence: Ensures efficient and effective institutional operations
• Strategic Leadership: Aligns operational resources to institutional priorities
• Execution Management: Delivers operational objectives with accountability and discipline
• Team Leadership: Develops and leads high-performing operational teams
• Risk Management: Identifies and mitigates operational and institutional risks
• Adaptability: Operates effectively in dynamic and resource-constrained environments

Work Environment & Physical Demands

• Professional campus environment with frequent interaction across departments and operational areas
• Occasional evening and weekend availability for events, emergencies, and institutional activities
• Ability to move across campus and operational facilities regularly
• Ability to respond effectively during emergencies or operational incidents

Impact of the Role

The Chief of Operations is a mission-critical leadership position responsible for ensuring the College's operational effectiveness, safety, infrastructure readiness, and institutional support functions operate as a unified system. This role directly impacts:

• Institutional operational readiness and effectiveness
• Campus safety and security
• Infrastructure reliability and sustainability
• Cadet experience and operational support
• Organizational efficiency and institutional resilience

Bottom Line

This role requires a leader who can:

Provide disciplined operational leadership, align operational resources to mission priorities, and ensure the institution operates safely, efficiently, and effectively in support of cadet success and organizational excellence.

Compensation: Competitive Salary, full benefits, and housing (4 bedroom five bath house next to campus) .