Chief of Operations, Division of Information Technology

Careers Listing•Fullerton, CA

9h•Onsite

About The Position

The Division of Information Technology (IT) at California State University, Fullerton (Cal State Fullerton) is seeking an exceptional individual to join its IT-Administration team as the Chief of Operations, Division of Information Technology (Administrator II). The ideal candidate will possess a positive attitude, an active, energetic mind, and a leadership style characterized by highly ethical practices and a commitment to inclusivity, openness, flexibility, integrity, and kindness. This role provides executive leadership and oversight of the Office of the Vice President for Information Technology and the Division of IT's administrative operations. The Chief of Operations (COO) is responsible for advancing the division's operational effectiveness in support of institutional priorities, student success, and the delivery of enterprise technology services. This position directs the division’s core administrative functions, including IT Finance, IT Human Resources, divisional space management, and professional development, and serves as the principal personnel officer for the Division of IT. The COO leads divisional organizational strategy in partnership with the Vice President of IT/Chief Information Officer (VPIT/CIO) and senior leadership team, and represents the VPIT/CIO to on-campus and off-campus constituents, internal committees, and community partners. The COO maintains a divisional view of the project portfolio, partnering with the IT senior leadership team to coordinate across initiatives, identify dependencies and resource conflicts, and keep the VPIT/CIO informed on portfolio health, risks, and timing. Other duties as assigned.

Requirements

Bachelor's degree from an accredited university.
A minimum of five years of progressively responsible experience supporting executive leadership, operations, or administration in a complex environment.
Experience leading operational initiatives, managing cross-functional projects, and supporting strategic planning where priorities and resources evolve.
Experience with budget administration, financial planning, and resource allocation.
Experience managing personnel, including supervision, performance management, employee relations, and recruitment coordination.
Excellent oral and written communication skills, including the ability to prepare executive-level reports and communications for campus leadership, the Chancellor's Office, and external stakeholders.
Ability to operate independently with initiative, discretion, sound judgment, political acumen, and a high degree of professionalism and confidentiality.
A background check (including a criminal records check) must be completed satisfactorily and is required for employment.
Must file an initial “Conflict of Interest Form 700: Statement of Economic Interests” within thirty (30) days from date of hire and on an annual basis.
Must complete the CSU sponsored ethics on-line training within thirty (30) days of appointment, and at least once during each consecutive period of two calendar years following the appointment.
Considered a limited mandated reporter under the California Child Abuse and Neglect Reporting Act and must comply with the requirement outlined in CSU Executive Order 1083, revised July 17, 2017.
Designated as a Campus Security Authority (CSA) position under the federal Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Campus Crime Statistics Act. CSA training is required.
Applicants will be required to disclose whether they have received a final administrative decision or final judicial decision determining that they have committed sexual harassment within the last 7 years only after a determination is made that they meet the minimum qualifications for the position, and before an offer of employment is extended.
Applicants who reach the final stages of the application process must also sign a release form that authorizes the release of information by the applicant’s current and/or former employers to the CSU concerning any substantiated allegations of misconduct.
Regular attendance is considered an essential job function.
May be required to successfully complete job-related performance test(s) as part of the selection process.

Nice To Haves

Master's degree in business administration, public administration, information systems, or a related field.
Seven years of progressively responsible experience supporting executive leadership, operations, or administration in a complex environment, within an information technology organization in higher education or another large public-sector setting.
Experience navigating organizational and budget change, including reorganizations, leadership transitions, and budget reallocations.
Experience supporting executive leadership within a CSU campus or comparable public university system, including familiarity with shared governance and Chancellor's Office reporting expectations.
Demonstrated ability to thrive in operationally demanding and rapidly evolving IT environments, with the judgment and adaptability needed to support executive decision-making under pressure.
Working knowledge of IT service management (ITSM) frameworks and industry standards (e.g., Information Technology Infrastructure Library (ITIL), National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST), Control Objectives for Information and Related Technologies (COBIT)), sufficient to engage with technical leaders and translate operational complexity into decision-ready briefings.

Responsibilities

Provides executive leadership and oversight of the Office of the Vice President for Information Technology and of the Division of IT's administrative operations.
Advances the division's operational effectiveness in support of institutional priorities, student success, and the delivery of enterprise technology services.
Directs the division’s core administrative functions, including IT Finance, IT Human Resources, divisional space management, and professional development.
Serves as the principal personnel officer for the Division of IT.
Leads divisional organizational strategy in partnership with the Vice President of IT/Chief Information Officer (VPIT/CIO) and senior leadership team.
Represents the VPIT/CIO to on-campus and off-campus constituents, internal committees, and community partners.
Maintains a divisional view of the project portfolio, partnering with the IT senior leadership team to coordinate across initiatives, identify dependencies and resource conflicts, and keep the VPIT/CIO informed on portfolio health, risks, and timing.
Other duties as assigned.