Chief of Operations

Heartland Consulting•Wayne, PA

7d•Onsite

About The Position

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.

Requirements

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

Nice To Haves

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

Responsibilities

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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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.