Chief Operating Officer

Hispanic Association of Colleges and Universities•San Antonio, TX

3d•Hybrid

About The Position

SUMMARY The Chief Operating Officer (COO) provides strategic leadership, supervision, and oversight for the Division of Strategic Planning and Resources, the Office of Organizational Advancement and Marketing, the Division of Programs and Services, and HACU’s regional offices. The COO is responsible for managing the implementation of HACU’s Strategic Plan, directing senior staff within these divisions, coordinating the preparation of executive-level communications, and recommending organizational and programmatic improvements. The COO also reviews and ensures quality control of correspondence and media materials prepared for the President and CEO. This work is carried out in close collaboration with all departments and staff, particularly in coordination with other direct reports to the President and CEO. EDUCATION AND/OR EXPERIENCE Master’s degree in Higher Education, Business Administration, Nonprofit Management, or a related field required; a terminal or doctoral degree is highly preferred. Minimum of 10 years of senior management experience, including at least 5 years in a nonprofit organization. Experience leading organizations that interface with government agencies and private foundations in grant procurement and contract negotiations strongly preferred. Working knowledge of public and private higher education, as well as administrative or instructional experience in postsecondary education. Working knowledge of effective fundraising strategies and donor stewardship to support organizational sustainability. Demonstrated diverse leadership capabilities, including the ability to collaborate with peers, coach and develop staff, and foster cooperative work methods that support HACU’s mission, culture, and values. Senior-level experience in conflict resolution, supported by strong decision-making skills and a solid understanding of federal and state employment laws. Proven ability to engage and communicate effectively with internal and external stakeholders, community partners, and individuals from diverse backgrounds, with exceptional interpersonal, oral, and written communication skills. Spanish language proficiency strongly preferred, but not required. Strong presentation skills, with the ability to clearly communicate complex information to senior leadership, federal agencies, academic and administrative groups, public audiences, business partners, community stakeholders, and governing boards. Strong analytical skills, including the ability to work with mathematical concepts such as probability and statistical inference, and to apply percentages, ratios, and proportions to practical situations. Familiarity with developing and conforming to an annual office budget. Strong organizational and strategic planning skills, with the ability to manage multiple complex projects simultaneously, address challenges with resourcefulness, and develop alternative approaches and solutions. Advanced proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite, survey platforms (e.g., Qualtrics/SurveyMonkey), and video conferencing tools such as Zoom and Teams, with the ability to leverage technology to strengthen communication, streamline processes, and enhance organizational effectiveness. Proficient in generating reports and visual data summaries for internal and external stakeholders, including senior leadership and governing boards. Proven capacity to remain composed under pressure, approach challenges creatively, and guide teams toward effective solutions. Ability to travel as required.

Requirements

Master’s degree in Higher Education, Business Administration, Nonprofit Management, or a related field required; a terminal or doctoral degree is highly preferred.
Minimum of 10 years of senior management experience, including at least 5 years in a nonprofit organization.
Experience leading organizations that interface with government agencies and private foundations in grant procurement and contract negotiations strongly preferred.
Working knowledge of public and private higher education, as well as administrative or instructional experience in postsecondary education.
Working knowledge of effective fundraising strategies and donor stewardship to support organizational sustainability.
Demonstrated diverse leadership capabilities, including the ability to collaborate with peers, coach and develop staff, and foster cooperative work methods that support HACU’s mission, culture, and values.
Senior-level experience in conflict resolution, supported by strong decision-making skills and a solid understanding of federal and state employment laws.
Proven ability to engage and communicate effectively with internal and external stakeholders, community partners, and individuals from diverse backgrounds, with exceptional interpersonal, oral, and written communication skills. Spanish language proficiency strongly preferred, but not required.
Strong presentation skills, with the ability to clearly communicate complex information to senior leadership, federal agencies, academic and administrative groups, public audiences, business partners, community stakeholders, and governing boards.
Strong analytical skills, including the ability to work with mathematical concepts such as probability and statistical inference, and to apply percentages, ratios, and proportions to practical situations. Familiarity with developing and conforming to an annual office budget.
Strong organizational and strategic planning skills, with the ability to manage multiple complex projects simultaneously, address challenges with resourcefulness, and develop alternative approaches and solutions.
Advanced proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite, survey platforms (e.g., Qualtrics/SurveyMonkey), and video conferencing tools such as Zoom and Teams, with the ability to leverage technology to strengthen communication, streamline processes, and enhance organizational effectiveness.
Proficient in generating reports and visual data summaries for internal and external stakeholders, including senior leadership and governing boards.
Proven capacity to remain composed under pressure, approach challenges creatively, and guide teams toward effective solutions.
Ability to travel as required.

Nice To Haves

Spanish language proficiency strongly preferred, but not required.
a terminal or doctoral degree is highly preferred.
Experience leading organizations that interface with government agencies and private foundations in grant procurement and contract negotiations strongly preferred.

Responsibilities

Work collaboratively and strategically in a team environment with all levels of professional, technical, and administrative staff to ensure the fulfillment of HACU’s mission, goals, and objectives.
Direct and evaluate staff under the COO’s supervision in the planning, development, and implementation of short- and long-term operational plans aligned with HACU’s Strategic Plan.
Oversee internal operations to ensure efficiency, effectiveness, and alignment with organizational objectives; regularly assess operational performance and provide monthly and as-needed summary reports to the President and CEO.
Ensure clarity of responsibilities, authority, and accountability for all direct reports, and support consistent, high-quality performance across all supervised units.
Ensure that all organizational activities and operations comply with applicable local, state, and federal laws and regulations governing nonprofit and business operations.
Review, respond to, and prepare correspondence on behalf of the President and CEO, ensuring accuracy, clarity, and alignment with organizational standards.
Oversee quality control for all correspondence, reports, presentations, and materials submitted for the President and CEO’s approval or signature.
Lead the development, maintenance, and enhancement of HACU’s online assessment and reporting system to monitor progress toward Strategic Plan goals, and guide staff in its effective use; provide periodic reports for Cabinet meetings and other executive needs.
Provide direction and oversight to communications staff and related teams in preparing speeches, presentations, and executive communications for the President and CEO.
Coordinate the preparation of Governing Board meetings; advise liaison staff to Standing Committees; and oversee planning and delivery of Membership and Associate Membership Business Meetings.
Partner with HR staff and managers to proactively address employee concerns, minimize workplace disputes, and resolve issues promptly and effectively when they arise.
Collaborate with the Assistant Vice President of Advancement and Marketing to support the development of new proposals and initiatives and to ensure effective management and compliance of funded programs and operations under the Office of Financial Planning and Management.
Work in coordination with key stakeholders and the Executive Vice President for Policy and Government Relations, develop and implement HACU’s research and policy analysis agenda; conduct research and support federal and state policy initiatives aligned with HACU’s legislative and programmatic objectives.
Work with the Office of Government Relations to develop policy and legislative proposals and assist in documenting HACU’s formal positions on Hispanic higher education policy issues.
Perform other duties as assigned by the President and CEO.