Chief Operating Officer

University of Colorado•Aurora, CO

6d•Hybrid

About The Position

Cell and gene therapies (CGTs) have recently demonstrated the potential to transform the treatment of patients with life-threatening and life-altering diseases. A major hurdle in the translation of CGT occurs at the transition of an innovative scientific idea into the clinic. Gates Institute will efficiently advance novel CGTs from the laboratory to patients with the goal of creating safe and effective transformative medicines. To achieve this, the Institute must connect highly innovative translational science, manufacturing science, regulatory expertise, compliance, clinical operations, and clinical research with excellence in patient care at the University of Colorado and similarly focused partner institutions in the region and across the globe. The Institute will also partner with industry to facilitate the mission where appropriate and when synergies have been identified. The Chief Operating Officer (COO) is responsible for operational management and strategic planning for the Gates Institute. This person will oversee the design, implementation, and monitoring of actions needed to achieve the operating goals, objectives, policies, procedures, and mission of the Gates Institute. The COO will coordinate, manage, and direct some senior management team members; serve as liaison to the Gates Institute partners when needed; and work alongside the Executive Director to ensure strategy, accountability, and governance are overseen by the Board of Directors. The COO will bridge the organization's strategic vision with operational realities. The COO reports directly to the Executive Director of the Gates Institute. The position requires a large degree of independent action with minimal supervision to meet required deadlines. This person will make any major decisions collaboratively with the Executive Director.

Requirements

Master’s degree in business, healthcare management or healthcare administration
At least 7 years of professional operational management and/or business administration experience, which includes experience at the senior management or leadership level.

Nice To Haves

Organizational management experience, which included coaching senior level staff and managing and developing high-performance teams.
Experience developing and implementing program strategies.
Demonstrated experience leading organizational transformation projects and program development.
Experience with and a proven commitment to quality programs and data-driven program evaluation.
Experience working with and demonstrated understanding of the drug approval process.
Analytic and decisive decision maker with the ability to prioritize and communicate to faculty and staff key objectives and tactics necessary to achieve organizational goals
Strong written and verbal communication skills; a persuasive and passionate communicator with excellent public speaking skills
Action-oriented, entrepreneurial, flexible, and innovative approach to operational management
Passion, humility, integrity, positive attitude, mission-driven, and self-directed

Responsibilities

Provide effective and inspiring leadership by being actively involved in the programs and services of the Institute, developing a broad and deep knowledge of all programs.
Oversee the design, implementation, and monitoring of actions needed to achieve the operating goals, objectives, policies, procedures, and mission of the Gates Institute.
Lead and develop teams within the Institute to promote a positive culture, encourage maximum performance, and support the mission and vision of the Gates Institute.
Oversee daily operations of the company and supervise the work of Gates Institute teams including but not limited to finance and HR, communications, community engagement, and product management.
In collaboration with programs and units, set strategic goals and objectives for performance and growth.
Develop and implement a system for tracking and reporting on the progress of strategy implementation.
Manage relationships with internal and external partners and/or companies.
Support education initiatives that are part of the Gates Institute mission.
Support the Executive Director in advisory board and executive committee management and communications.
In partnership with the Director of Finance and Administration, prepare and submit an annual operational budget, manage effectively within this budget, and report accurately on progress made and challenges encountered.
In partnership with the Director of Finance and Administration, hire and retain qualified faculty and/or staff to meet institute objectives.
Represent the Gates Institute with the media and external constituency groups including community, governmental, and private and public organizations.
Ensure sustainability of the Institute’s operational units through sound operational management.
Establish effective governance and risk management practices for the Gates Institute.