Deputy Chief Operating Officer (COO) - Research

Georgia Institute of Technology•Atlanta, GA

45d•$186,044 - $314,414•Onsite

About The Position

Georgia Tech prides itself on its technological resources, collaborations, high-quality student body, and its commitment to building an outstanding and diverse community of learning, discovery, and creation. We strongly encourage applicants whose values align with our institutional values, as outlined in our Strategic Plan. These values include academic excellence, diversity of thought and experience, inquiry and innovation, collaboration and community, and ethical behavior and stewardship. Georgia Tech has policies to promote a healthy work-life balance and is aware that attracting faculty may require meeting the needs of two careers. About Georgia Tech Georgia Tech is a top-ranked public research university situated in the heart of Atlanta, a diverse and vibrant city with numerous economic and cultural strengths. The Institute serves more than 45,000 students through top-ranked undergraduate, graduate, and executive programs in engineering, computing, science, business, design, and liberal arts. Georgia Tech's faculty attracted more than $1.4 billion in research awards this past year in fields ranging from biomedical technology to artificial intelligence, energy, sustainability, semiconductors, neuroscience, and national security. Georgia Tech ranks among the nation's top 20 universities for research and development spending and No. 1 among institutions without a medical school. Georgia Tech's Mission and Values Georgia Tech's mission is to develop leaders who advance technology and improve the human condition. The Institute has nine key values that are foundational to everything we do: 1. Students are our top priority. 2. We strive for excellence. 3. We thrive on diversity. 4. We celebrate collaboration. 5. We champion innovation. 6. We safeguard freedom of inquiry and expression. 7. We nurture the wellbeing of our community. 8. We act ethically. 9. We are responsible stewards. Over the next decade, Georgia Tech will become an example of inclusive innovation, a leading technological research university of unmatched scale, relentlessly committed to serving the public good; breaking new ground in addressing the biggest local, national, and global challenges and opportunities of our time; making technology broadly accessible; and developing exceptional, principled leaders from all backgrounds ready to produce novel ideas and create solutions with real human impact. Job Summary The Deputy Chief Operations Officer (Deputy COO) Research provides strategic leadership and operational oversight across a large, multi-site research enterprise. Drives organizational effectiveness and operational excellence across program management, strategy development, enterprise governance, capital planning, facilities and lease management, strategic contract management, organizational excellence, emergency management, safety, security, and program operations. Manages secure spaces in compliance with U.S. Intelligence Community and Department of Defense requirements, supporting national security initiatives. Contributes to institutional strategy and governance, collaborating with administrative leaders, sponsored programs offices, and senior stakeholders to align and execute strategic priorities. Oversees the establishment of employee objectives, evaluates performance outcomes, delivers constructive feedback, and recommends compensation adjustments.

Requirements

Bachelor's degree in a related discipline or equivalent, related experience
10+ years of relevant experience; 6+ years of supervisory knowledge
In order to be considered for this position a cover letter is required
Must a US citizen for this position
Successful candidate must be able to pass a background check.

Nice To Haves

Master's degree in a related discipline or equivalent, related experience
At least 2 years at the director-level

Responsibilities

Provide enterprise-wide strategic and operational leadership to ensure alignment with institutional mission, growth objectives, and long-term priorities.
Serve as a senior advisor to executive leadership on operational policy, business strategy, and contract execution, influencing decision-making at the highest levels.
Lead secure infrastructure planning and compliance for classified environments, ensuring adherence to DoD, NISPOM, and federal security standards.
Drive organizational effectiveness and operational excellence, implementing strategies that enhance performance, scalability, and service delivery.
Oversee execution of major operational programs and initiatives, ensuring timely delivery, resource optimization, and strategic impact.
Ensure regulatory and institutional compliance across all operational domains, including national security-related operations and sponsored program support.
Manage and develop high-performing, cross-functional teams, including unit heads, project managers, consultants, and research personnel.
Collaborate with internal and external stakeholders, including government partners, vendors, and institutional leaders, to advance strategic initiatives.
Champion continuous improvement and innovation, fostering a culture of agility, accountability, and excellence in operational practices.
Perform other duties as assigned.