Summary

Description

Job Description

Position Summary

The Chief Operating Officer (COO), CSU Spur Campus provides executive-level leadership for the daily operations of the CSU Spur Campus. The COO is responsible for ensuring  efficient, effective, and financially responsible operation of the campus, including facilities, events, marketing, and administrative services. The COO convenes the administrative unit for day-to-day operations and tactical decision making.

This position oversees campus-wide operations, manages the Spur operating budget, and ensures coordination across functional areas to support programming, partnerships, and public engagement. The COO plays a critical role in translating strategic priorities into operational execution, maintaining operational excellence across a three-building campus, and supporting the long-term sustainability and growth of CSU Spur.

On occasion, the COO will cultivate and strengthen relationships with key partners across the Denver Metro Area in alignment with Colorado State University’s strategic engagement priorities. Beginning July 1, 2026, the role will report to the Vice President for Engagement and Extension.

Full Consideration Date: April 9, 2026

Description of Work Unit: The CSU Spur Campus serves as a major CSU presence in Metro Denver, supporting education, research, engagement, innovation, and partnerships. The campus houses three buildings focused on water, food and agriculture, human and animal health, and sustainability. Within the Spur buildings, CSU conducts research and convenes experts from around the globe; students of all ages engage with science and have opportunities for exploratory learning, transforming their thinking about food, water, and health, and the careers available in these fields; and partners join in programming the space and bringing evolving content to the year-round campus.  More information about CSU Spur is available at csuspur.org.

Essential Job Duties:

Campus Operations and Administration

• Provide executive oversight of daily operations for the CSU Spur Campus, including facilities, services, and administrative functions

• Ensure coordination and alignment across operations, events, and marketing teams

• Develop and implement operational policies, procedures, and performance metrics

• Leads the integrated management of Spur campus offices and shared spaces, ensuring efficient, mission‑aligned utilization that supports program delivery, revenue generation, and stakeholder needs

• Support campus leadership in operational planning and execution

• Other related duties

Financial Management and Budget Oversight

• Develop, manage, and oversee the CSU Spur Campus operating budget in conjunction with the CSU Budget Office

• Monitor expenditures, revenues and financial performance metrics to ensure fiscal responsibility and sustainability

• Prepare financial reports and recommendations for campus and System leadership

• Coordinate with Colorado State University finance staff to ensure compliance with financial policies

Leadership and Supervision

• Supervise and support the directors of Facilities Management and Events and managers of Administration and Staff/Program Development

• Provide leadership development, performance management, and strategic guidance

• Foster a collaborative, accountable, and high-performing campus culture

Strategic Coordination and Engagement

• Partner with University leadership to cultivate and strengthen relationships with key partners across the Denver Metro Area

• Support coordination with CSU System offices, campus partners, and external stakeholders

• Contribute operational expertise to long-term planning and campus growth efforts

Conditions of Employment:

• Pre-employment Criminal Background Check

• This role will have a variable schedule, including the need to occasionally work weekends, evenings, holidays, or 40+ hour workweeks 

Supervision:

This position supervises the Senior Director of Events, the Director of Facilities Management, the Senior Manager of Administration, and the Manager of Staff and Program Development. This position is also responsible for oversight of a contracted budget liaison.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in business administration, public administration, higher education administration, or a related field

• At least 16 years of progressively responsible experience in operations, administration, or organizational management

• Demonstrated experience managing complex budgets and financial operations

• Demonstrated experience leading and supervising professional teams

• Demonstrated ability to manage multiple priorities and operate effectively in a fast-paced environment

• Strong organizational, communication, and problem-solving skills

Preferred Qualifications:

• Master’s degree in a related field

• Experience in higher education, public sector, or large nonprofit operations

• Experience overseeing multi-facility or campus-style operations

• Knowledge of CSU policies, procedures, and governance structures

• Demonstrated commitment to an inclusive and collaborative workplace

• Experience supporting public-facing facilities, events, or community engagement initiatives 

Application Instructions

Interested applicants must submit a CV/resume and cover letter together explicitly addressing each of the required and preferred qualifications. Applications that don't include both will not be considered.

Salary Range

$175,000-$215,000

Required Application Documents

To apply, please upload the following applicant documents. Ensure your materials fully address the required and preferred job qualifications of the position. Please note, applicants may redact information from their application materials that identifies their age, date of birth, or dates of attendance at or graduation from an educational institution.

Cover Letter, Resume/CV

Employee Benefits

Colorado State University is not just a workplace; it’s a thriving community that’s transforming lives and improving the human condition through world-class teaching, research, and service. With a robust benefits package, collaborative atmosphere, and focus on work-life balance, CSU is where you can thrive, grow, and make a lasting impact.

• Review our detailed benefits information here.

• Explore the additional perks of working at CSU here.

• For the total value of CSU benefits in addition to wages, use our compensation calculator.

• Lastly, click here for more information about why Fort Collins is consistently ranked in the top cities to live in!

Background Check Policy Statement

Colorado State University strives to provide a safe study, work, and living environment for its faculty, staff, volunteers and students. To support this environment and comply with applicable laws and regulations, CSU conducts background checks for the finalist before a final offer. The type of background check conducted varies by position and can include, but is not limited to, criminal history, sex offender registry, motor vehicle history, financial history, and/or education verification. Background checks will also be conducted when required by law or contract and when, in the discretion of the University, it is reasonable and prudent to do so.

EEO

Colorado State University (CSU) provides equal employment opportunities to all applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws.