CAS Chief Operating Officer

Oregon State University College of Agricultural Sciences The College of Agricultural Sciences at Oregon State University is on the front lines of addressing some of the world’s most pressing challenges. We have more than 2,600 students, 250 professional faculty, $90M in R&D expenditures, and 40 degree programs serving 220 commodities in Oregon. We bring insights gleaned from students and researchers representing all 50 states and more than 40 countries, aligned around the conviction that we can all make a difference in the world. From fisheries and marine mammal research to rangeland science and food innovation, we are a collaborative, pioneering, diverse college. At our core, we are proud of our our 150 year old land grant legacy and remains committed to fulfilling accessible, high-quality education for Oregonians that connects research, teaching and outreach to all corners of our state and beyond.

Position Summary
Reporting to the Dean of the College of Agricultural Sciences (CAS), theCASChief Operating Officer (COO) has operational and strategic oversight ofCASoperations, including financial, human resource, information technology, and facility-related matters. TheCASCOOserves as a regular contributing member of the College’s Deans Group and shares responsibility for the work and activities of that group, including providing counsel to the dean. TheCASCOOcollects and analyzes unit, college, and university data to ensure that the dean and associate deans have readily available, accurate, up-to-date information that informs and guides their decisions about the allocation and management of personnel and financial resources. TheCASCOOcollaborates with internal and external parties to support theCASmission, values, and priorities.

The CAS Chief Operating Officer fosters operational excellence by serving as the operational and administrative leader responsible for financial management, human resources, informational technology, and the CAS infrastructure/built environment. The CAS COO is a member of the strategic leadership team that identifies and allocates resources to units. This CAS strategic leadership team also develops, implements, and evaluates the short and long-term goals of the College of Agricultural Sciences. The CAS COO is responsible for the successful administration of the CAS Financial and human resource activities and is the primary officer for the administration of college, department, and branch station functions. The CAS COO’s responsibilities extend across the state and the person in this position functions in a university-wide capacity, including the administration of activities jointly managed with the College of Science, the College of Health, the College of Veterinary Medicine, and the College of Forestry. The CAS COO is the primary representative of CAS to the OSU Division of Finance and Administration.

The CAS COO uses business acumen, collaborative decision-making, metrics, surveys, and performance indicators to guide the development, implementation, and monitoring of plans, policies, procedures, internal controls, training, systems, and innovative programs. The CAS COO ensures CAS needs are met in the areas of information technology, construction, and facility maintenance. The CAS COO manages this independently or jointly with CAS administrators/employees or representatives of University Information and Technology (UIT), and University Facilities, Infrastructure and Operations (UFIO).

With over 3,000 students, 280 professorial faculty, and exceeding $160 million per year in expenditures, the College of Agricultural Sciences (CAS) is a complex organization. In addition to the main campus, CAS has faculty-located Branch Experiment Stations in 14 locations across the state as well as Extension Faculty located in each county. CAS is well known for its collaborations among state and federal agencies. Our researchers and Extension faculty work closely with agency partners in EPA, USDA ARS, USGS, US Forest Service, US Navy, USDOE, NIH, NOAA, NMFS, USFWS, as well as state agencies, local governments, and professional organizations. CAS supports faculty in the College of Veterinary Medicine, College of Health, and the Chemistry, Microbiology, and Statistics departments in the College of Science.

Regional industries and commodity groups are also important partners. Oregon’s remarkable agricultural diversity, with more than 220 commercial commodities, means that many commodity groups depend on OSU research and development to improve their varieties and expand their markets.

The diversity of disciplines within the college is matched by the diversity of our students and faculty. Build access for all groups is a priority for CAS and OSU. Our sponsored student programs (MANRRS, SACNAS, CAMP) are among the top in the nation. We value our shared commitment to civil discourse and support of the individual.

There is an expectation that, as part of your role in the college, you embody and advance the principles and practices conveyed in the CAS CARE Commitment document.

Department College of Ag Admin (AGA)
Position Title Administrator 2-Unit Bus Ops
Job Title CAS Chief Operating Officer
Position Appointment Percent 100
Appointment Basis 12
FLSA Status Exempt Administrative/Not Eligible for Overtime
Job Location Corvallis
Faculty Status Regular
Tenure Status N/A

Position Duties

35% Financial and Human Resources

• In collaboration with theCASFinancial Officer, monitors and addresses financial conditions and processing, contractual matters, and legal/legislative considerations in an ethical and transparent manner to ensure effective decision-making and stewardship of resources, enhance customer service, manage risks, and meet compliance requirements.
• Collaborates with theFSS-CASStrategic Partner and Office of University Human Resources HR Strategic Partner to define and execute fiscal and HR roles and responsibilities.
• Understands and anticipates the effect of theOSUShared Responsibility Budget Model and uses strategic thinking to maximize support and drive operational changes.
• Ensures compliance with grant and contract requirements including the application of Uniform Guidance to the management of sponsored research and the unique requirements associated with National Institute of Food and Agriculture capacity grants.
• AdvisesCASadministrators regarding personnel and organization considerations to enhance employee morale, intervene in difficult situations, and maintain a positive culture as espoused in theCASprinciples and practices.

30% Facility, Construction, Operations, and Maintenance

• Collaborates with college administrators,CASgreenhouse and facilities managers, Cost and Project Manager (Architect), University Facilities and Infrastructure Operations (UFIO), and university officials for delivery of major and minor capital construction projects and the capital renewal, maintenance, and alterations of facilities and grounds.
• Works in conjunction with Facilities Services and Environmental Health and Safety to monitor programs associated with waste removal and the safe identification and removal of regulated materials such as asbestos and lead.
• Oversees the maintenance and administration ofCASinventories of property and equipment, includingCASdwelling units and college rentals. This requires driving to off-campus facilities (multiple locations across the state).
• Oversees land use issues including sale/lease agreements and local land use actions.
• Participates in the assessment of unit space needs and facilitates space management activities.
• Collaborates with theCASRegulatory and Safety Compliance Officer to ensure thatCASspaces (ranging from laboratories to field research locations) and equipment meet Environmental, Health and Safety (EHS) requirements and comply with other legal and regulatory requirements such as the Institutional Animal
• Care and Use Committee (IACUC), and pesticides/herbicide application requirements. Provides leadership regardingCASemergency preparedness planning and execution activities.

20% Duties Spanning Functional Areas

• Enables the success of others that manage the organization through effective consultation, problem resolution, and monitoring/reporting.
• Reviews, develops and implements policies and processes to achieveCASobjectives and meet compliance requirements.
• Fosters the mission of diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) in the hiring and retaining of employees, expands coordination and connections among successfulCASprograms, and partners with relatedDEIprograms such as those in extension and Engagement.
• Takes initiative to provide information, and to call attention to potential opportunities and problems before they become crises. Explores and proposes new methods for acquiring, processing, and presenting this information.
• Manages risk by identifying, assessing, and controlling threats from a wide variety of sources, including financial uncertainty, legal liabilities, and accidents/natural disasters. IT security threats and data-related risks. Works to assess and implement access control measures to restrict facility access as needed (e.g., state or federally controlled substances) and facilitate Department of Public Safety plans to enhance university-wide access control measures.
• RepresentsCASon university-wide committees and work teams to improve business operations, information technology, facility construction/operation and environmental health and safety.
• Provide leadership in the area of operational communication and training to ensure consistent and responsive business processes.
• Assures timely preparation and submission of required reports to the University, state and federal governments, granting agencies, and other parties.
• Leads and supervises the College’s team of professionals with responsibilities in operational areas. Oversees hiring and evaluation of individuals in such roles. Regularly communicates and works directly with these individuals in a collaborative and supportive role that facilitates their work and removes roadblocks.
• Assures their continuing professional development. Assesses workload guides work scheduling and assures coordination and communication with others in the College and the University.
• Oversees the efficacy of internal controls and practices, monitors training and adherence to controls, policies, and practices, and initiates internal audits of units within the College of Agricultural Sciences.
• Respond to and negotiate audit and fiscal control findings by outside agencies, in cooperation with theOSUOffice of Audit Services.
• Identifies and coordinates strategic needs across mission areas (teaching, research, outreach) and their implementation across operational responsible areas of facilities and IT.

15% Information Technology

• Collaborates with college administrators, theCASDirector of Information Technology (IT), otherCASIT professionals, and university officials on the overall planning, organizing, and execution of functions related to strategic initiatives, helpdesk support, security, network architecture, classroom technology, and digital research infrastructure to meet customer requirements as well as support and maintain existing applications and the development of new technical solutions.
• Monitors operational aspects of data storage, archiving, and public record request processing.
• Ensures appropriate acquisition use and disposal of IT equipment.

Minimum/Required Qualifications

• A bachelor’s degree in business, accounting, management, or a closely allied field.
• Seven years of experience successfully managing applicable operational activities of a large, complex organization, preferably at a research university and/or in the non-profit and/or governmental sector.
• A demonstrable commitment to promoting and enhancing diversity.

This position is designated as a critical or security-sensitive position; therefore, the incumbent must successfully complete a criminal history check and be determined to be position qualified as per University Standard: 05-010 et seq. Incumbents are required to self-report convictions and those in youth programs may have additional criminal history checks every 24 months.

This position requires driving a university vehicle or a personal vehicle on behalf of the university; therefore, the incumbent must successfully complete a motor vehicle history check, possess and maintain a current, valid driver’s license in their state of residence, be determined to be position qualified and self-report convictions as per University Policy 05-030. No

Preferred (Special) Qualifications
Master’s degree in business, accounting, management, or closely allied field or achievement of a Certified Public Accountant designation or Juris Doctor.

Demonstrated ability to:

• Work collaboratively with an executive management team to achieve organizational objectives.
• Develop and apply decision-making criteria to make effective independent or joint decisions.
• Take initiative in developing and delivering substantive, relevant management information to policymakers.
• Develop university-wide relationships and strategies to address common goals.
• Interact with a diverse group of colleagues, students, and stakeholders and support diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives.
• Serve as a member of a team of professionals at the policy-making level.
• Work independently and solve problems.
• Supervise professionals in ways that support and advance them and that create a positive work environment.
• Communicate effectively in writing and speaking.
• Working Conditions / Work Schedule

Some night and weekend work may be required; travel to any of CAS’ 14 experiment station locations and/or events across the state. Also, this position requires frequent travel by car across the state of Oregon to visit College faculty and stakeholders, often requiring an overnight stay. Other official business travel as appropriate.

Decision Making/Guidelines

• TheCASCOOstrategizes with the College of Agricultural Sciences’ leadership and engages university administration to facilitate the achievement ofCASacademic, research, and outreach missions.
• TheCASCOOsupervises theCASFinancial Officer and works with colleagues to alignCASgoals with the goals of the broader university. In conjunction with theCASdeans and other administrators, theCASCOOis responsible for the receipt and budget distribution of budgets exceeding $160 million annually and thus:
• Makes decisions about the means by which to distribute these funds and monitor expenditures at the university and related fiscal policy issues that arise.
• Decides how to assure compliance with policies, regulations, guidelines, and statutes.
• Participates in contractual matters, including vendor selection, real estate purchase and lease agreements, and agreements with third parties to purchase or provide services.
• Makes certain decision about grants and contracts and their administration.
• Decides how best to prepare and assure timely submission of complex reports.
• Develops and proposes College-wide policies and fiscal practices.
• Makes choices about college administration of human resources policy and practices.
• Manages the establishment of roles and responsibilities betweenCASand university partners such as the
• Financial Strategic Services-College of Agricultural Sciences.
• Makes recommendations and choices to integrate and advance inclusive excellence including improving the recruitment of employees from underrepresented communities and creating an inclusive university climate to support the retention and success of all students and employees.
• Makes recommendations and choices regarding facility construction, maintenance, and operations.
• Makes recommendations and choices affecting the health and safety of university employees, volunteers, and the general public.
• Responds to audit requests and notices of violation; and supervises employees involved in the administration of these areas.

As a senior leadership position, certain choices are jointly made with the CAS leadership (deans, associate deans, and staff), while others are made independently. Applicable parameters for these decisions include federal, state, and local laws; environmental, land use, grant administration, and safety, other compliance guidelines, governmental accounting standards, Oregon State University goals, rules, standards, and policies, and CAS Goals and policies. In reaching a decision, the CAS COO must identify and solve key challenges using innovative, collaborative, and creative approaches. Due to the scale and scope of the college, including the unusual research and geographic challenges, the CAS COO must promptly assess and resolve issues with unique solutions and engage processes, internal controls, and systems to manage risks and achieve objectives.
This position requires a clear and unambiguous commitment to compliance of all National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) regulations for Division I (FBS) universities.
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