Chief Operating Officer, University of Denver, Colorado, Hyderabad, India

University of Colorado Denver (CU Denver) (Hyderabad India Campus)

Position -Chief Operating Officer, India Branch Campus

Location -Hyderabad, India

Help Build the Future of Global Higher Education

The University of Colorado Denver (CU Denver) is establishing its Hyderabad India Campus. We are seeking an exceptional operational leader to become the founding Chief Operating Officer (COO) of its new India Branch Campus in Hyderabad.

This is a rare opportunity to play a pivotal role in establishing a world-class institution from the ground up while contributing to one of the most significant developments in international higher education. As the senior operational and administrative leader of the campus, you will translate the university's global vision into operational excellence, build scalable institutional infrastructure, and create an outstanding environment for students and staff.

Working closely with the Vice Provost and Board of Directors, the COO will lead the campus through its launch and growth phases, ensuring operational effectiveness, financial sustainability, regulatory compliance, and a best-in-class student experience.

The Role

As Chief Operating Officer, you will provide strategic leadership across all operational, administrative, financial, and people functions, ensuring the successful establishment and long-term growth of the India Branch Campus.

You Will

• Lead the development and execution of the campus strategy in alignment with the university's global mission and objectives.
• Oversee campus operations including administration, student services, facilities, infrastructure, IT, security, and professional services functions.
• Drive student recruitment, admissions, marketing, and market development strategies to achieve enrolment and growth targets.
• Lead financial planning, budgeting, resource allocation, and initiatives that support long-term financial sustainability.
• Establish strong governance, risk management, regulatory compliance, and performance management frameworks.
• Build and maintain strategic partnerships with industry, government, regulatory bodies, academic institutions, and other key stakeholders.
• Champion an exceptional student experience through high-quality support services, engagement opportunities, and campus life initiatives.
• Lead workforce planning, human resources strategy, talent acquisition, remuneration, organizational development, and employee relations.
• Build and inspire a high-performing professional services team while partnering with academic leadership to support faculty growth and success.
• Foster an inclusive, collaborative, and values-driven culture across the campus community.
  
  

About You

You are a strategic and accomplished leader with the experience, credibility, and vision to build and scale a globally connected higher education institution.

You Will Bring

• A Master's degree in Business Administration, Education Management, or a related field. A doctoral qualification would be advantageous.
• At least 15 years of leadership experience in higher education administration, academic operations, corporate strategy, or a related environment.
• Experience working with complex institutions and navigating regulatory, governance, and stakeholder environments.
• A proven track record of leading large-scale operations, transformation initiatives, and organisational growth.
• Strong expertise in financial management, strategic planning, and resource optimisation.
• Experience engaging with government agencies, regulatory authorities, industry partners, and senior stakeholders.
• Exceptional leadership, communication, and relationship-building capabilities.
• A collaborative leadership style and the ability to build high-performing and diverse teams.
• Exposure to both Indian and international education environments would be highly desirable.
  
  

Why Join Us

This position offers the opportunity to leave a lasting legacy by helping establish one of India's newest international university campuses and shaping the future of global higher education.

What We Offer

• Competitive executive compensation package.
• Significant opportunities to collaborate with global academic and professional leaders.
• The chance to work with a highly ranked U.S. research university.
• A unique opportunity to build and lead a pioneering institution from inception through growth and long-term success.