Senior Vice President for Operations and Business Services at George Mason University in Fairfax, Virginia

Job Description:

George Mason University welcomes applications, expressions of interest, and nominations for the role of Senior Vice President of Operations and Business Services.

The Senior Vice President (SVP) currently reports to the President and is responsible for managing the Universitys business and operations. Te SVP oversees the operational execution of the vision and mission of the university, while ensuring stability, security, andefficiency in alignment with the Universitys strategic priorities.

The SVP oversees the key business operations of the university, including facilities and campus operations, capital strategy and planning, IT services, and auxiliary operations, providing financial management and operational oversight to these departments to ensure service delivery in a manner that meets the diverse needs of George Masons many constituents. Additional operations housed in these units include sustainability, EagleBank Arena, Child Development Center and other operations.

The SVP joins Mason at a pivotal time and will lead transformational change in how these services and operations are delivered to meet the evolving needs of a growing university, facilitating necessary strategic investments, and prioritizing operational efficiency, which includes oversight and leadership of university domain councils and associated reserves planning.

The ideal candidate will possess a blend of technical expertise and broad managerial experience, paired with a collegial and transparent leadership style that fosters trust and collaboration across the university. Highly mission-oriented and service-focused, they will combine financial savvy with political acumen to navigate complex organizational structures effectively. Their open, accessible approach to management will emphasize team building, mentoring, and the professional growth of their staff while fostering a culture of innovation and inclusivity. With subject-matter expertise, integrity, and confidence, they will skillfully manage relationships, lead through influence, and build trust with diverse stakeholders in a decentralized environment. Exceptional communication skills, strategic problem-solving, and a commitment to continuous improvement will enable them to present complex information clearly and advance the institution's goals with sound judgment and creativity.

Qualifications for the role include extensive experience overseeing operational functions within higher education, state government, or an organization of significant size and complexity with a minimum of ten (10) years of related experiences that demonstrate leadership, management, and fiscal acuity; a track record of experience building and managing organizations with a strong service orientation and collaborative partnerships with leaders across a mission-driven or business enterprise; and demonstrated success supporting entrepreneurial activity across units within the policy and compliance framework of a complex and multilayered organization.

For the full list of priorities, competencies, and qualifications, please view the position profile.

George Mason University has retained Opus Partners to support this recruitment. Katie Dean, Partner, and Thomas Lapierre, Senior Associate are leading the search. Inquiries, applications, and nominations should be sent to thomas.lapierre@opuspartners.net. The search process will unfold with the greatest possible attention to candidate confidentiality. Required application materials include a resume and cover letter.

George Mason University is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer, committed to promoting inclusion and equity in its community. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability or veteran status, or any characteristic protected by law.

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