Vice President Operations

Rock Valley College(RVC) is seeking its next Vice President of Operations / Chief Operations Officer.

Since its inception in 1964, RVC has served as a regional resource to students, their families, and the employers of northern Illinois and southern Wisconsin.

As a member of the President’s Cabinet, this position has overall responsibilities for the areas of Business Services (includes Purchasing, Print Services and Mail Distribution Center), Campus Safety, Information Technology, and Facilities Planning and Plant Operations Maintenance; administers all business operations in accordance with ICCB, state, and federal laws; provides leadership and direction for the delivery of computer, information, and facility usage for the academic and administrative needs of the College; develops and has oversite of the physical plant and capital projects. This position is also responsible for the review, execution, and signatory of campus-wide contracts.

The Vice President/COO may serve on the management team for collective bargaining with employee organizations; works cooperatively with other members of President's Cabinet in establishing performance targets; and represents the College to community groups and state organizations. As a member of the President's Cabinet, this position contributes to policy formulation, strategic planning, financial health, and works collaboratively in support of a positive work environment, college effectiveness, and student success. This position requires an individual who is detail-oriented, a consensus builder, and collaborative decision-maker who engages in guiding the direction of the College's Operations.

Rock Valley College is seeking a strategic, collaborative, and results-driven leader to serve as Vice President of Operations / Chief Operations Officer (COO).

This executive leadership opportunity offers:

1. The ability to play a key role in advancing the continued growth, operational excellence, and long-term success of an already high-performing institution.
2. The opportunity to lead within an organization supported by a strong and stable financial foundation that enables innovation, strategic planning, and sustainable growth.
3. Close partnership with an engaged Executive Leadership Team, Board of Trustees, and talented faculty and staff committed to student success and institutional effectiveness.
4. The chance to make a meaningful impact by strengthening operations, enhancing organizational performance, and supporting a dedicated and invested community.
5. A collaborative environment where strategic leadership, operational efficiency, and cross-functional partnership are highly valued.

The Vice President of Operations / Chief Operating Officer will play a pivotal role in shaping the future of Rock Valley College by driving operational excellence, strengthening infrastructure, and advancing strategic priorities that support student success and community impact.

This is a unique opportunity to join a well-established and highly respected institution that serves as a cornerstone of its community, and to lead complex, mission-critical functions in an environment committed to innovation, access, and continuous improvement.

The successful candidate will have the ability to make a lasting organizational impact by aligning resources, enhancing systems and processes, and ensuring the college continues to thrive as a leader in higher education and workforce development.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

1. Master's degree in a business, public administration, or related discipline that’s relative to the position.
2. Minimum eight years experience in higher education, government or private sector or in a leadership role or as the immediate subordinate in one of the supervised areas.
3. Minimum five years supervisory experience in higher education, government or private sector.
4. Understanding of principles, practices, methods, and terminology related to the various craft areas involved in IT Systems, building and facility construction, and maintenance and repair.
5. Hands-on experience with various office and financial computer applications.
6. Demonstrate a strong commitment to the College’s core values.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

1. Minimum 3 to 5 years managing facilities, construction and operations areas in a large complex public organization.
2. Knowledge and commitment to the community college concept.
3. Proven record as a leader and manager who can provide strategic and creative direction while balancing the resources and funding requirements necessary to achieve strategic goals.
4. Demonstrated record of leadership and experience in problem solving in a complex organization.
5. Proven ability to effectively and accurately communicate, orally and in writing, complex concepts and information to a general audience.