Chief Operating Officer and Vice President for Administrative Services

Pacific Lutheran University (PLU) invites nominations and applications for its Chief Operating Officer (COO) search. PLU seeks an equity-minded, creative, and strategic leader who will bring fresh vision to this distinctive, residential, and comprehensive university. The new COO will have the opportunity to develop and execute long-range financial and facilities plans, steward and expand the University’s resource base, sustain and build meaningful partnerships, optimize an already strong team, and communicate with clarity and care. The next COO will be an innovative advocate for the University who will support PLU’s growth and enhance its visibility locally, regionally, and nationally.

PLU purposefully integrates the liberal arts, professional studies, and civic engagement in the beautiful Pacific Northwest. Faculty and staff lead with a bold commitment to expanding well-being, opportunity, and justice and cultivate this commitment with students. PLU educators work to create an environment where students feel heard and valued, nurturing lifelong learners who aren’t afraid to do things differently to make the world better for everyone. PLU supports faculty and staff as they help students turn ambition into purpose, skills into tools, and their caring into a transformative force.

Located in the South Puget Sound region of Washington State, PLU’s 156-acre campus is just six miles south of downtown Tacoma, and part of the Parkland community. In this diverse context, PLU serves 2,700 students from all faiths and backgrounds as they discern their life’s vocation through coursework, mentorship, and internships at world-class Puget Sound-area businesses and institutions. Throughout its history, PLU has been guided by the commitments of Lutheran higher education. These values shape a living and learning environment of inclusivity and welcome, critical questioning, transformative care, and service to others, their communities, and the earth.

Reporting to the President, the COO serves as a member of the University’s dedicated and innovative senior leadership team working collaboratively to conceive and realize PLU’s strategic priorities. Overseeing a portfolio that includes human resources, facilities, finance, and risk management, the successful candidate will possess a record of strategic accomplishments within a complex organizational structure and will demonstrate a keen sense of curiosity and genuine humility. The COO will be dedicated to leadership and service in an academic institution and will possess superior interpersonal and management skills. Ideally, candidates will have experience with finance and budget processes and familiarity with facilities management, human resources, cross-institutional partnerships, and risk management.

PLU is an equal opportunity employer. We seek and encourage applications from members of historically underrepresented and marginalized groups, women, veterans, persons with disabilities, and others who would bring broadly diverse perspectives, experiences, and backgrounds in educational, research, or other work activities.

Review of candidates will begin immediately. For best consideration, please send all nominations and applications as soon as possible to:

Julie E. Tea, Managing Director
Anne E. Koellhoffer, Managing Associate
Lareese Hall, Senior Associate
Storbeck Search
PLUCOO@StorbeckSearch.com