COO Jobs at Johns Hopkins University with Visa Sponsorship
COO jobs at Johns Hopkins University sit at the intersection of academic mission and operational scale, spanning research administration, clinical enterprise, and institutional strategy. Johns Hopkins has a consistent track record of sponsoring international talent for senior operational leadership, making it a realistic target if you're pursuing executive-level sponsorship.
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Get Access To All JobsINTRODUCTION
We are seeking a Director of Administrative Operations for the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health (BSPH) who will serve as the senior administrative leader responsible for advancing operational excellence across the School's academic departments. Reporting to the Executive Vice Dean for Finance and Administration, this position provides strategic leadership to strengthen departmental administration through the development of Academic Department Administrators, operational standardization, continuous improvement, organizational effectiveness, and technology-enabled innovation.
The Director partners closely with department chairs, Academic Department Administrators, the Divisional Business Office, and School leadership to enhance administrative performance, improve compliance, promote operational consistency, and lead strategic initiatives that support the School's mission. This role oversees the performance, development, and succession planning of Academic Department Administrators while driving business process improvement, organizational change, data-informed decision-making, and cross-functional collaboration.
ROLE AND RESPONSIBILITIES
Specific Duties and Responsibilities
Strategic Leadership
- Serve as a strategic advisor to the Executive Vice Dean for Finance and Administration and School leadership on administrative strategy, organizational effectiveness, and operational transformation.
- Partner with School leadership and academic departments to develop and implement strategic initiatives that improve administrative operations through organizational development, workforce planning, business process redesign, and technology.
- Lead the design, implementation, and continuous improvement of administrative processes, systems, and organizational structures that enhance consistency, efficiency, compliance, and service delivery.
- Champion School-wide operational excellence initiatives, leading cross-functional business process improvement efforts from planning through implementation.
- Lead organizational change initiatives by developing stakeholder engagement, communication, implementation, and adoption strategies that ensure successful outcomes.
- Represent BSPH on University committees and working groups, contributing expertise on administrative operations, business continuity, and institutional initiatives.
- Foster collaborative partnerships across departments to strengthen administrative effectiveness and support the School's strategic priorities.
Department Administration Leadership
- Provide leadership, coaching, and direction to Academic Department Administrators, aligning departmental administration with School priorities while promoting operational excellence and leadership development.
- Build and sustain a collaborative community of practice among Academic Department Administrators that encourages knowledge sharing, professional development, and adoption of best practices.
- Oversee performance management, mentoring, succession planning, and professional development for Academic Department Administrators in partnership with department chairs and Human Resources.
- Advise Academic Department Administrators, in collaboration with the Senior Director of Finance, on administrative, financial, academic, and operational matters.
- Partner with department chairs to provide supervisory guidance and conduct annual performance evaluations for Academic Department Administrators.
- Support departmental strategic planning, operating and capital budget planning, and administrative improvement initiatives.
- Develop and oversee administrative performance dashboards, metrics, and reporting that provide meaningful insights for School leadership and support informed decision-making.
- Serve as point of contact for Academic Department Administrators in support of external operational audits, and liaise with internal subject matter experts as needed on specific audit requirements.
Operational Excellence
- Establish and monitor key performance indicators (KPIs) and performance reporting to assess departmental effectiveness, operational efficiency, resource utilization, and service quality.
- Analyze operational data and organizational trends to identify opportunities for improvement and provide actionable recommendations to School leadership.
- Advance the effective use of technology, automation, and digital tools to streamline workflows, improve operational efficiency, and enhance service delivery.
- Develop, implement, and maintain standards and best practices that promote consistent, efficient, and compliant administrative operations across the School.
- Identify and implement strategies that strengthen internal controls, reduce operational risk, improve compliance, and enhance administrative effectiveness.
- Manage departmental space allocation and support schoolwide space planning.
Strategic Projects
- Lead or support strategic initiatives identified by the Executive Vice Dean for Finance and Administration, including organizational assessments, operational analyses, and implementation of complex administrative initiatives.
- Conduct benchmarking analyses and evaluate emerging best practices to identify opportunities for organizational improvement and operational excellence.
- Coordinate cross-functional teams responsible for strategic initiatives, business process improvement projects, and organizational analyses that advance the School's long-term strategic objectives.
SPECIAL KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES
- Comprehensive knowledge of administrative leadership, organizational management, and operations within a complex academic, healthcare, or research environment.
- Demonstrated strategic thinking with the ability to translate organizational priorities into operational plans and measurable outcomes.
- Proven leadership, coaching, and talent development skills with experience building high-performing teams and developing future leaders.
- Ability to influence without direct authority, build consensus among diverse stakeholders, and effectively advise senior leaders on complex organizational issues.
- Experience leading organizational change, continuous improvement initiatives, and implementation of new administrative processes, technologies, and operating models.
- Strong analytical, critical thinking, and problem-solving skills with the ability to evaluate complex issues and develop practical, data-informed solutions.
- Experience developing and utilizing key performance indicators (KPIs), dashboards, analytics, and performance metrics to support operational excellence and strategic decision-making.
- Knowledge of business process improvement methodologies and experience redesigning and optimizing administrative processes.
- Excellent organizational and project management skills with the ability to manage multiple complex initiatives simultaneously.
- Sound judgment, discretion, and the ability to prioritize competing demands in a dynamic environment.
- Exceptional written, verbal, presentation, and interpersonal communication skills, with the ability to engage effectively with senior leaders, faculty, administrators, staff, and external partners.
- Demonstrated ability to build collaborative relationships and work effectively across organizational boundaries.
- Commitment to responsive, collaborative, and customer-focused service.
- Experience supervising, mentoring, coaching, and evaluating professional staff.
- Advanced proficiency with enterprise business systems (e.g., SAP, Workday, Oracle), Microsoft Office applications, and business intelligence, reporting, and data visualization tools.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
- Bachelor's Degree in Business Administration, Public Administration, Higher Education Administration, Finance, Research Administration, Organizational Leadership, or a related field.
- Ten years of leadership experience in administrative operations, finance, research administration, or a related administrative function within a complex organization, including experience supervising professional staff and leading organizational or operational initiatives.
- Demonstrated experience leading organizational change, business process improvement, and strategic initiatives across multiple functional areas.
- Experience partnering with senior leaders to develop and implement organizational strategies, improve operational performance, and achieve institutional objectives.
- Demonstrated success managing multiple complex initiatives while exercising sound judgment, building consensus, and delivering measurable results.
- Additional education may substitute for required experience, and additional related experience may substitute for required education beyond a high school diploma/graduation equivalent, to the extent permitted by the JHU equivalency formula.
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS
- Master's Degree in Business Administration, Public Administration, Higher Education Administration, Organizational Leadership, or a related field.
- Experience leading administrative operations in a research university, academic medical center, or similarly complex organization.
- Leadership experience in academic department administration.
- Experience leading administrative transformation, organizational redesign, or enterprise-wide change management initiatives.
- Experience developing performance metrics, dashboards, and data-driven approaches to organizational decision making.
- Experience fostering an inclusive, collaborative, and high-performing work environment while working effectively with diverse faculty, staff, students, and institutional leaders.
LOCATION
Location: Hybrid/School of Public Health
COMPENSATION
- Starting Salary Range: $114,595 - $225,000 Annually ($225,000 targeted; Commensurate w/exp.)
TOTAL REWARDS
The referenced base salary range represents the low and high end of Johns Hopkins University’s salary range for this position. Not all candidates will be eligible for the upper end of the salary range. Exact salary will ultimately depend on multiple factors, which may include the successful candidate's geographic location, skills, work experience, market conditions, education/training and other qualifications. Johns Hopkins offers a total rewards package that supports our employees' health, life, career and retirement. More information can be found here: https://hr.jhu.edu/benefits-worklife/.
EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE EQUIVALENCY
Please refer to the job description above to see which forms of equivalency are permitted for this position. If permitted, equivalencies will follow these guidelines: JHU Equivalency Formula: 30 undergraduate degree credits (semester hours) or 18 graduate degree credits may substitute for one year of experience. Additional related experience may substitute for required education on the same basis. For jobs where equivalency is permitted, up to two years of non-related college course work may be applied towards the total minimum education/experience required for the respective job.
APPLICANTS COMPLETING STUDIES
Applicants who do not meet the posted requirements but are completing their final academic semester/quarter will be considered eligible for employment and may be asked to provide additional information confirming their academic completion date.
BACKGROUND CHECKS
The successful candidate(s) for this position will be subject to a pre-employment background check. Johns Hopkins is committed to hiring individuals with a justice-involved background, consistent with applicable policies and current practice. A prior criminal history does not automatically preclude candidates from employment at Johns Hopkins University. In accordance with applicable law, the university will review, on an individual basis, the date of a candidate's conviction, the nature of the conviction and how the conviction relates to an essential job-related qualification or function.
DIVERSITY AND INCLUSION
The Johns Hopkins University values diversity, equity and inclusion and advances these through our key strategic framework, the JHU Roadmap on Diversity and Inclusion.
EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER
All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or status as a protected veteran.
EEO is the Law
https://www.eeoc.gov/sites/default/files/2023-06/22-088_EEOC_KnowYourRights6.12ScreenRdr.pdf
ACCOMMODATION INFORMATION
If you are interested in applying for employment with The Johns Hopkins University and require special assistance or accommodation during any part of the pre-employment process, please contact the Talent Acquisition Office at jhurecruitment@jhu.edu. For TTY users, call via Maryland Relay or dial 711. For more information about workplace accommodations or accessibility at Johns Hopkins University, please visit: https://accessibility.jhu.edu/.
VACCINE REQUIREMENTS
Johns Hopkins University requires all faculty, staff, and students to receive the seasonal flu vaccine. Exceptions to the flu vaccine requirements may be provided to individuals for religious beliefs or medical reasons. Requests for an exception must be submitted to the JHU vaccination registry.
The following additional provisions may apply, depending upon campus. Your recruiter will advise accordingly.
The pre-employment physical for positions in clinical areas, laboratories, working with research subjects, or involving community contact requires documentation of immune status against Rubella (German measles), Rubeola (Measles), Mumps, Varicella (chickenpox), Hepatitis B and documentation of having received the Tdap (Tetanus, diphtheria, pertussis) vaccination. This may include documentation of having two (2) MMR vaccines; two (2) Varicella vaccines; or antibody status to these diseases from laboratory testing. Blood tests for immunities to these diseases are ordinarily included in the pre-employment physical exam except for those employees who provide results of blood tests or immunization documentation from their own health care providers. Any vaccinations required for these diseases will be given at no cost in our Occupational Health office.
INTRODUCTION
We are seeking a Director of Administrative Operations for the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health (BSPH) who will serve as the senior administrative leader responsible for advancing operational excellence across the School's academic departments. Reporting to the Executive Vice Dean for Finance and Administration, this position provides strategic leadership to strengthen departmental administration through the development of Academic Department Administrators, operational standardization, continuous improvement, organizational effectiveness, and technology-enabled innovation.
The Director partners closely with department chairs, Academic Department Administrators, the Divisional Business Office, and School leadership to enhance administrative performance, improve compliance, promote operational consistency, and lead strategic initiatives that support the School's mission. This role oversees the performance, development, and succession planning of Academic Department Administrators while driving business process improvement, organizational change, data-informed decision-making, and cross-functional collaboration.
ROLE AND RESPONSIBILITIES
Specific Duties and Responsibilities
Strategic Leadership
- Serve as a strategic advisor to the Executive Vice Dean for Finance and Administration and School leadership on administrative strategy, organizational effectiveness, and operational transformation.
- Partner with School leadership and academic departments to develop and implement strategic initiatives that improve administrative operations through organizational development, workforce planning, business process redesign, and technology.
- Lead the design, implementation, and continuous improvement of administrative processes, systems, and organizational structures that enhance consistency, efficiency, compliance, and service delivery.
- Champion School-wide operational excellence initiatives, leading cross-functional business process improvement efforts from planning through implementation.
- Lead organizational change initiatives by developing stakeholder engagement, communication, implementation, and adoption strategies that ensure successful outcomes.
- Represent BSPH on University committees and working groups, contributing expertise on administrative operations, business continuity, and institutional initiatives.
- Foster collaborative partnerships across departments to strengthen administrative effectiveness and support the School's strategic priorities.
Department Administration Leadership
- Provide leadership, coaching, and direction to Academic Department Administrators, aligning departmental administration with School priorities while promoting operational excellence and leadership development.
- Build and sustain a collaborative community of practice among Academic Department Administrators that encourages knowledge sharing, professional development, and adoption of best practices.
- Oversee performance management, mentoring, succession planning, and professional development for Academic Department Administrators in partnership with department chairs and Human Resources.
- Advise Academic Department Administrators, in collaboration with the Senior Director of Finance, on administrative, financial, academic, and operational matters.
- Partner with department chairs to provide supervisory guidance and conduct annual performance evaluations for Academic Department Administrators.
- Support departmental strategic planning, operating and capital budget planning, and administrative improvement initiatives.
- Develop and oversee administrative performance dashboards, metrics, and reporting that provide meaningful insights for School leadership and support informed decision-making.
- Serve as point of contact for Academic Department Administrators in support of external operational audits, and liaise with internal subject matter experts as needed on specific audit requirements.
Operational Excellence
- Establish and monitor key performance indicators (KPIs) and performance reporting to assess departmental effectiveness, operational efficiency, resource utilization, and service quality.
- Analyze operational data and organizational trends to identify opportunities for improvement and provide actionable recommendations to School leadership.
- Advance the effective use of technology, automation, and digital tools to streamline workflows, improve operational efficiency, and enhance service delivery.
- Develop, implement, and maintain standards and best practices that promote consistent, efficient, and compliant administrative operations across the School.
- Identify and implement strategies that strengthen internal controls, reduce operational risk, improve compliance, and enhance administrative effectiveness.
- Manage departmental space allocation and support schoolwide space planning.
Strategic Projects
- Lead or support strategic initiatives identified by the Executive Vice Dean for Finance and Administration, including organizational assessments, operational analyses, and implementation of complex administrative initiatives.
- Conduct benchmarking analyses and evaluate emerging best practices to identify opportunities for organizational improvement and operational excellence.
- Coordinate cross-functional teams responsible for strategic initiatives, business process improvement projects, and organizational analyses that advance the School's long-term strategic objectives.
SPECIAL KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES
- Comprehensive knowledge of administrative leadership, organizational management, and operations within a complex academic, healthcare, or research environment.
- Demonstrated strategic thinking with the ability to translate organizational priorities into operational plans and measurable outcomes.
- Proven leadership, coaching, and talent development skills with experience building high-performing teams and developing future leaders.
- Ability to influence without direct authority, build consensus among diverse stakeholders, and effectively advise senior leaders on complex organizational issues.
- Experience leading organizational change, continuous improvement initiatives, and implementation of new administrative processes, technologies, and operating models.
- Strong analytical, critical thinking, and problem-solving skills with the ability to evaluate complex issues and develop practical, data-informed solutions.
- Experience developing and utilizing key performance indicators (KPIs), dashboards, analytics, and performance metrics to support operational excellence and strategic decision-making.
- Knowledge of business process improvement methodologies and experience redesigning and optimizing administrative processes.
- Excellent organizational and project management skills with the ability to manage multiple complex initiatives simultaneously.
- Sound judgment, discretion, and the ability to prioritize competing demands in a dynamic environment.
- Exceptional written, verbal, presentation, and interpersonal communication skills, with the ability to engage effectively with senior leaders, faculty, administrators, staff, and external partners.
- Demonstrated ability to build collaborative relationships and work effectively across organizational boundaries.
- Commitment to responsive, collaborative, and customer-focused service.
- Experience supervising, mentoring, coaching, and evaluating professional staff.
- Advanced proficiency with enterprise business systems (e.g., SAP, Workday, Oracle), Microsoft Office applications, and business intelligence, reporting, and data visualization tools.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
- Bachelor's Degree in Business Administration, Public Administration, Higher Education Administration, Finance, Research Administration, Organizational Leadership, or a related field.
- Ten years of leadership experience in administrative operations, finance, research administration, or a related administrative function within a complex organization, including experience supervising professional staff and leading organizational or operational initiatives.
- Demonstrated experience leading organizational change, business process improvement, and strategic initiatives across multiple functional areas.
- Experience partnering with senior leaders to develop and implement organizational strategies, improve operational performance, and achieve institutional objectives.
- Demonstrated success managing multiple complex initiatives while exercising sound judgment, building consensus, and delivering measurable results.
- Additional education may substitute for required experience, and additional related experience may substitute for required education beyond a high school diploma/graduation equivalent, to the extent permitted by the JHU equivalency formula.
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS
- Master's Degree in Business Administration, Public Administration, Higher Education Administration, Organizational Leadership, or a related field.
- Experience leading administrative operations in a research university, academic medical center, or similarly complex organization.
- Leadership experience in academic department administration.
- Experience leading administrative transformation, organizational redesign, or enterprise-wide change management initiatives.
- Experience developing performance metrics, dashboards, and data-driven approaches to organizational decision making.
- Experience fostering an inclusive, collaborative, and high-performing work environment while working effectively with diverse faculty, staff, students, and institutional leaders.
LOCATION
Location: Hybrid/School of Public Health
COMPENSATION
- Starting Salary Range: $114,595 - $225,000 Annually ($225,000 targeted; Commensurate w/exp.)
TOTAL REWARDS
The referenced base salary range represents the low and high end of Johns Hopkins University’s salary range for this position. Not all candidates will be eligible for the upper end of the salary range. Exact salary will ultimately depend on multiple factors, which may include the successful candidate's geographic location, skills, work experience, market conditions, education/training and other qualifications. Johns Hopkins offers a total rewards package that supports our employees' health, life, career and retirement. More information can be found here: https://hr.jhu.edu/benefits-worklife/.
EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE EQUIVALENCY
Please refer to the job description above to see which forms of equivalency are permitted for this position. If permitted, equivalencies will follow these guidelines: JHU Equivalency Formula: 30 undergraduate degree credits (semester hours) or 18 graduate degree credits may substitute for one year of experience. Additional related experience may substitute for required education on the same basis. For jobs where equivalency is permitted, up to two years of non-related college course work may be applied towards the total minimum education/experience required for the respective job.
APPLICANTS COMPLETING STUDIES
Applicants who do not meet the posted requirements but are completing their final academic semester/quarter will be considered eligible for employment and may be asked to provide additional information confirming their academic completion date.
BACKGROUND CHECKS
The successful candidate(s) for this position will be subject to a pre-employment background check. Johns Hopkins is committed to hiring individuals with a justice-involved background, consistent with applicable policies and current practice. A prior criminal history does not automatically preclude candidates from employment at Johns Hopkins University. In accordance with applicable law, the university will review, on an individual basis, the date of a candidate's conviction, the nature of the conviction and how the conviction relates to an essential job-related qualification or function.
DIVERSITY AND INCLUSION
The Johns Hopkins University values diversity, equity and inclusion and advances these through our key strategic framework, the JHU Roadmap on Diversity and Inclusion.
EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER
All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or status as a protected veteran.
EEO is the Law
https://www.eeoc.gov/sites/default/files/2023-06/22-088_EEOC_KnowYourRights6.12ScreenRdr.pdf
ACCOMMODATION INFORMATION
If you are interested in applying for employment with The Johns Hopkins University and require special assistance or accommodation during any part of the pre-employment process, please contact the Talent Acquisition Office at jhurecruitment@jhu.edu. For TTY users, call via Maryland Relay or dial 711. For more information about workplace accommodations or accessibility at Johns Hopkins University, please visit: https://accessibility.jhu.edu/.
VACCINE REQUIREMENTS
Johns Hopkins University requires all faculty, staff, and students to receive the seasonal flu vaccine. Exceptions to the flu vaccine requirements may be provided to individuals for religious beliefs or medical reasons. Requests for an exception must be submitted to the JHU vaccination registry.
The following additional provisions may apply, depending upon campus. Your recruiter will advise accordingly.
The pre-employment physical for positions in clinical areas, laboratories, working with research subjects, or involving community contact requires documentation of immune status against Rubella (German measles), Rubeola (Measles), Mumps, Varicella (chickenpox), Hepatitis B and documentation of having received the Tdap (Tetanus, diphtheria, pertussis) vaccination. This may include documentation of having two (2) MMR vaccines; two (2) Varicella vaccines; or antibody status to these diseases from laboratory testing. Blood tests for immunities to these diseases are ordinarily included in the pre-employment physical exam except for those employees who provide results of blood tests or immunization documentation from their own health care providers. Any vaccinations required for these diseases will be given at no cost in our Occupational Health office.
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Get Access To All JobsTips for Finding COO Jobs at Johns Hopkins University
Align your credentials to USCIS specialty occupation standards
COO roles at universities require demonstrating that your degree directly supports the position's operational scope. Gather documentation showing your field of study aligns with higher education administration, healthcare operations, or research management before you apply.
Target Johns Hopkins divisions with distinct operational complexity
Johns Hopkins operates across academic, hospital, and research divisions, each with separate COO functions. Identifying which division aligns with your background, whether clinical operations or university administration, sharpens your targeting and strengthens your sponsorship case.
Understand how PERM shapes your long-term sponsorship timeline
For a permanent role at this seniority level, Johns Hopkins typically pursues Green Card sponsorship through PERM labor certification. Confirm during offer negotiations whether EB-2 or EB-3 is the intended pathway so you can plan your personal timeline accordingly.
Clarify H-1B cap exemption during offer discussions
As a nonprofit research university, Johns Hopkins qualifies as a cap-exempt H-1B employer. This means your petition can be filed anytime without waiting for the annual lottery, which matters significantly if you're on OPT with limited runway or between roles.
Use Migrate Mate to filter COO openings by visa sponsorship
Johns Hopkins posts senior operations roles across multiple portals and departments. Use Migrate Mate to surface COO positions that confirm sponsorship eligibility upfront, so you're not spending time on applications that won't support your visa situation.
Negotiate petition timing before your start date is set
Once an offer is made, work with Johns Hopkins HR to confirm the I-129 filing timeline. Cap-exempt status speeds things up, but USCIS processing still takes weeks in standard processing, so building buffer into your start date prevents status gaps.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Johns Hopkins University sponsor H-1B visas for COOs?
Yes. Johns Hopkins University is a cap-exempt H-1B visa employer as a nonprofit research institution, meaning it can file H-1B petitions year-round without going through the annual lottery. For COO roles, the university regularly supports H-1B sponsorship where the position qualifies as a specialty occupation, typically backed by an advanced degree in business administration, healthcare management, or a related field.
Which visa types are commonly used for COO roles at Johns Hopkins University?
H-1B is the most common nonimmigrant path for COO positions at Johns Hopkins, given the role's specialty occupation requirements. F-1 OPT and CPT can bridge the gap for recent graduates entering operational roles, while TN visas apply to Canadian and Mexican nationals in qualifying management categories. For permanent placement, Johns Hopkins pursues Green Card sponsorship through EB-2 or EB-3 PERM labor certification.
How do I apply for COO jobs at Johns Hopkins University?
Applications go through Johns Hopkins' internal careers portal, where positions are listed by division, including the university, health system, and research enterprise. Tailoring your application to the specific operational unit matters more than a general submission. Migrate Mate also aggregates Johns Hopkins COO openings that confirm visa sponsorship eligibility, which helps you filter roles before investing time in a full application.
What qualifications and experience does Johns Hopkins University expect for COO roles?
Johns Hopkins COO roles typically require a graduate degree in business, public health, healthcare administration, or a closely related field, alongside substantial senior leadership experience. Given the university's research and clinical scale, candidates who have managed multi-department operations in an academic medical center or research institution are positioned most competitively. Operational experience in regulated environments strengthens your profile further.
How do I plan my timeline if Johns Hopkins University is sponsoring my visa for a COO role?
Because Johns Hopkins is cap-exempt, H-1B petitions can be filed at any point in the year, removing the April lottery constraint. Standard USCIS processing runs several months, so you and the university's HR team should align on filing timing before your intended start date. If you're pursuing permanent residence, PERM labor certification adds a separate multi-month DOL review before the I-140 petition can be filed.