COO Jobs at University of Utah with Visa Sponsorship
COO jobs at University of Utah sit at the intersection of academic mission and operational leadership, spanning areas like research administration, campus services, and institutional strategy. The university has a well-established international hiring process and actively supports visa sponsorship for senior operational talent.
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The Associate Director of Executive Operations & Initiatives serves as a key member of the Spencer Fox Eccles School of Medicine (SFESOM) Dean’s Office, reporting directly to the Chief of Staff. The Associate Director provides strategic project leadership and operational coordination to advance high-priority initiatives across SFESOM and, in partnership with the Chief of Staff, selected University of Utah Health priorities. In support of the Dean’s roles as both Dean of SFESOM and Chief Academic Physician of UUH, the Associate Director leads complex, cross-functional initiatives and partners with faculty, department chairs and leaders, administrative leaders, and institutional stakeholders to translate priorities into actionable plans and effective execution.
Working with a high degree of autonomy, the Associate Director advances the Dean’s priorities by coordinating stakeholders, tracking deliverables, identifying risks and dependencies, and ensuring follow-through across multiple concurrent initiatives. The role requires strong project management skills, executive communication, and relationship-building skills, with the ability to navigate ambiguity, influence across organizational boundaries, manage sensitive information, and translate executive priorities into coordinated action and measurable results.
LOCATION
Location: Campus
City: Salt Lake City, UT
Responsibilities
Executive Initiative Leadership & Execution
- Lead the planning and execution of high-priority initiatives sponsored by the Dean or Chief of Staff, from concept through implementation.
- Translate executive priorities into actionable plans with clear objectives, deliverables, timelines, milestones, and accountability.
- Monitor progress, identify risks and dependencies, and proactively develop solutions to maintain momentum and achieve desired outcomes.
- Provide high-level, confidential support on sensitive and complex initiatives.
Project Management & Executive Communication
- Manage multiple concurrent initiatives, maintaining project plans, trackers, dashboards, and reporting tools to ensure accountability and follow-through.
- Develop executive-ready presentations, briefings, status updates, and decision materials.
- Synthesize complex information and provide clear, concise recommendations and insights to support executive decision-making.
- Prepare leadership for key meetings and discussions by coordinating relevant information, decisions, and follow-up.
Cross-Functional Coordination & Stakeholder Engagement
- Serve as a central point of coordination across faculty, department chairs and leaders, administrative leaders, and institutional partners.
- Build alignment and influence outcomes through strong relationships, communication, and collaboration across academic, clinical, research, and administrative functions.
- Facilitate meetings and working sessions, ensuring clear decisions, ownership, and next steps.
Operations & Strategic Support
- Maintain an integrated view of active Dean priorities, initiatives, milestones, and emerging issues.
- Support the development and coordination of governance structures, committees, and working groups related to strategic initiatives.
- Identify opportunities to improve processes, communication, and execution within the Dean’s team.
- Support emerging priorities and special projects requiring rapid assessment, coordination, and execution.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
EQUIVALENCY STATEMENT: 1 year of higher education can be substituted for 1 year of directly related work experience (Example: bachelor’s degree = 4 years of directly related work experience).
Education & Experience: Requires a bachelor’s (or equivalency) + 10 years or a master’s (or equivalency) + 8 years of directly related work experience.
Skills & Abilities:
- Demonstrated experience leading or coordinating complex, cross-functional projects or strategic initiatives.
- Strong project and program management skills, with demonstrated ability to lead complex, cross-functional initiatives from planning through execution and evaluation.
- Demonstrated leadership and supervisory skills, including the ability to set expectations, delegate effectively, manage performance, and support staff development.
- Ability to develop and manage project plans, timelines, budgets, resources, and deliverables while ensuring quality, accountability, and timely execution.
- Exceptional organizational and prioritization skills, with the ability to manage multiple priorities and deadlines simultaneously.
- Strong executive communication skills, including the ability to develop concise, compelling presentations, briefings, reports, and written materials.
- Ability to synthesize complex information, identify key issues and risks, and develop clear recommendations for senior leaders.
- Demonstrated ability to work effectively with senior faculty, physicians, administrators, and other leaders.
- Ability to influence without formal authority and build alignment across diverse stakeholders.
- Strong judgment and discretion when working with confidential, sensitive, or politically complex matters.
- Ability to operate effectively in ambiguous and rapidly changing environments.
- Ability to balance strong attention to detail with a strategic, systems-level perspective.
- Demonstrated initiative, resourcefulness, and ability to independently drive work forward.
- High level of professionalism, executive presence, and interpersonal effectiveness.
- Proficiency with project management, presentation, reporting, and productivity tools.
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS
- Master’s degree (MBA, MHA, MPH, or related field), or equivalent experience.
- Project Management Professional (PMP) certification or equivalent project management training.
- Experience working in an academic medical center, health system, university, or similarly complex organization.
- Experience working directly with executive leadership.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
The University is a participating employer with Utah Retirement Systems (“URS”). Eligible new hires with prior URS service may elect to enroll in URS if they make the election before they become eligible for retirement (usually the first day of work). Contact Human Resources at (801) 581-7447 for information. Individuals who previously retired and are receiving monthly retirement benefits from URS are subject to URS’ post-retirement rules and restrictions. Please contact Utah Retirement Systems at (801) 366-7770 or (800) 695-4877 or University Human Resource Management at (801) 581-7447 if you have questions regarding the post-retirement rules.
This position may require the successful completion of a criminal background check and/or drug screen.
The University of Utah values candidates who have experience working in settings with students and possess a strong commitment to improving access to higher education.
Veterans’ preference is extended to qualified applicants, upon request and consistent with University policy and Utah state law. Upon request, reasonable accommodations in the application process will be provided to individuals with disabilities.
Consistent with state and federal law, the University of Utah does not discriminate based upon race, ethnicity, color, religion, national origin, age, disability, sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, gender expression, pregnancy, pregnancy-related conditions, genetic information, or protected veteran’s status. The University does not discriminate on the basis of sex in the education program or activity that it operates, as required by Title IX and 34 CFR part 106. The requirement not to discriminate in education programs or activities extends to admission and employment. Inquiries about the application of Title IX and its regulations may be referred to the Title IX Coordinator, to the Department of Education, Office for Civil Rights, or both.
To request a reasonable accommodation for a disability or if you or someone you know has experienced discrimination or sexual misconduct including sexual harassment, you may contact the Director/Title IX Coordinator in the Office of Equal Opportunity and Title IX (OEO). More information, including the Director/Title IX Coordinator’s office address, electronic mail address, and telephone number can be located at the: University of Utah Non-Discrimination page.
Online reports may be submitted at https://oeo.utah.edu
This report includes statistics about criminal offenses, hate crimes, arrests and referrals for disciplinary action, and Violence Against Women Act offenses. They also provide information about safety and security-related services offered by the University of Utah. A paper copy can be obtained by request at the Department of Public Safety located at 1658 East 500 South.
As per University of Utah policy 5-108: Transfer of Benefits Eligible Staff Members, a new hire to the University of Utah who is still serving a 12 month probationary period will not be hired into another University of Utah job (a transfer) until the successful completion of the probationary period.
INTRODUCTION
The Associate Director of Executive Operations & Initiatives serves as a key member of the Spencer Fox Eccles School of Medicine (SFESOM) Dean’s Office, reporting directly to the Chief of Staff. The Associate Director provides strategic project leadership and operational coordination to advance high-priority initiatives across SFESOM and, in partnership with the Chief of Staff, selected University of Utah Health priorities. In support of the Dean’s roles as both Dean of SFESOM and Chief Academic Physician of UUH, the Associate Director leads complex, cross-functional initiatives and partners with faculty, department chairs and leaders, administrative leaders, and institutional stakeholders to translate priorities into actionable plans and effective execution.
Working with a high degree of autonomy, the Associate Director advances the Dean’s priorities by coordinating stakeholders, tracking deliverables, identifying risks and dependencies, and ensuring follow-through across multiple concurrent initiatives. The role requires strong project management skills, executive communication, and relationship-building skills, with the ability to navigate ambiguity, influence across organizational boundaries, manage sensitive information, and translate executive priorities into coordinated action and measurable results.
LOCATION
Location: Campus
City: Salt Lake City, UT
Responsibilities
Executive Initiative Leadership & Execution
- Lead the planning and execution of high-priority initiatives sponsored by the Dean or Chief of Staff, from concept through implementation.
- Translate executive priorities into actionable plans with clear objectives, deliverables, timelines, milestones, and accountability.
- Monitor progress, identify risks and dependencies, and proactively develop solutions to maintain momentum and achieve desired outcomes.
- Provide high-level, confidential support on sensitive and complex initiatives.
Project Management & Executive Communication
- Manage multiple concurrent initiatives, maintaining project plans, trackers, dashboards, and reporting tools to ensure accountability and follow-through.
- Develop executive-ready presentations, briefings, status updates, and decision materials.
- Synthesize complex information and provide clear, concise recommendations and insights to support executive decision-making.
- Prepare leadership for key meetings and discussions by coordinating relevant information, decisions, and follow-up.
Cross-Functional Coordination & Stakeholder Engagement
- Serve as a central point of coordination across faculty, department chairs and leaders, administrative leaders, and institutional partners.
- Build alignment and influence outcomes through strong relationships, communication, and collaboration across academic, clinical, research, and administrative functions.
- Facilitate meetings and working sessions, ensuring clear decisions, ownership, and next steps.
Operations & Strategic Support
- Maintain an integrated view of active Dean priorities, initiatives, milestones, and emerging issues.
- Support the development and coordination of governance structures, committees, and working groups related to strategic initiatives.
- Identify opportunities to improve processes, communication, and execution within the Dean’s team.
- Support emerging priorities and special projects requiring rapid assessment, coordination, and execution.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
EQUIVALENCY STATEMENT: 1 year of higher education can be substituted for 1 year of directly related work experience (Example: bachelor’s degree = 4 years of directly related work experience).
Education & Experience: Requires a bachelor’s (or equivalency) + 10 years or a master’s (or equivalency) + 8 years of directly related work experience.
Skills & Abilities:
- Demonstrated experience leading or coordinating complex, cross-functional projects or strategic initiatives.
- Strong project and program management skills, with demonstrated ability to lead complex, cross-functional initiatives from planning through execution and evaluation.
- Demonstrated leadership and supervisory skills, including the ability to set expectations, delegate effectively, manage performance, and support staff development.
- Ability to develop and manage project plans, timelines, budgets, resources, and deliverables while ensuring quality, accountability, and timely execution.
- Exceptional organizational and prioritization skills, with the ability to manage multiple priorities and deadlines simultaneously.
- Strong executive communication skills, including the ability to develop concise, compelling presentations, briefings, reports, and written materials.
- Ability to synthesize complex information, identify key issues and risks, and develop clear recommendations for senior leaders.
- Demonstrated ability to work effectively with senior faculty, physicians, administrators, and other leaders.
- Ability to influence without formal authority and build alignment across diverse stakeholders.
- Strong judgment and discretion when working with confidential, sensitive, or politically complex matters.
- Ability to operate effectively in ambiguous and rapidly changing environments.
- Ability to balance strong attention to detail with a strategic, systems-level perspective.
- Demonstrated initiative, resourcefulness, and ability to independently drive work forward.
- High level of professionalism, executive presence, and interpersonal effectiveness.
- Proficiency with project management, presentation, reporting, and productivity tools.
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS
- Master’s degree (MBA, MHA, MPH, or related field), or equivalent experience.
- Project Management Professional (PMP) certification or equivalent project management training.
- Experience working in an academic medical center, health system, university, or similarly complex organization.
- Experience working directly with executive leadership.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
The University is a participating employer with Utah Retirement Systems (“URS”). Eligible new hires with prior URS service may elect to enroll in URS if they make the election before they become eligible for retirement (usually the first day of work). Contact Human Resources at (801) 581-7447 for information. Individuals who previously retired and are receiving monthly retirement benefits from URS are subject to URS’ post-retirement rules and restrictions. Please contact Utah Retirement Systems at (801) 366-7770 or (800) 695-4877 or University Human Resource Management at (801) 581-7447 if you have questions regarding the post-retirement rules.
This position may require the successful completion of a criminal background check and/or drug screen.
The University of Utah values candidates who have experience working in settings with students and possess a strong commitment to improving access to higher education.
Veterans’ preference is extended to qualified applicants, upon request and consistent with University policy and Utah state law. Upon request, reasonable accommodations in the application process will be provided to individuals with disabilities.
Consistent with state and federal law, the University of Utah does not discriminate based upon race, ethnicity, color, religion, national origin, age, disability, sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, gender expression, pregnancy, pregnancy-related conditions, genetic information, or protected veteran’s status. The University does not discriminate on the basis of sex in the education program or activity that it operates, as required by Title IX and 34 CFR part 106. The requirement not to discriminate in education programs or activities extends to admission and employment. Inquiries about the application of Title IX and its regulations may be referred to the Title IX Coordinator, to the Department of Education, Office for Civil Rights, or both.
To request a reasonable accommodation for a disability or if you or someone you know has experienced discrimination or sexual misconduct including sexual harassment, you may contact the Director/Title IX Coordinator in the Office of Equal Opportunity and Title IX (OEO). More information, including the Director/Title IX Coordinator’s office address, electronic mail address, and telephone number can be located at the: University of Utah Non-Discrimination page.
Online reports may be submitted at https://oeo.utah.edu
This report includes statistics about criminal offenses, hate crimes, arrests and referrals for disciplinary action, and Violence Against Women Act offenses. They also provide information about safety and security-related services offered by the University of Utah. A paper copy can be obtained by request at the Department of Public Safety located at 1658 East 500 South.
As per University of Utah policy 5-108: Transfer of Benefits Eligible Staff Members, a new hire to the University of Utah who is still serving a 12 month probationary period will not be hired into another University of Utah job (a transfer) until the successful completion of the probationary period.
Tips for Finding COO Jobs at University of Utah
Align your credentials to USCIS specialty occupation standards
University of Utah COO roles typically require advanced degrees in business administration, higher education management, or a related field. Confirm your credentials meet USCIS specialty occupation criteria before applying, since public universities follow strict position-to-degree alignment during H-1B filing.
Target postings through University HR directly
The University of Utah posts COO and senior operations roles through its own University of Utah Human Resources portal. Applying through the official system is how your application enters the pipeline that connects to sponsored hiring, not third-party aggregators.
Understand that LCA filing precedes your start date
Before the university can file your H-1B petition with USCIS, it must certify a Labor Condition Application with the DOL confirming your offered wage meets prevailing wage levels. Factor at least several weeks for this step when negotiating your anticipated start date.
Prepare for PERM if pursuing permanent residence
Senior operational roles at research universities often lead to EB-2 or EB-3 sponsorship, but PERM labor certification through the DOL can take 12 to 18 months or longer. Raise the green card conversation with HR early, before your initial visa period shortens your leverage.
Use Migrate Mate to find open COO roles at University of Utah
Browsing open COO positions at visa-sponsoring universities is faster when the job board filters by visa type. Use Migrate Mate to surface University of Utah COO openings that align with your sponsorship category, whether H-1B, E-3, TN, or another work visa.
Request an offer letter that specifies employment terms clearly
University of Utah's international hiring office needs a formal offer letter stating your job title, duties, salary, and full-time status before initiating any petition. Vague or contingent offer language delays the H-1B or E-3 filing, so confirm these details are locked before your intended start.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does University of Utah sponsor H-1B visas for COOs?
Yes, University of Utah sponsors H-1B visas for COO and senior operations roles. As a large public research university, it qualifies as a cap-exempt H-1B employer, which means petitions can be filed at any time of year without entering the annual lottery. This gives qualified candidates significantly more flexibility on start dates compared to for-profit employers.
How do I apply for COO jobs at University of Utah?
Applications go through the University of Utah's official Human Resources portal, where senior administrative and executive operations roles are posted. Create a profile, upload your resume and cover letter, and apply directly to the listing. If you need visa sponsorship, indicate that during the application process. You can also browse open COO roles at University of Utah on Migrate Mate, which filters positions by visa sponsorship type.
Which visa types does University of Utah commonly use for COO roles?
The most common visa categories for COO roles at University of Utah are H-1B, E-3 visa for Australian citizens, and TN visa for Canadian and Mexican nationals. J-1 visa exchange visitor status is also used in some academic operations contexts. For candidates seeking permanent residence, the university has supported EB-2 and EB-3 Green Card sponsorship for senior administrative positions.
What qualifications does University of Utah expect for COO candidates?
COO roles at University of Utah typically require a graduate degree in business administration, public administration, higher education leadership, or a closely related field, along with substantial senior management experience. Because the university operates across research, healthcare, and academic divisions, candidates with demonstrated experience managing complex, multi-unit operations within an institutional or nonprofit setting are strongly preferred.
How do I estimate the timeline from job offer to visa approval for a COO role?
For an H-1B at a cap-exempt institution like University of Utah, the timeline from offer to USCIS approval is typically 3 to 6 months under standard processing, or 2 to 4 weeks with premium processing. Add several weeks before that for the DOL Labor Condition Application certification. E-3 and TN visas can move faster since they don't require USCIS petition approval in the same way.