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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Get Access To All JobsJob Title: Operations Project Managers
Working Title: Operations Project Manager, SESS
Career Progression Track: P00
Track Level: P3 - Career, P2 - Developing
FLSA Code: Administrative
Patient Sensitive Job Code?: No
Standard Hours per Week: 40
Full Time or Part Time?: Full Time
Shift: Day
Work Schedule Summary: Monday – Friday
VP Area: Academic Affairs
Department: 02404 - SVP Strategic Enrollment
Location: Campus
City: Salt Lake City, UT
Type of Recruitment: External Posting
Pay Rate Range: $62,000-$98,000
Close Date: 10/01/2026
Priority Review Date (Note - Posting may close at any time): 08/20/2026
Job Summary
The Strategic Enrollment and Student Success (SESS) Operations Project Manager supports the Senior Vice Provost for Strategic Enrollment and Student Success by leading and coordinating strategic initiatives that advance institutional goals related to enrollment, student engagement, retention, persistence, and student success. This position partners with academic and administrative leaders across the University to manage projects from planning through implementation, ensuring alignment with institutional priorities and successful execution of key initiatives.
This position provides project leadership, coordination, communication, and operational support for complex, cross-functional projects involving multiple stakeholders. Responsibilities include project planning, stakeholder engagement, data collection and analysis, process improvement, change management support, communication planning, and implementation oversight. The SESS Operations Project Manager serves as a liaison among colleges, departments, and administrative units to facilitate collaboration and drive project outcomes.
This position offers the opportunity to work closely with senior leadership on initiatives that directly impact the student experience and support the University’s strategic goals.
This position may be filled at the Operations Project Manager II or III level, based on the successful candidate’s qualifications and experience.
The department may choose to hire at any of the below job levels and associated pay rates based on their business need and budget.
Responsibilities
Strategic Project Management:
- Leads and coordinates projects supporting strategic enrollment, student success, retention, persistence, and engagement priorities.
- Develops and maintains project plans, timelines, milestones, communication plans, and implementation strategies.
- Monitors project progress and ensures deliverables are completed on schedule and in alignment with project objectives.
- Identifies project risks, barriers, and dependencies and recommends solutions to maintain project momentum.
- Provides regular project updates, status reports, and recommendations to leadership.
Student Success and Enrollment Initiatives:
- Supports initiatives designed to improve the student experience and advance institutional enrollment and student success goals.
- Assists with the design, implementation, and evaluation of programs, services, and operational improvements affecting students.
- Coordinates projects involving student engagement, communications, outreach, and support services.
- Supports cross-divisional efforts to improve student access, belonging, persistence, retention, and academic success.
Communication and Stakeholder Engagement:
- Facilitates collaboration among Academic Affairs, Enrollment Management, Undergraduate Studies, Student Affairs, colleges, departments, and administrative units.
- Coordinates meetings, working groups, task forces, and stakeholder discussions.
- Develops communication strategies that support project goals and ensure stakeholder alignment.
- Builds productive relationships with campus partners and serves as a primary liaison for assigned initiatives.
Student Systems, Technology, and Process Improvement:
- Supports projects involving student-facing technology platforms, information systems, and digital engagement tools.
- Assists with evaluating business processes and identifying opportunities to improve service delivery and operational effectiveness.
- Coordinates efforts related to communication workflows, governance structures, and service enhancements.
- Supports implementation of technology solutions that contribute to student success outcomes.
Data Analysis and Reporting:
- Collects, analyzes, and interprets data to support project planning and decision-making.
- Develops reports, presentations, and project documentation for leadership and stakeholders.
- Tracks project outcomes and key performance indicators.
- Assists with identifying trends, opportunities, and areas for continuous improvement.
Examples of Potential Projects
Projects may include:
- Student communication strategy, governance, and optimization initiatives.
- Student engagement and retention improvement efforts.
- Enrollment strategy and recruitment support initiatives.
- Student information systems and technology enhancement projects.
- Artificial intelligence initiatives supporting student success and operational effectiveness.
- Cross-divisional communication alignment and process improvement efforts.
- Survey strategy and assessment projects designed to improve institutional effectiveness and reduce student survey fatigue.
- Strategic initiatives that enhance the student experience and advance institutional priorities.
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).
Department may hire employee at one of the following job levels:
Operations Project Manager, II: Requires a bachelor’s (or equivalency) + 4 years or a master’s (or equivalency) + 2 years of directly related work experience.
Operations Project Manager, III: Requires a bachelor’s (or equivalency) + 6 years or a master’s (or equivalency) + 4 years of directly related work experience.
Preferences
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
- Knowledge of project management principles, methodologies, and best practices.
- Strong organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple projects and competing priorities simultaneously.
- Excellent written, verbal, presentation, and interpersonal communication skills.
- Ability to facilitate meetings and work effectively with diverse stakeholder groups.
- Strong analytical, problem-solving, and critical-thinking skills.
- Ability to gather, analyze, and present information to support decision-making.
- Ability to develop collaborative relationships across a complex organization.
- Demonstrated ability to work independently while managing multiple deadlines.
- Proficiency with project management, collaboration, and data reporting tools.
Preferred Qualifications
- Experience working in higher education, enrollment management, student affairs, academic administration, or a similarly complex environment.
- Experience leading cross-functional projects involving multiple stakeholder groups.
- Experience supporting strategic planning, organizational effectiveness, process improvement, or change management initiatives.
- Experience with student success, enrollment, retention, or student engagement initiatives.
- Experience gathering, analyzing, and presenting data to support organizational decision-making.
- Project Management Professional (PMP) certification or comparable project management training.
- Master’s degree in Higher Education, Public Administration, Business Administration, Organizational Leadership, or a related field.
Type: Benefited Staff
Special Instructions Summary
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.
https://publicsafety.utah.edu/safetyreport/ 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.
Job Title: Operations Project Managers
Working Title: Operations Project Manager, SESS
Career Progression Track: P00
Track Level: P3 - Career, P2 - Developing
FLSA Code: Administrative
Patient Sensitive Job Code?: No
Standard Hours per Week: 40
Full Time or Part Time?: Full Time
Shift: Day
Work Schedule Summary: Monday – Friday
VP Area: Academic Affairs
Department: 02404 - SVP Strategic Enrollment
Location: Campus
City: Salt Lake City, UT
Type of Recruitment: External Posting
Pay Rate Range: $62,000-$98,000
Close Date: 10/01/2026
Priority Review Date (Note - Posting may close at any time): 08/20/2026
Job Summary
The Strategic Enrollment and Student Success (SESS) Operations Project Manager supports the Senior Vice Provost for Strategic Enrollment and Student Success by leading and coordinating strategic initiatives that advance institutional goals related to enrollment, student engagement, retention, persistence, and student success. This position partners with academic and administrative leaders across the University to manage projects from planning through implementation, ensuring alignment with institutional priorities and successful execution of key initiatives.
This position provides project leadership, coordination, communication, and operational support for complex, cross-functional projects involving multiple stakeholders. Responsibilities include project planning, stakeholder engagement, data collection and analysis, process improvement, change management support, communication planning, and implementation oversight. The SESS Operations Project Manager serves as a liaison among colleges, departments, and administrative units to facilitate collaboration and drive project outcomes.
This position offers the opportunity to work closely with senior leadership on initiatives that directly impact the student experience and support the University’s strategic goals.
This position may be filled at the Operations Project Manager II or III level, based on the successful candidate’s qualifications and experience.
The department may choose to hire at any of the below job levels and associated pay rates based on their business need and budget.
Responsibilities
Strategic Project Management:
- Leads and coordinates projects supporting strategic enrollment, student success, retention, persistence, and engagement priorities.
- Develops and maintains project plans, timelines, milestones, communication plans, and implementation strategies.
- Monitors project progress and ensures deliverables are completed on schedule and in alignment with project objectives.
- Identifies project risks, barriers, and dependencies and recommends solutions to maintain project momentum.
- Provides regular project updates, status reports, and recommendations to leadership.
Student Success and Enrollment Initiatives:
- Supports initiatives designed to improve the student experience and advance institutional enrollment and student success goals.
- Assists with the design, implementation, and evaluation of programs, services, and operational improvements affecting students.
- Coordinates projects involving student engagement, communications, outreach, and support services.
- Supports cross-divisional efforts to improve student access, belonging, persistence, retention, and academic success.
Communication and Stakeholder Engagement:
- Facilitates collaboration among Academic Affairs, Enrollment Management, Undergraduate Studies, Student Affairs, colleges, departments, and administrative units.
- Coordinates meetings, working groups, task forces, and stakeholder discussions.
- Develops communication strategies that support project goals and ensure stakeholder alignment.
- Builds productive relationships with campus partners and serves as a primary liaison for assigned initiatives.
Student Systems, Technology, and Process Improvement:
- Supports projects involving student-facing technology platforms, information systems, and digital engagement tools.
- Assists with evaluating business processes and identifying opportunities to improve service delivery and operational effectiveness.
- Coordinates efforts related to communication workflows, governance structures, and service enhancements.
- Supports implementation of technology solutions that contribute to student success outcomes.
Data Analysis and Reporting:
- Collects, analyzes, and interprets data to support project planning and decision-making.
- Develops reports, presentations, and project documentation for leadership and stakeholders.
- Tracks project outcomes and key performance indicators.
- Assists with identifying trends, opportunities, and areas for continuous improvement.
Examples of Potential Projects
Projects may include:
- Student communication strategy, governance, and optimization initiatives.
- Student engagement and retention improvement efforts.
- Enrollment strategy and recruitment support initiatives.
- Student information systems and technology enhancement projects.
- Artificial intelligence initiatives supporting student success and operational effectiveness.
- Cross-divisional communication alignment and process improvement efforts.
- Survey strategy and assessment projects designed to improve institutional effectiveness and reduce student survey fatigue.
- Strategic initiatives that enhance the student experience and advance institutional priorities.
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).
Department may hire employee at one of the following job levels:
Operations Project Manager, II: Requires a bachelor’s (or equivalency) + 4 years or a master’s (or equivalency) + 2 years of directly related work experience.
Operations Project Manager, III: Requires a bachelor’s (or equivalency) + 6 years or a master’s (or equivalency) + 4 years of directly related work experience.
Preferences
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
- Knowledge of project management principles, methodologies, and best practices.
- Strong organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple projects and competing priorities simultaneously.
- Excellent written, verbal, presentation, and interpersonal communication skills.
- Ability to facilitate meetings and work effectively with diverse stakeholder groups.
- Strong analytical, problem-solving, and critical-thinking skills.
- Ability to gather, analyze, and present information to support decision-making.
- Ability to develop collaborative relationships across a complex organization.
- Demonstrated ability to work independently while managing multiple deadlines.
- Proficiency with project management, collaboration, and data reporting tools.
Preferred Qualifications
- Experience working in higher education, enrollment management, student affairs, academic administration, or a similarly complex environment.
- Experience leading cross-functional projects involving multiple stakeholder groups.
- Experience supporting strategic planning, organizational effectiveness, process improvement, or change management initiatives.
- Experience with student success, enrollment, retention, or student engagement initiatives.
- Experience gathering, analyzing, and presenting data to support organizational decision-making.
- Project Management Professional (PMP) certification or comparable project management training.
- Master’s degree in Higher Education, Public Administration, Business Administration, Organizational Leadership, or a related field.
Type: Benefited Staff
Special Instructions Summary
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.
https://publicsafety.utah.edu/safetyreport/ 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.