SUMMARY 

The Chief Operating Officer (COO) provides strategic leadership, supervision, and oversight for the Division of Strategic Planning and Resources, the Office of Organizational Advancement and Marketing, the Division of Programs and Services, and HACU’s regional offices. The COO is responsible for managing the implementation of HACU’s Strategic Plan, directing senior staff within these divisions, coordinating the preparation of executive-level communications, and recommending organizational and programmatic improvements. The COO also reviews and ensures quality control of correspondence and media materials prepared for the President and CEO. This work is carried out in close collaboration with all departments and staff, particularly in coordination with other direct reports to the President and CEO.

EDUCATION AND/OR EXPERIENCE 

• Master’s degree in Higher Education, Business Administration, Nonprofit Management, or a related field required; a terminal or doctoral degree is highly preferred.
• Minimum of 10 years of senior management experience, including at least 5 years in a nonprofit organization.
• Experience leading organizations that interface with government agencies and private foundations in grant procurement and contract negotiations strongly preferred.
• Working knowledge of public and private higher education, as well as administrative or instructional experience in postsecondary education.
• Working knowledge of effective fundraising strategies and donor stewardship to support organizational sustainability.
• Demonstrated diverse leadership capabilities, including the ability to collaborate with peers, coach and develop staff, and foster cooperative work methods that support HACU’s mission, culture, and values.
• Senior-level experience in conflict resolution, supported by strong decision-making skills and a solid understanding of federal and state employment laws.
• Proven ability to engage and communicate effectively with internal and external stakeholders, community partners, and individuals from diverse backgrounds, with exceptional interpersonal, oral, and written communication skills. Spanish language proficiency strongly preferred, but not required.
• Strong presentation skills, with the ability to clearly communicate complex information to senior leadership, federal agencies, academic and administrative groups, public audiences, business partners, community stakeholders, and governing boards.
• Strong analytical skills, including the ability to work with mathematical concepts such as probability and statistical inference, and to apply percentages, ratios, and proportions to practical situations. Familiarity with developing and conforming to an annual office budget.
• Strong organizational and strategic planning skills, with the ability to manage multiple complex projects simultaneously, address challenges with resourcefulness, and develop alternative approaches and solutions.
• Advanced proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite, survey platforms (e.g., Qualtrics/SurveyMonkey), and video conferencing tools such as Zoom and Teams, with the ability to leverage technology to strengthen communication, streamline processes, and enhance organizational effectiveness.
• Proficient in generating reports and visual data summaries for internal and external stakeholders, including senior leadership and governing boards.
• Proven capacity to remain composed under pressure, approach challenges creatively, and guide teams toward effective solutions.
• Ability to travel as required.

QUALIFICATIONS

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Work collaboratively and strategically in a team environment with all levels of professional, technical, and administrative staff to ensure the fulfillment of HACU’s mission, goals, and objectives. 
• Direct and evaluate staff under the COO’s supervision in the planning, development, and implementation of short- and long-term operational plans aligned with HACU’s Strategic Plan.
• Oversee internal operations to ensure efficiency, effectiveness, and alignment with organizational objectives; regularly assess operational performance and provide monthly and as-needed summary reports to the President and CEO.
• Ensure clarity of responsibilities, authority, and accountability for all direct reports, and support consistent, high-quality performance across all supervised units.
• Ensure that all organizational activities and operations comply with applicable local, state, and federal laws and regulations governing nonprofit and business operations.
• Review, respond to, and prepare correspondence on behalf of the President and CEO, ensuring accuracy, clarity, and alignment with organizational standards.
• Oversee quality control for all correspondence, reports, presentations, and materials submitted for the President and CEO’s approval or signature.
• Lead the development, maintenance, and enhancement of HACU’s online assessment and reporting system to monitor progress toward Strategic Plan goals, and guide staff in its effective use; provide periodic reports for Cabinet meetings and other executive needs.
• Provide direction and oversight to communications staff and related teams in preparing speeches, presentations, and executive communications for the President and CEO.
• Coordinate the preparation of Governing Board meetings; advise liaison staff to Standing Committees; and oversee planning and delivery of Membership and Associate Membership Business Meetings.
• Partner with HR staff and managers to proactively address employee concerns, minimize workplace disputes, and resolve issues promptly and effectively when they arise.
• Collaborate with the Assistant Vice President of Advancement and Marketing to support the development of new proposals and initiatives and to ensure effective management and compliance of funded programs and operations under the Office of Financial Planning and Management.
• Work in coordination with key stakeholders and the Executive Vice President for Policy and Government Relations, develop and implement HACU’s research and policy analysis agenda; conduct research and support federal and state policy initiatives aligned with HACU’s legislative and programmatic objectives.
• Work with the Office of Government Relations to develop policy and legislative proposals and assist in documenting HACU’s formal positions on Hispanic higher education policy issues.
• Perform other duties as assigned by the President and CEO.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES 

The COO supervises the lead staff of HACU’s Division of Strategic Planning and Resources, which includes the offices of Finance and Human Resources, Office of Organizational Advancement and Marketing, Division of Programs and Services, HACU regional offices and others that may be assigned by the President and CEO. These duties are to be carried out in accordance with the organization's policies and applicable federal and state laws. Responsibilities would include interviewing, hiring, and training employees; planning, assigning, and directing work; appraising performance; rewarding and disciplining employees; addressing complaints and resolving problems. 

PHYSICAL DEMANDS & WORK ENVIRONMENT

• The employee will work a standard of 40 hours a week; however, longer hours may be necessary at times.  This is an exempt position and is not eligible for overtime pay.
• Conferences and events may take place in hotel and/or convention center settings and require longer hours of work on a constantly changing schedule, including work on weekends and evenings.
• Working conditions are in an office environment. This will transition to a hybrid role effective 2/1/2026.
• Must have reliable high speed internet service sufficient to support video conferencing, remote system access, and all technological tools needed to perform the essential functions of the role during scheduled remote work hours, including, but not limited to, HACU’s voice over internet protocol (VOIP) system.
• Must maintain a remote workspace that is reasonably safe, secure, and suitable for performing assigned job duties, reasonably free from distractions, and accessible during scheduled work hours.
• Remote workspace must allow for the protection of confidential and sensitive information, in compliance with HACU’s data security and privacy requirements (for example, privacy during calls, secure handling of documents, if applicable).
• Occasionally moves items weighing up to 25 pounds.
• Occasionally requires employee to squat, kneel, bend at the waist, and reach for items.
• Constantly operates a computer and other office productivity machinery.
• Positions self to perform essential functions of the job in an office setting.
• Must be able to remain in a stationary position for extended periods of time.
• Maintains and ensures security of HACU-issued equipment, software, data, and supplies.
• Frequent out-of-town travel is required to perform essential functions.
• Must be able to pass a criminal background check.

REASONABLE ACCOMMODATION

In accordance with the ADA and other applicable laws, reasonable accommodation will be provided to enable a qualified individual with a disability to perform the essential functions of the job.

Relocation assistance is not available for this position.

EEO STATEMENT

The Hispanic Association of Colleges and Universities (HACU) believes that equal opportunity for all employees and applicants is important for the continuing success of our organization. As an equal opportunity employer, HACU is committed to a policy that provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, sex, religion, national origin, ancestry, age, marital status, pregnancy, medical condition including genetic characteristics, physical or mental disability, veteran status, gender identification and expression, sexual orientation, and to make all employment decisions so as to further this principle of equal employment opportunity. HACU will not discriminate against any employee or applicant for employment because of race, color, sex, religion, national origin, ancestry, age, marital status, pregnancy, medical condition including genetic characteristics, physical or mental disability, veteran status, gender identification and expression, sexual orientation, and will ensure that applicants are offered equal employment opportunities and employees are treated during employment without regard to these characteristics. If you are interested in applying for employment and need special assistance or accommodation to apply for a posted position, contact our Human Resources department via phone at 210-576-3216 or via email at jobs@hacu.net. 

ADA STATEMENT

The Hispanic Association of Colleges and Universities (HACU) is committed to the full inclusion of all qualified individuals. Consistent with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), the HACU will provide reasonable accommodation when requested by a qualified applicant or employee, unless such accommodation would cause an undue hardship. The policy regarding requests for reasonable accommodation applies to all aspects of employment, including the application process. If reasonable accommodation is needed during the application process, please email jobs@hacu.net. For more information regarding the Americans with Disabilities Act, click here.