Chief Officer for Strategy and Operations

AUIB

Job Overview
Why AUIB?
Diversity and Inclusivity: At AUIB, we champion diversity and inclusivity in every aspect of campus life. Our vibrant community is a tapestry of cultures, ideas, and dreams, ensuring a welcoming environment for everyone through fair and equal policies.
Competitive Benefits: AUIB offers competitive salaries, comprehensive health plans, and generous leave policies, ensuring the well-being and satisfaction of our staff.
Professional Development: With numerous opportunities for career progression and professional development, AUIB is the ideal place to enhance your skills and advance your career.
A Thriving Community: Our expatriate faculty and staff enjoy comfortable on-campus accommodations, and a vibrant campus equipped with state-of-the-art facilities, including an expansive library, modern classrooms, and recreational amenities.
A Legacy of Excellence: Situated in Baghdad, AUIB is dedicated to reviving the city s historic legacy of learning and culture. Joining AUIB means being part of a prestigious project envisioned by prominent figures in business, government, and education.
Job Description
Position Overview:
The Chief Officer for Strategy and Operations (COSO) is a key member of the executive leadership team. This role provides integraprted oversight and leadership across core operational and strategic functions, ensuring alignment with the organization s mission and long-term objectives. The COSO also plays a critical coordination role with the Sister Companies owned and directed by the organization s owners, which provide essential services.
Key Responsibilities:
Strategic and Operational Leadership
• Provide overall leadership and strategic direction to the Offices of Human Resources, Finance, Information Technology,Information and Support Center, and Strategic Planning.
• Ensure that operational units effectively support strategic goals and foster a culture of continuous improvement and innovation.
Strategic Planning Office Oversight
• Oversee and lead the Strategic Planning Office, which includes:
• Institutional Effectiveness
• KPI Monitoring and Data Analytics
• Survey Administration
• Accreditation and Compliance
• Quality Assurance and Continuous Improvement
• Drive development and tracking of performance metrics and support compliance processes to maintain and enhance quality.
Operational Oversight
• Provide leadership to Human Resources, ensuring robust talent management, staff development, and a positive organizational culture.
• Oversee Finance to maintain fiscal discipline, resource optimization, and transparency in budgeting and financial reporting.
• Lead Information Technology to advance digital transformation initiatives and provide secure, efficient, and innovative IT solutions.
Coordination with Sister Companies
• Chair a Coordination Committee with representatives from Sister Companies responsible for key service areas including:
• Construction
• Security
• Maintenance
• Facilities Management
• Transportation
• Ensure seamless operational alignment and service delivery through structured collaboration and regular strategic reviews.
• Act as the primary liaison to optimize partnerships, resolve operational challenges, and ensure services are aligned with the organization s standards and needs.
Collaboration and Communication
• Serve as a principal advisor to the President and senior leadership on operational and strategic priorities.
• Foster a culture of accountability, data-informed decision-making, and transparent communication across all reporting units.
• Promote cross-functional collaboration to achieve organizational goals efficiently and effectively.
Qualifications:
• Master s degree (required).
• Minimum of 10 years of leadership experience in complex organizational settings, with oversight of multiple operational areas.
• Demonstrated experience in strategic planning, institutional effectiveness, and operational leadership.
• Strong understanding of compliance and quality assurance standards.
• Proven ability to lead large cross-functional teams and manage external operational partnerships.
• Excellent strategic thinking, communication, and interpersonal skills.