Chief Operating Officer

About Krea University Krea University is a pioneering institution dedicated to reimagining higher education through the philosophy of Interwoven Learning. With a strong focus on liberal arts, sciences, management and research-driven teaching, Krea equips students with the skills, perspectives and adaptability required to navigate an increasingly complex world. The University comprises three schools, School of Interwoven Arts and Sciences (SIAS), IFMR Graduate School of Business (GSB) and Krea Doctoral College and provides strategic oversight to various research centres. At Krea, students are guided by some of the best academic minds from around the world. The mission of Krea is to shape a new generation of adaptable, resilient leaders, giving them the critical thinking skills needed to forge ahead. About the role Krea is looking to hire a new Chief Operating Officer. The Chief Operating Officer (COO) will serve as a key member of the Senior Management Team (SMT) of Krea University. The COO will support the Vice Chancellor in executing the University’s strategy and ensure that professional service units deliver high-quality support essential for academic delivery, research advancement, and student engagement. The COO will be responsible for university-wide operations and the direct oversight of professional services, including operations, projects & infrastructure, finance, human resources, campus services, legal and regulatory compliance, student services, governance, outreach and admissions, career services, fundraising and communications. The role also carries key responsibilities of the Registrar, especially in areas of compliance with statutory regulations (UGC and others), and institutional audits. Key Responsibilities Your responsibilities will include, but not be limited to, the following: ● Strategic and Operational Leadership: Acts as the principal administrative officer supporting the Vice Chancellor in implementing strategic goals, institutional planning, and organisational effectiveness. ● Oversight of Professional Services: Leads and integrates all non-academic services including finance, HR, student services, admissions and outreach, campus infrastructure and projects, IT, safety and security, career services, fundraising, communications, governance, and compliance. ● Governance and Compliance: Ensures institutional compliance with UGC and other statutory regulations, leads forensic audits, manages risk, and supervises the Registrar’s office for academic recordkeeping and reporting. ● Student Recruitment, Outreach, and Retention: Oversees enrollment and student retention strategies to meet admissions targets aligned with the University's growth plan. ● Human Resource and Organisational Benchmarking: Leads institutional HR strategy including recruitment, workforce planning, performance management, and compensation. Oversees benchmarking of professional service structures and staff performance against national and international standards. ● Career Services and Industry Partnerships: Oversees career services, placement functions, and industry collaborations to ensure strong employability outcomes for Krea students, aligning with evolving market needs and institutional aspirations. ● Support to Governing Bodies: Assist the Vice Chancellor in managing relationships and reporting to the Board of Management and Governing Council, ensuring informed decision-making and operational transparency. ● Campus Infrastructure and Growth Planning: Collaborates with the Projects and Operations team to plan, develop, and manage physical infrastructure in alignment with institutional growth, sustainability goals, and long-term campus development. ● Fundraising and development support: Support the Vice Chancellor in cultivating donor relationships, managing institutional ● fundraising operations and stewarding philanthropic resources effectively. ● Chairing Formal Proceedings: Chairs formal institutional hearings, such as those involving disciplinary action, grievances, or appeals, concerning faculty, staff or students, where appropriate. ● External and Regulatory Engagement: Represents the University with government bodies, regulatory authorities, and partner organisations in matters of compliance, audits, and strategic operations. ● Additional Responsibilities: Undertakes other duties as may be reasonably requested by the Vice Chancellor in support of the University’s mission and strategic priorities. The roles and responsibilities outlined above are not intended to be an exhaustive list of tasks. Flexibility is required, and the job holder is expected to carry out any other related duties that fall within the employee’s skills and abilities whenever reasonably instructed. Essential Qualifications and Experience • Demonstrated experience in leading strategy and operations at a senior level within a complex, missiondriven organisation (preferably in higher education or comparable sectors). • A postgraduate degree • 15+ years of progressive experience in leadership and management roles are required. • Strong understanding of institutional financial management, risk mitigation, compliance, and resource planning, with experience in overseeing financial functions and audits. • Familiarity with governance frameworks, regulatory bodies (e.g., UGC), and statutory compliance in higher education or equivalent sectors. • Experience in working with infrastructure and campus development teams, contributing to long-term physical planning and capital project execution. • Demonstrated affinity for young people and commitment to enhancing student outcomes, retention, career pathways, and the broader student experience. • Proven capability in driving institutional transformation, implementing operational efficiencies, and leading through strategic change. • Track record of advancing inclusive practices and creating environments where diverse perspectives thrive. Desirable Qualifications and Experience • Experience working within a higher education institution. • Emotionally intelligent leader who can inspire and manage high-calibre academic and professional services teams, fostering a culture of service excellence, accountability, and collaboration. Key Competencies and Attributes • Strong communication, negotiation, and stakeholder engagement skills, capable of influencing and aligning cross-functional teams and external partners. • Ability to represent the University with credibility and presence on national and international platforms, and engage with donors, regulators, and industry leaders. • High personal integrity and professionalism; earns the trust of teams, partners, and governance bodies through transparent and principled leadership. • Brings energy, innovation, patience, diplomacy, and resilience to complex institutional challenges and opportunities. • Strategic and forward-thinking leadership. • Strong analytical abilities and data interpretation skills. • Strong relationship-building and stakeholder management capabilities. • Financial acumen: Strong skills in financial analysis, budget management and cost effective decision making. • Effective team leadership skills, with the ability to collaborate across functions and guide diverse teams towards shared goals. • Technology: Proficiency with relevant technologies, oversee digital transformations and adapt to new technologies. Work Location and Travel Requirements This is a full-time position based at the Krea University campus in Sri City, Andhra Pradesh. The role requires regular in-person presence and active engagement with campus operations, leadership meetings, and institutional events.