Regional University System of Oklahoma

Position Title:  Chief Executive Officer

​

FLSA Classification: Exempt

 

The following statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed. They are not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties and skills required. Nothing in this job description restricts management’s right to assign or reassign duties and responsibilities to this job at any time.

​

​

Overview

​

The Board of Regents of the Regional University System of Oklahoma (RUSO) governs the University of Central Oklahoma, East Central University, Northeastern State University, Northwestern Oklahoma State University, Southeastern Oklahoma State University, and Southwestern Oklahoma State University.

​

The Chief Executive Officer of RUSO is accountable solely to the Board of Regents and is responsible for the management and administration of all affairs within the Board’s direct purview.

​

Maintaining effective communications with Board members and university presidents and administrators is a fundamental responsibility of this position.

​

Primary Duties and Responsibilities

​

Administrative Support

​

The Chief Executive Officer is expected to:

• manage the Board’s office and supervise the professional and clerical personnel who directly serve the Board;

• provide a full range of general administrative support to the Board and the Chair, including planning, preparation, and staffing for all Board and committee meetings as well as other events;

• develop agendas for Board and committee meetings in collaboration with institutional administrators; and

• create and administer the annual operating budget for the Board of Regents.

 

Governance Oversight, Support, and Planning

 

The Chief Executive Officer is expected to:

• maintain a broad, high-level view of the RUSO universities and the Board’s stewardship of them to effectively contribute to the work of the Board;

• facilitate effective governance through long-range planning, communication, and problem-solving related to significant issues and challenges facing the Board;

• ensure that the Board’s activities comply with all applicable legal obligations;

• maintain and disseminate official records of all Board actions and serve as custodian of the corporate seal, minutes, archives, public records, and all supporting documents;

• execute or attest to, in the name of the Board, a broad range of documents necessary for the operation of the institutions; and

• serve as a reliable and authoritative resource regarding all Board policies and requirements.

 

External and Internal Liaison and Adviser

 

The Chief Executive Officer is expected to:

• serve as primary liaison between the Board and RUSO university administrations, working directly with Regents and Presidents on a regular basis;

• serve as an ambassador of the Board, responding to communications and representing the Board at events on its behalf; and

• oversee the appropriate dissemination of information regarding Board actions, accomplishments, and activities including maintaining the Board of Regents’ website, ensuring effective media relations, and providing internal institutional constituents with convenient access to needed information.

 

Qualifications and Competencies

 

Education and Experience

​

The Chief Executive Officer is expected to:

• hold an earned master’s degree, professional degree, or equivalent career experience in a relevant discipline such as law, public policy, business, communications, or higher education administration; and

• possess a documented record of significant accomplishments, including experience related to governance, substantive service in relevant academic settings, or distinguished professional practice, along with a strong understanding of higher education issues, practices, and traditions.

 

Any combination of education, training, and/or experience that demonstrates the ability to perform the duties described – including extensive satisfactory experience at the executive level, preferably in a higher education environment – will be considered.

 

Leadership and Professional Competencies

 

The Chief Executive Officer is expected to:

• demonstrate leadership skills, a record of sound judgment, highly developed communications skills, finesse, and diplomacy;

• possess a strong sense of intuition and political acumen, with a talent for building effective interpersonal relationships at all levels, as well as the ability to establish and maintain trusted partnerships and celebrate the success of others;

• exhibit high personal integrity and the ability to inspire confidence in others, maintain strict confidentiality across a variety of situations, and use proprietary information judiciously to advise others who may not have direct access to it;

• demonstrate the ability to recognize big-picture issues and trends, alert Board members – individually and collectively – to developing issues in a timely manner, and proactively anticipate potential flaws in process, policy, and relationships while devising strategies to avert or address them; and

• maintain a sense of order in complex and dynamic situations, display flexibility and excellent customer service skills, and bring a high degree of organization, attention to detail, and follow-through to all aspects of the role.

 

Physical Demands

 

Reasonable accommodations in accordance with ADA requirements may be made, upon request, to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions.

​

This position requires the ability to travel independently to outlying areas of the state to attend regular and special Board and committee meetings, conferences, and retreats.

 

Compensation

Salary commensurate with experience.

​

To apply, email your resume and cover letter to careers@ruso.edu.

 

All job functions described above are essential job functions. Applicants must provide proof of identity and documentation of U.S. citizenship or legal authorization to work in the United States.