Leadership Profile: Vice Dean for Administration and Finance/Chief Operating Officer
The University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health seeks an exceptional, strategic leader to serve as its inaugural Vice Dean for Administration and Finance/Chief Operating Officer (COO).
This is a rare opportunity to shape the next era of growth, impact and excellence at one of the nation’s leading public medical schools through a newly created leadership role. The COO will report directly to the Dean and Vice Chancellor for Medical Affairs and work in close partnership with faculty, staff and colleagues across the school, UW–Madison, and the community. The COO will provide world-class executive leadership for the school’s administrative enterprise, including finance, human resources, operations, facilities, organizational effectiveness, and information technology, with a focus on how these domains can work together to reach bold, shared goals. The COO will play a central role in advancing the school’s strategic priorities through operational excellence, long-range financial planning, and thoughtful stewardship of institutional resources.
Key Qualifications
- Master’s degree required; terminal degree preferred
- Five or more years of experience working within higher education
- 10 or more years of significant senior executive leadership experience in academic medicine, higher education, healthcare, or a similarly complex enterprise
- Demonstrated success leading finance, operations, human resources, and organizational effectiveness functions
- Proven record of organizational transformation, change management, and strategic execution
- Exceptional relationship-building and stakeholder management skills across complex organizations
Position Highlights
- Lead the school’s administrative enterprise, including finance, human resources, organizational effectiveness, facilities, and information technology
- Lead strategic initiatives and organizational transformation in support of the school’s mission
- Strengthen financial stewardship, resource planning, and long-term sustainability
- Drive operational excellence, innovation, and data-informed decision making
- Partner with UW–Madison, UW Health, faculty, staff, and external stakeholders to advance institutional priorities
Application Details
Review of applications is underway. Priority will be given to applications received by October 3, 2026.
The UW School of Medicine and Public Health has retained Isaacson, Miller, a national executive search firm, to assist in this important recruitment. Their full leadership profile includes more information about the position, a full list of qualifications and more.
All inquiries, nominations, and applications for this opportunity should be directed in confidence to the firm.