Chief Operating Officer - CEID

IraqPosted Aug 13, 2026

Job description

Position Summary

The COO will play a pivotal role in advancing the mission of the Center of Excellence for Innovation and Development (CEID), serving as the second-in-command to the CEO and overseeing the organization’s day-to-day operations and long-term growth. This role requires a dynamic leader with a strategic mindset, financial acumen, and the ability to lead, manage, and develop a team that can advance the center’s revenue and growth.

The COO will ensure that the center remains competitive, especially in soft skills and global-economy preparedness, for executives, mid-career professionals, and entry-level talent.

Key Responsibilities

  • Strategic Leadership: o Collaborate with the CEO to define and execute the center's strategic vision, growth initiatives, and market positioning. o Lead efforts to identify and secure partnerships with globally recognized training providers to enhance the institute's offerings. o Analyze industry trends and adapt strategies to remain relevant and competitive in a global economy.
  • Operational Management: o Oversee day-to-day operations, ensuring seamless functioning of departments such as program development, partnerships, student services, and administration. o Ensure operational policies and processes support scalability and efficiency to meet organizational goals.
  • Financial Oversight: o Oversee budget development, financial planning, and analysis, ensuring financial health and regulatory compliance. o Provide input on resource allocation to optimize revenue generation and cost efficiency.
  • Performance Management and Reporting: o Review department reports, assess performance metrics, and ensure alignment with strategic objectives. o Collaborate with department heads to set and achieve performance goals and continuously improve quality and outcomes. Ideal Candidate Profile: o Leadership: Proven leadership skills to inspire and manage cross-functional teams, drive performance, and maintain accountability. o Strategic Thinking: Ability to see the big picture and execute plans to adapt to market changes and enhance institutional reputation. o Financial Acumen: Strong analytical skills and understanding of budgeting, financial analysis, and decision-making. o Relationship Building: Excellent interpersonal skills to establish rapport with diverse stakeholders and build strong, lasting partnerships. o Communication: Exceptional verbal and written communication skills for engaging with internal and external stakeholders.

Education

(Minimum / Preferred): Minimum: A Master’s degree in Business Administration, Finance, Education Administration, or a related field is required. Preferred: A PhD or other relevant advanced degree is strongly preferred. Experience (Minimum / Preferred): Minimum: 8–10 years of progressive leadership experience, preferably within higher education, education management, or a related sector.

Preferred: Demonstrated experience in executive-level roles with responsibility for organizational operations, strategic planning, financial management, and institutional development. #LI-REMOTE

Description copied from American University of Iraq, Baghdad's careers page. Read the full posting before you apply.

More jobs at American University of Iraq, Baghdad

See all openings at American University of Iraq, Baghdad