Chief business officer

Chief business officer is a term used to describe the position of the top business and operating executive of an academic or research institution such as a university, college, institute or teaching hospital. The chief business officer title is becoming more commonplace in American higher education with the title of director or vice president also frequently applied to the executive serving in the chief business officer role. The chief business officer is generally responsible for the administrative, financial, and operations management of the institution often combining the roles of chief administrative officer, chief financial officer and chief operating officer. The chief business officer is usually one of the highest ranking executives in an academic or research organization, often overseeing strategic planning in addition to budgeting, financial management, contracts, human resources, procurement, compliance, real estate, facilities, information technology, and risk management. In many organizations, sustainability and green building initiatives also fall under the purview of the chief business officer.

Many college and university chief business officers hold advanced academic degrees or top professional certifications and continue to participate in academic research or consulting projects in their areas of expertise. Job experience for the chief business officer role is generally gained, on the job, at the department, unit or program level prior to advancing into a chief business officer role although business officers at all levels are sometimes hired from private industry, government or other non-profit organizations.

Educational requirements for the chief business officer position vary by institution.

See also

• Chief administrative officer
• Chief financial officer
• Chief operating officer

References

• National Association of College and University Business Officers (NACUBO)
• Association of College Administration Professionals (ACAP)
• Association of Professionals in Business Management (APBM)
• University Business Magazine, Chief Business Officers Speak Out, October 2008
• Business Officer Magazine, A Learning Agenda for Chief Business Officers, May 2001
• The Other Career in Education; College Administration Is a Promising Field With a Personal Touch, The Washington Post, August 20, 2006, Rebecca R. Kahlenberg.