Chief Operating Officer and General Manager - University Gateway Corporation : Job Details

This role reports to the University Gateway Corporation Board of Directors. The position is based on a competitive salary with a base pay range of $175,000.00/yr - $250,000.00/yr, commensurate with experience.

Base pay range

$175,000.00/yr - $250,000.00/yr

Direct message the job poster from University Gateway Corporation

Talent Acquisition, Certified Diversity & Inclusion Recruiter

Chief Operating Officer & General Manager

University Gateway Corporation

Reports to: University Gateway Corporation Board of Directors

About the University Gateway Corporation

The University Gateway Corporation (UGC) is a private nonprofit organization founded in 1997 by the University of Minnesota Foundation and the University of Minnesota Alumni Association. With a mission to showcase and serve the University of Minnesota, UGC is responsible for the development, ownership, and management of landmark campus properties, most notably the McNamara Alumni Center, a 230,000-square-foot facility that serves as both an administrative headquarters for more than 900 University staff and a premier event venue hosting over 800 events annually.

Over the past two decades, UGC has led nearly $60 million in capital investments to shape and beautify the University campus through initiatives such as Scholars Walk, Discovery Gallery, Alumni Wall of Honor, Presidents Hall of Honor, and Gateway Plaza. UGCs work is funded entirely through private philanthropy and financing, representing a powerful model of public-private collaboration to advance the Universitys mission.

Position Summary

The Chief Operating Officer & General Manager (COO/GM) is the senior executive responsible for ensuring the strategic, financial, and operational excellence of the University Gateway Corporation. Reporting directly to the Board of Directors and working closely with the President (a representative of the University of Minnesota Foundation Real Estate Advisors), the COO/GM is entrusted with stewarding the long-term sustainability and mission alignment of UGCs assets and activities.

This role oversees all core functions of UGC, including financial strategy (25%), building and real estate operations (25%), organizational leadership and HR (25%), and administrative and stakeholder engagement (25%), and serves as the principal liaison between the corporation and its tenants, contractors, university partners, and Board.

The ideal candidate is a seasoned, strategic leader with deep expertise in commercial real estate operations, financial oversight, and people management in a complex, mission-driven environment.

Key Responsibilities

Strategic & Financial Management (25%)

• Lead the development and implementation of annual operating budgets and long-range capital plans.
• Oversee professional accounting staff and ensure timely production of financial statements.
• Ensure compliance with loan covenants and financing obligations; evaluate ongoing capital structure with external advisors.
• Maintain effective controls for revenue collection, vendor payments, and long-term financial commitments.

Operations & Asset Management (25%)

• Provide strategic oversight into building operations and life safety systems through direct reports (Director of Operations and building engineers).
• Ensure preventive maintenance protocols, contractor management, and warranty monitoring meet institutional standards.
• Administer tenant leases and maintain strong working relationships with occupants of the McNamara Alumni Center.
• Monitor adjacent real estate developments and assess potential implications for UGC-owned property.

Organizational Leadership & HR (25%)

• Evaluate staffing structure and oversee recruitment, performance management, and staff development planning.
• Manage employee compensation, benefits, retention strategies, and succession planning.
• Lead the development and annual review of UGCs employee handbook and policies in compliance with federal, state, and local labor laws.
• Oversee payroll and benefits administration, including insurance plans, retirement program management, and incentive bonus structures.

Governance & Administrative Leadership (25%)

• Serve as a non-voting member of the UGC Board of Directors; prepare and present financial, operational, and strategic materials for Board deliberation.
• Ensure proper documentation, recordkeeping, and legal compliance across all corporate files and operations.
• Maintain and strengthen relationships with university leadership, foundation/alumni association staff, vendors, and external counsel.
• Collaborate with University IT teams to ensure systems are secure, licensed, and aligned with enterprise needs.

Qualifications

Required

• Minimum of 15 years of progressively responsible experience in commercial real estate, including financial oversight and operational leadership.
• Demonstrated experience managing multi-tenant, Class-A office or mixed-use properties.
• Proven leadership in budgeting, contract management, staff development, and stakeholder engagement.
• Strong technology proficiency (Microsoft Office, Google Workspace) and ability to lead digital transition planning.

Preferred

• Industry certifications/designations such as CPM, RPA, CCIM, SIOR, or CRE.
• Experience in both property management and asset management, ideally in nonprofit or public-private settings.

The anticipated salary range for this position is $175,000 - $250,000 annually, commensurate with experience, qualifications, and internal equity. This position is also eligible for an annual incentive bonus up to 20% of the base salary. Other employment benefits include:

• Competitive base salary and incentive bonus structure
• 20 days of PTO in the first year, plus paid holidays
• Comprehensive health, dental, vision, life, and disability insurance
• Paid parental leave
• Monthly cell phone allowance
• U of M Rec & Wellness Center membership

Commitment to Equity, Inclusion & Accessibility

The University Gateway Corporation is committed to building and sustaining a diverse, inclusive, and equitable workplace. We recognize the importance of multiple perspectives and encourage applications from individuals of all backgrounds, identities, and abilities.

We are committed to ensuring an accessible recruitment process. If you require accommodations at any point during the application or interview process, please contact [email protected] directly.

How to Apply

To be considered for this opportunity, please submit the following materials:

• A cover letter detailing your interest in the role and alignment with UGCs mission
• Names and contact information for three professional references

Send application materials via email to:

[email protected]

Lucas Gangsei, Talent Acquisition Partner, University of Minnesota Foundation

Applications will be accepted for the duration of the search, but priority consideration will be given to all submissions received prior to September 12th, 2025.