CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER

Job Description and Duties The California State Teachers’ Retirement System (CalSTRS) is seeking to fill its Chief Operating Officer (COO) position. Under the administrative direction of the Chief Executive Officer (CEO), the COO provides executive leadership and oversight of CalSTRS’ core business operations, programs, administrative functions, and strategic initiatives. The COO is responsible for ensuring effective and efficient delivery of retirement benefits and member services, as well as organizational performance. Responsibilities include executive oversight of benefits administration, member and employer services, information technology, human resources, administrative services, and major business initiatives. The COO provides leadership in organizational effectiveness, business continuity, workforce and succession planning, innovation, and continuous improvement. The annual salary range is $265,000-$385,000, with a 50% maximum incentive opportunity of base salary. The starting salary for this position will be set competitively and commensurate with the candidate’s qualifications and experience. Relocation benefits may be available. To learn more about this opportunity, click here. You will find additional information about the job in the Duty Statement. Special Requirements Exam This position requires a current Chief Operating Officer examination. If you need to take the examination or if your score has expired, click here to gain list eligibility. Background Investigation Prior to employment with CalSTRS, a background investigation (BI) will be conducted. The BI consists of a Personal History Statement and fingerprinting through the Department of Justice. The BI will check criminal and civil records and, if applicable, verify education, credit and check driving records. CalSTRS Disclosure Requirements This position may be subject to disclosure and disqualification requirements concerning economic conflict of interest in government work, including the Conflict of Interest Code that applies to CalSTRS team members and the Political Reform Act, which require disclosure of certain investment information and use of a designated trading platform for securities transactions, as well as filing a Statement of Economic Interest (Form 700). Incompatible Activities This position is subject to the provisions of Government Code Section 19990. Upon accepting a position at CalSTRS, you will also be required to comply with the CalSTRS Incompatible Activities Policy by ensuring that outside work or activities are compatible and align with your professional activities or workplace obligations. Desirable Qualifications In addition to evaluating each candidate's relative ability, as demonstrated by quality and breadth of experience, the following factors will provide the basis for competitively evaluating each candidate: • Excellent leadership skills, strong business acumen, and the ability to effectively manage, lead, and supervise multidisciplinary teams. • Experience delivering high-quality presentations and significant policy recommendations to executives, boards, and governance committees. • Provide operational oversight of major systems; demonstrate expertise in vendor management, compliance, approvals, authorizations, and operational efficiency. Ensure smooth administration and high-quality service delivery. • Ability to partner with executive leaders to identify and mitigate program, reputational, political, and operational risk. • Experience overseeing projects, leading strategic initiatives, and driving organizational change. Demonstrate adaptability, innovation, and openness to new technologies, including emerging areas such as AI governance. • Possess a positive attitude and strive to ensure appropriate benefit payments, operational accuracy, and ultimate member satisfaction. • A visionary approach and ability to establish, articulate, and implement clear priorities and processes for meeting CalSTRS strategic goals.