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 .
Working ConditionsCalSTRS offers a hybrid approach including in-office and remote work solutions based on business needs.
All staff of CalSTRS are employees of the State of California and subject to California employment taxes and withholdings. Upon appointment, staff are required to provide a current California address to CalSTRS Human Resources to be used as a remote work location.
Minimum Requirements You will find the Minimum Requirements in the Class Specification.
Additional Documents - Job Application Package Checklist
- Duty Statement
Position Details Job Code #:
JC-537412
Position #(s):
815-101-4653-001
Working Title:
Chief Operating Officer
Classification:
CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER $22,084.00 - $32,084.00 S
# of Positions:
1
Work Location:
Yolo County
Telework:
Hybrid
Job Type:
Permanent, Full Time
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 CalSTR S, 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.
Application Instructions Completed applications and all required documents must be received or postmarked by the Final Filing Date in order to be considered. Dates printed on Mobile Bar Codes, such as the Quick Response (QR) Codes available at the USPS, are not considered Postmark dates for the purpose of determining timely filing of an application.
Final Filing Date: 12/18/2026
Who May Apply
Individuals who are currently in the classification, eligible for lateral transfer, eligible for reinstatement, have list or LEAP eligibility, are in the process of obtaining list eligibility, or have SROA and/or Surplus eligibility (please attach your letter, if available). SROA and Surplus candidates are given priority; therefore, individuals with other eligibility may be considered in the event no SROA or Surplus candidates apply. Applications will be screened and only the most qualified applicants will be selected to move forward in the selection process. Applicants must meet the Minimum Qualifications stated in the Classification Specification(s).
How To Apply
Complete Application Packages (including your Examination/Employment Application (STD 678) and applicable or required documents) must be submitted to apply for this Job Posting. Application Packages may be submitted electronically through your CalCareer Account at www.CalCareers.ca.gov. When submitting your application in hard copy, a completed copy of the Application Package listing must be included. If you choose to not apply electronically, a hard copy application package may be submitted through an alternative method listed below:
Address for Mailing Application Packages
You may submit your application and any applicable or required documents to:
State Teachers' Retirement System
N/A
Attn: Recruitment
P.O. Box 15275, MS 31
Sacramento , CA 95851-0275
Address for Drop-Off Application Packages
You may drop off your application and any applicable or required documents at:
State Teachers' Retirement System
Primary Exam Contact
Recruitment
100 Waterfront Place
West Sacramento , CA 95605
08:00 AM - 05:00 PM
Required Application Package Documents
The following items are required to be submitted with your application. Applicants who do not submit the required items timely may not be considered for this job:
- Current version of the State Examination/Employment Application STD Form 678 (when not applying electronically), or the Electronic State Employment Application through your Applicant Account at www.CalCareers.ca.gov. All Experience and Education relating to the Minimum Qualifications listed on the Classification Specification should be included to demonstrate how you meet the Minimum Qualifications for the position.
- Resume is required and must be included.
Applicants requiring reasonable accommodations for the hiring interview process must request the necessary accommodations if scheduled for a hiring interview. The request should be made at the time of contact to schedule the interview. Questions regarding reasonable accommodations may be directed to the EEO contact listed on this job posting.
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.
Benefits Learn about all of the benefits of being a CalSTRS employee by visiting CalSTRS.com/Careers and clicking on the About Us tab.
Contact Information The Human Resources Contact is available to answer questions regarding the position or application process.
Department Website: https://www.calstrs.com
Human Resources Contact:
EITM
(916) 414-4990
EITM@Calstrs.com
Please direct requests for Reasonable Accommodations to the interview scheduler at the time the interview is being scheduled. You may direct any additional questions regarding Reasonable Accommodations or Equal Employment Opportunity for this position(s) to the Department's EEO Office.
EEO Contact:
EEO Officer
(916) 414-4933
EEOMailbox@calstrs.com
California Relay Service: 1-800-735-2929 (TTY), 1-800-735-2922 (Voice) TTY is a Telecommunications Device for the Deaf, and is reachable only from phones equipped with a TTY Device.
ADDITIONAL APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS - Electronic applications through your CalCareer account are highly recommended. If you are unable to apply electronically through your CalCareer account, please mail or drop off a hard copy of your application packet. Please provide the following information on your application: Position: 815-101-4653-001 and Job Control: 537412.
- Candidate may be selected by application packet review only.
- Multiple positions may be filled from this recruitment.
