Vice President and Chief Operating OfficerClick here for printer-friendly version

Department: Executive

Reports to: President/CEO

Summary: UUSC seeks an experienced and committed Vice President and Chief Operating Officer (VP and COO). Reporting to the President and CEO, this central and key position is responsible for the overall internal management of the organization, leading a strong and effective Management Team. The VP and COO ensures that UUSC operates effectively and efficiently, and carries out the functions of the President and CEO in his absence.

In addition to working with Department Directors to manage the day-to-day activities of the organization, the VP and COO oversees the development and implementation of UUSC’s strategic plan, and works collaboratively with staff, directors, and the board to insure organizational capacity to achieve the goals of the plan. A key part of this role is working with directors to provide oversight of UUSC’s internal systems and procedures, as well as stewarding of the organization’s internal culture. The VP and COO is the focal point for organizational relations with UNITE Here!, the staff collective bargaining unit.

Working closely with the President and CEO and the Chairman of the UUSC Board of Trustees, the VP and COO supports all aspects of board operation and board meetings. While the focus of this role is primarily internal, opportunities exist for external, representational and development-related activities.

Candidates for this position will have significant operational experience at the highest levels of international human-rights organizations. Experience managing complex and multi-faceted organizations, leading change while managing ambiguity, and familiarity with the challenges of not-for-profit working culture will be distinct advantages.

Essential duties and responsibilities:
   

  • Provide strong management and leadership to all Department Directors to ensure alignment with program themes and the integrated achievement of organizational strategies. As team leader, successfully manage the day to day operations of the organization.
  • Collaboratively oversee the successful implementation of the strategic plan with the staff, management and Board of Trustees. This may include the further development of critical organizational systems, organizational capacity and procedures.
  • Lead the overall organizational planning and budgetary process, including setting annual organizational priorities with regard to program, advocacy, fundraising and internal organization and systems development. The VP and COO will work collaboratively with the senior management and leadership team to ensure successful achievement of goals.
  • Work with the President on all Board related activities, including preparation of agendas for board meetings, background papers. Ensure effective follow through with senior management team.

  • In concert with the President carry out high-level representational, activist, and campaigning duties.

  • Carry out the functions of the President and CEO in his or her absence.

    • The ideal candidate will have:

  • At least ten years’ substantive and progressive experience in the general management of complex multi-cultural international non-profit organizations. This will include at least 5 years experience with budgetary management, audit oversight, board relations, strategic planning, information technology, human resources management and development, management of financial systems, fundraising, public relations, policy development and implementation. The candidate will be comfortable with crisis management.
  • Demonstrated effectiveness in program planning, implementation, monitoring, and evaluation; policy development; and advocacy on issues related to human rights and social justice.
  • Experience in leading and participating in strategic planning and implementation processes; an ability to set tight organizational work priorities and proven ability to successfully implement schedules in a timely manner.
  • Strong systems orientation including familiarity with areas such as planning, budgeting, accountability, information systems, monitoring and impact assessment.
  • Detail-oriented, organized and comfortable with complex multi-tasking work environments, and with the ability to deliver on deadlines.
  • A proven and effective team based leadership style. Experience in working with and leading diverse, multi-cultural teams to achieve results.
  • Effective representational and public presentation skills, demonstrated at the highest levels.
  • Fluency in English and at least one other major language preferred, or significant experience working/living with other cultures.
  • Experience in not-for-profits highly desirable. Candidates with Advocacy or Programs experience will have an advantage.
  • Experience in complex organizations/unionized environments preferred.
  • Personal commitment to the values and mission of UUSC.


    • Candidates of color, and women, are particularly encouraged to contact the Human resources manager mhart@uusc.org

    Interested candidates please submit your resume and cover letter to employment@uusc.org
    Or contact the Human Resources Manager directly at mhart@uusc.org
    .

    Posted March 18, 2008