Senior Operations Manager

Job Title: Sr. Manager, Certification Operations

Industry: Non-Profit / Professional Association

Location: Chicagoland Area (Must live in IL)

Assignment Type: Direct Hire

Pay: $85,000 - $95,000 annually

Work Schedule: Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM - 4:30 PM (100% Remote with monthly in-person meetings in the Chicagoland area)

Benefits: This position is eligible for medical, dental, vision, and 401(k).

About The Company:

Our client is a nationally recognized nonprofit organization dedicated to advancing professional education and workforce development. They are committed to innovation, collaboration, and delivering exceptional learning experiences while fostering a supportive, people-first culture. Employees enjoy excellent work-life balance, opportunities for career growth, and the ability to make a meaningful impact.

Job Description:

Our client is seeking an experienced Senior Manager of Certification Operations to oversee the day-to-day operations of a professional certification program. This leadership role is ideal for someone with experience managing certification, education, or association programs while supervising a team and driving operational excellence.

The Senior Manager will collaborate with cross-functional departments, manage vendor relationships, oversee reporting and program performance, improve operational processes, and ensure a high-quality experience for certification candidates worldwide.

Key Responsibilities:

• Lead and mentor a team by providing coaching, performance management, hiring, training, and ongoing development.
• Manage the daily operations of certification and education programs while ensuring exceptional service for customers and stakeholders.
• Serve as an escalation point for operational issues and implement effective solutions.
• Monitor program performance, analyze operational data, and prepare reports to support business decisions.
• Maintain and update certification records, learner information, and reporting within association or learning management systems.
• Oversee certification fulfillment, exam scheduling, credential maintenance, and online learning platform operations.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with third-party vendors while monitoring service levels and resolving issues.
• Coordinate operational projects, maintain documentation, and support continuous process improvements.
• Review certification policies, procedures, and educational materials to ensure accuracy and consistency.
• Partner with internal departments on product launches, technology enhancements, and strategic initiatives.
• Monitor customer feedback and identify opportunities to improve the overall certification experience.
• Assist with departmental budgeting, reporting, and other operational initiatives as needed.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree required.
• Minimum of 3 years of experience in certification operations, operations management, association management, or a related field.
• At least 1 year of direct supervisory or people management experience.
• Strong analytical skills with experience interpreting data and creating reports.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office, including Excel, Word, and Outlook.
• Experience working with CRM, Association Management Systems (AMS), Learning Management Systems (LMS), or similar databases.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Strong organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment.
• Proven problem-solving abilities and attention to detail.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience working within a nonprofit, association, education, certification, or membership-based organization.
• Background in data analysis or reporting.
• Experience managing vendors or external business partners.

Additional Details:

• 100% remote position for candidates residing in the Chicago area.
• Monthly in-person collaboration meetings are held in downtown Chicago or the Rosemont area.
• Company-provided equipment.

Perks:

• Fully remote work environment with limited in-person meetings.
• Collaborative, mission-driven culture.
• Professional development and career growth opportunities.
• Strong emphasis on work-life balance.
• Leadership role with the opportunity to shape operational strategy and process improvements.

Addison Group is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Addison Group provides equal employment opportunities (EEO) to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, marital status, amnesty, or status as a covered veteran in accordance with applicable federal, state and local laws. Addison Group complies with applicable state and local laws governing non-discrimination in employment in every location in which the company has facilities. Reasonable accommodation is available for qualified individuals with disabilities, upon request.