Chief Operating Officer

ACLS Mission and Overview

Formed a century ago, the American Council of Learned Societies (ACLS) is a nonprofit federation of 81 scholarly organizations. As the leading representative of American scholarship in the humanities and social sciences, ACLS upholds the core principle that knowledge is a public good. In supporting its member organizations, ACLS expands the forms, content, and flow of scholarly knowledge, reflecting our commitment to diversity of identity and experience. ACLS collaborates with institutions, associations, and individuals to strengthen the evolving infrastructure for scholarship.

Job Summary

Reporting to the president, the Chief Operating Officer (COO) oversees the day-to-day administrative and operational functions of ACLS including finance; digital and information technology; human resources operations and facilities management; and events management. Responsibilities include: enhancing internal operations, particularly related to information technology; rethinking organizational structure to support the high caliber of work the Council is undertaking; identifying opportunities for operational improvement and efficiency across units; and implementing systems and best practices to optimize internal processes and workflows. The COO will work to bring staff into closer collaboration and to increase communication organization-wide, as well as to ensure policies and procedures are codified. The COO will also have the opportunity to advise ACLS member societies on their operations, and will work with the president and relevant staff on designing and supporting programs.  

Responsibilities include, but are not limited to:

Strategic Planning and Execution

• Work with the President and other key staff to translate ACLS’s strategic priorities into operational plans; implement systems and processes needed for execution
• Assess future opportunities and risks
• Ensure that operational systems and processes adapt to increasing volume and complexity of programs
• Advise on organizational strategy and development

Operational Leadership

• Work with program unit directors to assess efficiency of program operations that interface with other operational units, including finance, events and digital and information systems
• Oversee technology systems and operations, including CRM database management and third-party vendors
  • Review and assess current data management and workflow systems and software (e.g. CRM database, website, operating systems, finance systems); determine alignment with current and future needs, and develop strategies for improving communication between systems
• Oversee finance operations:
  • Work with the Chief Financial Officer (CFO) and unit directors on improving the efficiency of payment processes, including collection of dues from ACLS member groups and payments to ACLS award/grant recipients, partners, and consultants
  • Work with the CFO and unit directors to oversee grants and administration
  • Work with Finance, the Grants Officer, and unit directors to develop and manage budgets, ensuring responsible resource allocation; monitor financial performance throughout the year; and identify opportunities for cost savings and improving efficiency and effectiveness of operational functions
• Work with the HR Director on workforce planning and people management operations
• Oversee the events function; work with the Events Manager and unit directors on improving existing processes and ensuring alignment between unit and programmatic needs and ACLS event related policies
• Oversee facilities management; work with the Office Manager, in conjunction with the HR Director, to oversee facilities management needs, including office management; budgeting and space planning; working with third-party vendors
• Foster collaboration and communication among unit directors and key operations staff to create and execute a cohesive and integrated organizational approach to operations management
• In coordination with other units, develop clear policies for all internal operational functions and maintain a central repository for all standard operating procedures
• Enhance relationships with member societies:
  Work closely the Director of Member Society Relations and with the directors of constituent learned societies, support the societies’ work by advising on their operational capacities and explore opportunities for mutual collaboration among the societies and with ACLS.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree required; Master’s in nonprofit management, business administration, or related field preferred
• Minimum 8-10 years of progressive leadership experience in operations in the nonprofit sector
• Experience with the foundation grant making processes and with the obligations of grant management
• Experience overseeing or working closely with operational functions including finance, human resources, facilities, technology; extensive budget oversight experience
• Ability to drive operational efficiency and process improvement, including cross-department workflows
• Strong strategic thinking and decision-making skills
• Ability to build strong collaborative relationships across all levels of an organization
• Excellent communication and interpersonal abilities; attention to detail; initiative and follow-through; commitment to deadlines and accountability; adaptability, calm, and leadership under pressure
• Ability to effectively lead and manage in a hybrid/remote work environment
• Experience leading, supervising, and managing diverse teams while being supportive, accessible, and committed to staff development
• Ability to set priorities and manage multiple projects simultaneously and change priorities as needed based on the needs of the organization, programs, and/or external stakeholders
• Proficiency in MS Office, particularly Word and Excel; experience with CRM systems; project management software, communication and collaboration tools (e.g. Microsoft Teams); AI tools
• Interest or experience in issues and challenges facing the humanities and humanistic social sciences
• Familiarity with American academic culture and norms a plus
• Hybrid work schedule; location within easy commuting reach of New York City preferred

Compensation and Benefits

Base salary range: $275,000 - $350,000, commensurate with experience

ACLS offers a comprehensive benefits package; including medical, dental, vision, life, accidental death and disability insurance; generous time off benefits; a retirement savings plan, including employer contributions; and professional development support.

Salary : $275,000 - $350,000