Chief Staff Officer for Operations

I. Purpose 

The Chief Staff Officer (CSO) for Operations provides strategic leadership for the organization’s operational ecosystem—ensuring that business, administrative, and infrastructure functions are aligned to deliver value to members and support organizational impact. 

As a member of the senior leadership team, the CSO for Operations partners with the Chief Executive Officer and peers in a shared leadership model to advance strategy, enable execution, ensure the ASHA National Office operates with agility, effectiveness, and purpose, and safeguard the long-term organizational sustainability.

II. Key Responsibilities 

1. Operational Strategy and Enterprise Integration

Provide strategic oversight of business operations, administrative services, enterprise technology, and facilities—including stewardship of the Association’s owned property and leased space—to ensure integrated performance, operational resilience, asset sustainability, and alignment with the Association’s strategic objectives.

2. Financial Stewardship and Governance Advisory Leadership

Advise the Chief Executive Officer, Board of Directors, and volunteer leadership on financial planning, long-range capital planning, investment strategy, risk management, asset lifecycle stewardship, and organizational performance to support informed governance and sound decision-making.

3. Organizational Performance and Systems Optimization

Ensure that operational systems, service delivery functions, and technology platforms are continuously evaluated and strengthened to enhance effectiveness, efficiency, and the overall staff and member experience.

4. Leadership and Organizational Effectiveness

Provide executive leadership to designated unit leaders, fostering a high-performing, accountable workforce aligned with organizational values and strategic priorities. Strengthen leadership capability, collaboration, and operational excellence across teams.

5. Policy and Governance Alignment

Guide the development and refinement of enterprise-wide operational policies and practices to remove barriers, enhance effectiveness, and ensure alignment with strategic direction and regulatory requirements.

6. External Relations and Regulatory Engagement

Represent the Association with relevant agencies and related external organizations on matters pertaining to financial, business, and operational affairs of the National Office.

IV. Autonomy & Decision Making: 

This executive role exercises broad discretion in directing operational functions and shaping organizational systems. The CSO influences enterprise-wide strategy, financial health, organizational effectiveness, and the overall employee experience. 

V. Qualifications & Skills

Qualifications: 

Knowledge typically acquired through:

• Senior executive leadership experience overseeing finance, enterprise technology, operations, administrative services, and enterprise infrastructure within a complex organization
• Experience advising a Chief Executive Officer, Board of Directors, and volunteer or governance bodies on financial strategy, risk, and organizational performance
• Leadership of multi-functional teams through periods of growth, change, or operational transformation
• Experience within a mission-driven, membership-based, nonprofit, association, or similarly structured organization preferred
• Obtaining an advanced degree in business, finance, public administration, or a related field, or an equivalent combination of education and executive-level experience

Skills 

Enterprise and Operational Leadership

• Demonstrated ability to align enterprise operations, technology strategy, and capital assets with organizational priorities and long-term sustainability
• Demonstrated success strengthening organizational systems, infrastructure, and service delivery to enhance performance and operational resilience
• Demonstrated oversight of facilities, real estate assets, and long-term capital planning in support of organizational strategy

Financial and Technology Stewardship

• Demonstrated expertise in financial planning, budgeting, forecasting, and capital investment, including technology-related investments
• Demonstrated ability to assess enterprise risk, including operational and technology-related risks
• Demonstrated ability to communicate complex financial and technology matters clearly to executive and governance audiences

Organizational Performance and Risk

• Demonstrated leadership in promoting operational resilience, internal controls, data stewardship, and regulatory compliance
• Sound judgment in balancing innovation, cost, risk, and long-term sustainability

Leadership and Organizational Effectiveness

• Demonstrated ability to lead and develop senior leaders
• Demonstrated ability to foster collaboration between operational and technology functions to improve enterprise performance
• Demonstrated credibility, sound judgment, and ability to communicate effectively with diverse internal and external stakeholders, including executive and governance audiences

VI. Universal Expectations of ASHA Staff

At ASHA, we believe in working together to make well-informed decisions that will advance the association and the discipline of human communication sciences and disorders; teamwork is vital to achieving our mission, vision, and maximizing impact. As committed stewards of the organization, we care deeply about our professions, members, and staff, and building a strong and welcoming community. We strive to ensure that everyone's voice is heard and valued. We are dedicated to helping each other grow and innovate by encouraging open communication and continual learning. Our focus is on delivering excellent service  and value to members, advancing equity, and promoting diversity, inclusion, and the power of science and research. 

VII. Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO)

ASHA is an equal opportunity employer.  As such, it is ASHA’s policy to provide equal opportunity to all qualified applicants and employees without regard for race, sex (including pregnancy and gender identity), national origin, religion, marital status, disability, veteran status, age, sexual orientation or LGBT status, genetic information, citizenship, or any other factor protected by applicable federal, state, or local laws and ASHA's Bylaws. This policy applies to recruiting, hiring, transfer, promotion, compensation and benefits, upward mobility, training and development, access to facilities, termination, and other personnel actions. 

VIII. Disclaimer

This job description reflects the primary responsibilities of the job but is not a detailed description of all duties which may be required of someone in the position. All ASHA staff are expected to take on additional responsibilities from time to time and to help their colleagues.