Chief Administrative Officer

Why join our team?

With a mission that spans the globe, the USO provides a rewarding and fulfilling work environment. Our team is exceptional, and we offer generous paid time off, including volunteer days and military leave. We have a remarkable 401k match, comprehensive benefits, and opportunities for training and education reimbursement. Our team members are passionate about putting the mission first, and we have a lot of fun while doing it. Working for the USO isn't just a job – it's a calling, and we believe in doing what you love and loving what you do.

A Certified Great Place to Work®

Don’t just take our word for it—our people have spoken. According to the Great Place to Work® 2025–2026 survey:

• 96% feel good about how we support the community
• 94% are proud to tell others they work at the USO
• 92% say their work has special meaning—it’s not “just a job”
• 91% felt welcomed from day one
• Over 88% agree all employees are treated fairly, regardless of race or gender

The Chief Administrative Officer (CAO) is a key member of the USO Senior Leadership Team and serves as an enterprise integrator across critical enabling functions that support mission delivery worldwide. The CAO provides strategic leadership and operational oversight of organization-wide Human Resources, Information Technology, Strategic Planning and Government Relations, ensuring these functions are aligned, coordinated, and executed in support of the USO’s mission, values, and long-term vision.

This is an in-person executive leadership role based in Arlington, VA, requiring regular on-site presence to foster collaboration, mentor senior leaders, and support effective enterprise integration. The CAO partners closely with the CEO, fellow SLT members, the Board of Governors, and external stakeholders to strengthen organizational effectiveness, governance, and accountability across a global footprint.

Principal Duties and Responsibilities (*Essential Duties)

Enterprise Leadership & Integration

• Serve as a senior enterprise integrator, aligning administrative and enabling functions to support USO’s mission, strategy, and global operations.
• Drive cross-functional collaboration and consistency across HR, IT, Strategic Planning, and Government Relations.
• Partner with the CEO and SLT to translate organizational priorities into actionable plans, performance metrics, and operational rhythms.
• Foster a culture of collaboration, transparency, continuous improvement, and service to the mission through visible, engaged, in-person leadership.

Human Resources (HR)

• Partner with HR leadership to ensure systems align with organizational values, equity, accountability, and employee experience.
• Oversee HR strategy and execution, ensuring systems support workforce planning, talent management, compliance, and data-driven decision-making.
• Supervise and support the Vice President of Human Resources (or equivalent) with respect to HR strategy.

Information Technology & Digital Enablement

• Provide executive oversight of organization-wide IT strategy, infrastructure, cybersecurity, data governance, and digital enablement.
• Supervise and support the Vice President of Information Technology in delivering secure, scalable, and mission-aligned technology solutions.
• Ensure technology investments enhance operational effectiveness, staff productivity, and service delivery to service members and families.

Strategic Planning & Enterprise Performance

• Lead and coordinate organization-wide strategic planning efforts, including annual planning, multi-year strategic initiatives, and enterprise performance tracking.
• Ensure alignment between strategy, organizational design, resource allocation, and execution.
• Support the CEO and Board with analysis, reporting, and insights related to enterprise performance and strategic priorities.

Government Relations

• Provide executive oversight of USO’s Government Relations function, ensuring strong, constructive relationships with federal, state, and local government partners.
• Supervise and support the Vice President of Government Relations (or equivalent) in advancing USO’s mission through effective engagement, education, and advocacy.
• Ensure compliance with applicable laws, regulations, and ethical standards governing government engagement.

Governance & Stakeholder Engagement

• Serve as a trusted advisor to the CEO on administrative, organizational, and governance matters.
• Support Board and committee engagement as appropriate, including preparation of materials related to administrative functions, strategy, and government relations.
• Represent the USO in-person with external partners, government leaders, and stakeholders as needed.
• Travel domestically and internationally as required to support mission execution and organizational integration.
• Other duties as assigned.

Job Specifications

• Bachelor’s degree in related field required. Advanced degree (e.g., Master’s, JD, or equivalent) preferred.
• 15 years of senior leadership experience with 7 years of supervisory experience in a non-profit, military, and/or global organization preferred.
• Demonstrated responsibility for integrating staff, systems, budgets, and functions across complex enterprises.
• Proven experience leading or overseeing large, diverse teams and senior leaders.
• Demonstrated ability to operate effectively in mission-driven, values-based organizations.
• Strong strategic, analytical, and organizational skills, with the ability to translate vision into execution.
• Exceptional interpersonal, communication, and collaboration skills.

Preferred:

• Experience working with or within large, distributed, or global organizations.
• Familiarity with government operations, interagency coordination, or public-sector partnerships.
• Veteran status or military service experience is preferred.
• Demonstrated understanding of, or strong affinity for, the military and veteran community.

Leadership Attributes:

• Mission-first, people-centered leadership style.
• High integrity, sound judgment, and discretion.
• Collaborative, inclusive, and adaptable.
• Comfortable operating in complex, dynamic environments with multiple stakeholders.
• Committed to continuous improvement and organizational excellence.
• Must be a passionate, strong advocate of the USO’s mission to strengthen the well-being of the people serving in America’s military and their families.

Details

• This position is located in Arlington, VA. Preference will be given to local candidates within commuting distance to the location.
• Resume and cover letter are required for full consideration.
• Background check – education, criminal and driving required.
• The statements contained herein describe the scope of the responsibility and essential functions of this position but should not be considered to be an all-inclusive listing of work requirements. Individuals may perform other duties as assigned including work in other areas to cover absences or relief to equalize peak work periods or otherwise balance the workload.

If that’s not enough to convince you, here are some direct quotes from employees:

• The organization truly cares about the people who work here.
• I have been with the USO for 4 years and have consistently been able to grow in my knowledge and position. It is a fun place to work and my work/life balance is manageable. The way the organization has handled COVID has been top notch - I never felt fearful that I would lose my job or be put in a situation where I did not feel safe. The benefits are great - PTO and 401k matching are top level.
• There is great consideration given and extended in the following areas: organizational core values for all, work-life balance, impact we can actually see (and even experience as a staff member- the feeling of making an impact is priceless), autonomy with respect to current position within the organization.
• Everyone is friendly and easy to talk to. We collaborate well together and share ideas and interests to create fun activities for our overall goal in the community. I couldn't think of a better organization to work for.
• The mission alone provides a positive and meaningful purpose, where people should want to work and be a part of. Most of the people who work for the USO and volunteer for the USO have giving hearts and want to make a difference. This also makes the organization a place where people would want to work.
• The mission and opportunities to make a Difference are amazing. There is no doubt that the USO is one of the most forward-facing, frontline serving nonprofits that I know of.

Apply today. Join the mission. Join Team USO.