The Association for association professionals in Chicagoland
United States - Nationwide
Posted: 20-Apr-26
Location: US-REMOTE
Type: Full Time
Categories:
Preferred Education:
Additional Information:
Position Summary
The Chief Operating Officer (COO) is a key member of the executive leadership team responsible for overseeing the organization’s core mission delivery programs and ensuring the effective execution of strategic priorities.
The COO provides executive leadership across the organization’s primary program areas Publications, Standards Development, and Education Services ensuring alignment with strategy, operational excellence, and long-term sustainability.
Working closely with the CEO and leadership team, the COO strengthens coordination across these programs while driving innovation across the organization’s product portfolio. This role ensures that the organization’s intellectual property, technical knowledge, and educational offerings evolve to meet the changing needs of industry and the global technical community.
Position Summary
The Chief Operating Officer (COO) is a key member of the executive leadership team responsible for overseeing the organization’s core mission delivery programs and ensuring the effective execution of strategic priorities.
The COO provides executive leadership across the organization’s primary program areas Publications, Standards Development, and Education Services ensuring alignment with strategy, operational excellence, and long-term sustainability.
Working closely with the CEO and leadership team, the COO strengthens coordination across these programs while driving innovation across the organization’s product portfolio. This role ensures that the organization’s intellectual property, technical knowledge, and educational offerings evolve to meet the changing needs of industry and the global technical community.
Key Responsibilities
Program Leadership & Oversight
Provide executive leadership and strategic direction for the organization’s core program areas:
-
- Publications
- Standards Development
- Education Services / Training Programs
Responsibilities include:
- Provide guidance and support to program leaders
- Ensure program activities align with organizational strategy and mission
- Monitor program performance, impact, and financial sustainability
- Strengthen collaboration across departments and product lines
- Support program leaders in managing operational priorities and resources
- Ensure the organization’s intellectual property and knowledge assets are effectively developed and leveraged
Product Innovation & Portfolio Development
Lead the evolution and modernization of the organization’s product portfolio across Publications, Standards, and Education Services.
Responsibilities include:
- Identify opportunities to modernize existing products, services, and delivery models
- Drive development of new offerings aligned with emerging industry needs
- Foster collaboration between Publications, Standards, and Education Services to create integrated product experiences
- Encourage experimentation through pilot programs, innovation sprints, and new delivery formats
- Support adoption of new technologies including digital learning platforms, AI-enabled tools, and modern publishing systems
- Ensure the organization remains competitive and responsive to changes in the industrial automation landscape
- Establish a culture of continuous innovation while maintaining the quality and credibility expected of a global technical society
Strategic Execution
Partner with the CEO to translate organizational strategy into effective operational plans.
Responsibilities include:
- Implement strategic initiatives across program areas
- Align departmental priorities with organizational goals
- Ensure cross-department initiatives are executed effectively
- Monitor progress toward strategic and operational goals
- Support development of new initiatives and growth opportunities
- Champion innovation initiatives that improve product relevance, customer experience, and organizational agility
Operational Excellence
Strengthen organizational effectiveness through improved systems, processes, and coordination.
Responsibilities include:
- Identify operational bottlenecks and implement improvements
- Improve cross-team collaboration and project execution
- Implement tools and systems that support organizational scalability
- Support data-driven decision making through performance metrics and dashboards
- Lead continuous improvement initiatives across departments
- Ensure efficient use of organizational resources
Revenue & Program Sustainability
Support the long-term sustainability of the organization’s mission-driven programs.
Responsibilities include:
- Monitor financial performance of programs and initiatives
- Support development of new revenue opportunities across program areas
- Ensure programs deliver strong value to members, customers, and industry stakeholders
- Support strategic partnerships that expand the organization’s reach and impact
Leadership & Organizational Alignment
Support a high-performing leadership team and collaborative organizational culture.
Responsibilities include:
- Provide coaching and support to program leaders
- Foster collaboration across departments
- Strengthen leadership alignment around strategic priorities
- Support leadership development and succession planning
- Promote a culture of innovation, accountability, and mission-driven impact
Direct Reports (Anticipated)
The COO is expected to oversee leadership of the following areas:
- Managing Director of Publications
- Managing Director of Standards Development & Technical Activities
- Managing Director of Education Services
Additional operational or program areas may be assigned as the organization evolves.
Qualifications
Required Experience
- 15+ years of senior leadership experience
- Demonstrated experience overseeing complex programs or operational divisions spanning leadership of multiple departments
- Proven ability to lead cross-functional teams and large initiatives
- Strong experience translating strategy into execution
- Experience managing budgets, program performance, and organizational priorities
Preferred Experience
- Experience within a professional association, nonprofit, or technical society
- Familiarity with education programs, technical publications, or standards development
Program Leadership & Oversight
Provide executive leadership and strategic direction for the organization’s core program areas:
- Publications
- Standards Development
- Education Services / Training Programs
Responsibilities include:
- Provide guidance and support to program leaders
- Ensure program activities align with organizational strategy and mission
- Monitor program performance, impact, and financial sustainability
- Strengthen collaboration across departments and product lines
- Support program leaders in managing operational priorities and resources
- Ensure the organization’s intellectual property and knowledge assets are effectively developed and leveraged
Product Innovation & Portfolio Development
Lead the evolution and modernization of the organization’s product portfolio across Publications, Standards, and Education Services.
Responsibilities include:
- Identify opportunities to modernize existing products, services, and delivery models
- Drive development of new offerings aligned with emerging industry needs
- Foster collaboration between Publications, Standards, and Education Services to create integrated product experiences
- Encourage experimentation through pilot programs, innovation sprints, and new delivery formats
- Support adoption of new technologies including digital learning platforms, AI-enabled tools, and modern publishing systems
- Ensure the organization remains competitive and responsive to changes in the industrial automation landscape
- Establish a culture of continuous innovation while maintaining the quality and credibility expected of a global technical society
Strategic Execution
Partner with the CEO to translate organizational strategy into effective operational plans.
Responsibilities include:
- Implement strategic initiatives across program areas
- Align departmental priorities with organizational goals
- Ensure cross-department initiatives are executed effectively
- Monitor progress toward strategic and operational goals
- Support development of new initiatives and growth opportunities
- Champion innovation initiatives that improve product relevance, customer experience, and organizational agility
Operational Excellence
Strengthen organizational effectiveness through improved systems, processes, and coordination.
Responsibilities include:
- Identify operational bottlenecks and implement improvements
- Improve cross-team collaboration and project execution
- Implement tools and systems that support organizational scalability
- Support data-driven decision making through performance metrics and dashboards
- Lead continuous improvement initiatives across departments
- Ensure efficient use of organizational resources
Revenue & Program Sustainability
Support the long-term sustainability of the organization’s mission-driven programs.
Responsibilities include:
- Monitor financial performance of programs and initiatives
- Support development of new revenue opportunities across program areas
- Ensure programs deliver strong value to members, customers, and industry stakeholders
- Support strategic partnerships that expand the organization’s reach and impact
Leadership & Organizational Alignment
Support a high-performing leadership team and collaborative organizational culture.
Responsibilities include:
- Provide coaching and support to program leaders
- Foster collaboration across departments
- Strengthen leadership alignment around strategic priorities
- Support leadership development and succession planning
- Promote a culture of innovation, accountability, and mission-driven impact
Direct Reports (Anticipated)
The COO is expected to oversee leadership of the following areas:
- Managing Director of Publications
- Managing Director of Standards Development
- Managing Director of Education Services
Additional operational or program areas may be assigned as the organization evolves.
Qualifications
Required Experience
- 15+ years of senior leadership experience
- Demonstrated experience overseeing complex programs or operational divisions spanning leadership of multiple departments
- Proven ability to lead cross-functional teams and large initiatives
- Strong experience translating strategy into execution
- Experience managing budgets, program performance, and organizational priorities
Preferred Experience
- Experience within a professional association, nonprofit, or technical society
- Familiarity with education programs, technical publications, or standards development
- No agencies or recruiters please.
- Candidate must be legally authorized to work for any US Employer
4 Year Degree in related field (business, economics, finance), Advanced degree preferred.
