Job Descriptions:

ABOUT US:

The World Council of Credit Unions works to advance financial inclusion through the credit union and cooperative model by engaging in international advocacy, development, education and networking that empowers underserved populations, and promotes more equitable and resilient communities.

PRIMARY PURPOSE:

We are seeking a highly organized and motivated individual to provide comprehensive operational support as our Chief Operating Officer (COO). This role is crucial to ensuring the CEO operates efficiently and can focus on strategic initiatives.

The Chief Operating Officer (COO) has strong leadership skills and will collaborate with the CEO in setting and translating strategy into actionable steps for growth, implementing organization-wide goal setting, performance management, and annual operations planning. Under the direction of the CEO, the COO is responsible for all aspects of oversight and stability of the organization's day-to-day operations. Additionally, the COO supports the CEO and the Board of Directors. The primary focus of the position is to provide leadership and direction to shared services and other departments (directly and cross-functionally) and to effectively assist in the development and implementation of the organization’s multi-year strategic plan. The COO identifies strengths, gaps, and needs across the organization for the purpose of establishing an efficient and well-coordinated operating structure.

PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Analyze internal operations and identify areas for process enhancement

• Implement business strategies and plans that align with the short- and long-term objectives developed in tandem with the CEO

• Directly oversee operations, HR, legal and compliance, communications, and IT and systems improvements.

• Oversee organizational operations and employee productivity, building a highly inclusive culture that ensures team members can thrive and that organizational goals are met

• Build and maintain trusting relationships with key internal and external stakeholders

• Develop and implement shared services strategies aligned with the company's overall goals and objectives.

• Collaborate with department heads to understand their needs and ensure shared services are aligned with business requirements.

• Cultivate a strong, transparent, and collaborative relationship with the CEO and the C-Suite team, providing comprehensive and insightful updates on all aspects of the business.

• Identify opportunities for process improvement

• Manage relationships with external vendors and service providers.

• Ensure compliance with relevant regulations, policies, and standards in HR, procurement, and IT functions.

• Identify and mitigate risks associated with shared services operations.

• Collaborate with the IT department to integrate technology solutions that enhance shared services delivery. Ensure alignment between technology initiatives and business requirements.

This list of duties and responsibilities is not intended to be all-inclusive and can be expanded to include other duties or responsibilities that management deems necessary.

Required Experience:

REQUIRED SKILLS AND QUALIFICATIONS:

• Five or more years of experience in an executive or senior leadership role, with fifteen or more years of professional experience.

• Excellent leadership skills, with steadfast resolve and personal integrity

• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, as well as organizational and time management skills.

• Solid grasp of data analysis and performance metrics

• Ability to diagnose problems quickly and foresee potential issues

• Proven track record in managing complex operations and in an international setting

• Extensive experience in financial management, strategic planning, and operational excellence.

• Possesses executive presence, team management and excellent communication skills; ability to listen and interact with employees at all levels

• Familiarity with USAID or other donor-funded international project implementation a plus

• Familiarity with associations a plus

• Understanding of technology solutions, in particular, Salesforce , is a plus.

EDUCATION:

A master’s in business, finance, economics, or international affairs, or comparable, is strongly preferred.

A bachelor’s degree in business, finance, economics, or international affairs or a comparable degree is required.

COMPETENCIES AND SKILLS:

• Strong leadership and management skills with the ability to lead and develop a diverse team.

• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills to identify and address operational challenges.

• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills to effectively collaborate with internal stakeholders and external vendors.

• Risk Mitigation: Identification and mitigation of risks associated with shared services operations.

• Ability to think strategically and develop innovative solutions to enhance shared services delivery. Proficiency in project management methodologies to lead initiatives and drive results.

• Knowledge of relevant regulations and compliance requirements in HR, procurement, and IT domains. Strong decision-making and problem-solving capabilities.

• The ability to drive change, including influencing skills.

LANGUAGE SKILLS: Ability to read and write in English; fluency in a second language preferred.

COMPUTER SKILLS: Working knowledge of the web with proven skills in Microsoft Suite products (Word, Excel, SharePoint, PowerPoint, Outlook, etc.).

TRAVEL: up to 15% of the time domestically and internationally

LOCATION: Our office is headquartered in Madison, WI with an additional office in Washington, D.C. The Madison, WI team is fully remote, while the D.C. office has a hybrid work setting requiring staff to report to our D.C. location 2-3 days a week. This role can be based in the Madison, WI area or Washington, D.C.

WORK AUTHORIZATION: Applicants must be authorized to work in the U.S. unrestricted. We are unable to sponsor or take over sponsorship of an employment Visa at this time.

SALARY: Salary is commensurate with experience. The full salary range for D.C. is $165,223.79 - $275,372.98. The full salary for Wisconsin based applicants is $130,055.67 -$216,759.45

WOCCU is equal opportunity employer. All applicants will be considered for employment without attention to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, veteran or disability status.

Keyword: Chief Operating Officer

From: World Council of Credit Unions