SUMMARY 

The operations director is a new staff position. The operations director reports to the chief executive officer and is a member of the senior leadership team, consisting of a communication director, credentialing programs director, learning programs director, and membership director. 

The operations director collaborates closely with the chief executive officer to optimize ACVS and ACVS Foundation operations for peak performance to implement strategic initiatives and improve operational systems. The operations director ensures business operations are efficient, meet internal standards, and contribute to sustainable growth. They play an essential role in aligning business strategy with operational execution by managing multiple aspects of ACVS’s and the ACVS Foundation’s operations. Their role is pivotal in scaling operations and driving performance improvements across the organizations. The operations director must be a skilled association leader and communicator, analytical, and focused on building strong operations structure and processes and managing change. 

RESPONSIBILITIES 

• Implement optimal processes and continuous improvement strategies to increase productivity and quality of operations.  

• Manage day-to-day operations, including overseeing office management, general administrative support, human resources, technology implementation and maintenance, and accounting.  

• Possess a deep understanding of the organizations’ financial health and ensure the organizations’ financial health through comprehensive budget development and resource management.  

• Contribute to governance and operational standards by developing and implementing risk management practices and aligning financial strategies with organizational goals. 

• Evaluate and negotiate contracts and manage partnerships to support operations objectives, including employee benefits, payroll services, and insurance policies. 

• Strategically delegate administrative tasks to maintain progress and operational continuity. 

• Supervise accounting manager and meeting registrar and administrative coordinator.  

• Develop and manage implementation of an organization technology plan to address the data and underlying technical capabilities needed to enable the organizations to achieve their strategic objectives.  

• In collaboration with internal technology management staff, ensure technology infrastructure supports effective business operations. 

• Develop and manage robust human resources functions, including onboarding process for new hires, performance evaluation and goal setting, employee handbook, employee benefits. 

• Provide support to staff with direct reports. 

• Manage data analysis to meet organizational needs. 

• Identify needs for and secure all-staff training. 

• Encourage a culture of innovation and adaptation, particularly when resource limitations exist. 

• Prepare and present reports to the board and other stakeholders, as needed. 

• Travel to board meetings and the annual ACVS Surgery Summit (approximately seven days), as needed. 

• Assume additional duties as needed to ensure the efficient and effective operations of ACVS and the ACVS Foundation. 

POSITION QUALIFICATIONS 

Skills: 

• Strong business operations and financial acumen. 

• Seamless integration of organization operations, strategic oversight, and effective business strategies to enhance efficiency and align with an organization’s culture.  

• Strategic approach to analyzing, implementing, managing, and refining operational systems. 

• Effective use of data-driven analysis tools.  

• Contract negotiation for business operations and personnel benefits. 

• Comprehensive budget development and effective budget management. 

• Effective management of human resources programs. 

• Proven leadership, including motivating and supervising staff and supporting a team-oriented environment. 

• Demonstrated project administration, including coordinating and prioritizing multiple tasks simultaneously, timeline and budget monitoring, and status reporting. 

• Effective oral communication and interpersonal skills, including a high-level of customer service. 

• Excellent writing skills. 

• Excellent computer technical knowledge with software proficiency, including Microsoft Suite, accounting, and association management/customer relations management.  

 Attributes of the ideal candidate: 

• Collaborative spirit willing to adapt to emerging issues and changing needs.  

• Energized by a fast-paced environment. 

• Fosters positive organizational culture. 

• Independently motivated and proactive. 

• Cooperative and professional demeanor, with demonstrated ability to represent an organization in a poised and articulate manner. 

• Exemplary professional conduct. 

• High ethical standards.  

• Committed to diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives. 

 Experience & Education: 

• A minimum of ten years of professional experience, including four years in leadership roles managing business operations.  

• Employment with a professional membership association or similar nonprofit organization.  

• Bachelor’s degree required.   

• Certified Association Executive (CAE), Project Management Professional (PMP), or other relevant professional certification preferred. 

Core Values:

As a member of the ACVS staff, the operations director will exemplify the ACVS staff core values and uphold the highest standards of performance. 

About American College of Veterinary Surgeons

Established in 1965, the American College of Veterinary Surgeons (ACVS) is a national professional veterinary surgery certification organization. ACVS is the American Veterinary Medical Association specialty board which sets the standards for advanced professionalism in veterinary surgery and certifies veterinarians in large animal and small animal surgery. ACVS is governed by a ten-member Board of Regents (board) and has nine standing committees. In 1995, the ACVS established the American College of Veterinary Surgeons Foundation (ACVS Foundation). The ACVS Foundation is an independently chartered philanthropic organization established to advance the educational and scientific goals of the ACVS. The ACVS board serves as the ACVS Foundation Board of Directors. The ACVS Foundation is located in the ACVS office and is supported by ACVS staff. Both ACVS and the ACVS Foundation are managed by the ACVS chief executive officer.

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