Chief Operating Officer; COO

Position: Chief Operating Officer (COO) 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 Publications, Standards Development, and Education Services. • Guide and support 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 • 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. • 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 • 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 • 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 • 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) • Managing Director of Publications • Managing Director of Standards Development & Technical Activities • Managing Director of Education Services Qualifications Required Experience • 15+ years of senior leadership experience. • Demonstrated experience overseeing complex programs or operational divisions spanning 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 with in a professional association, nonprofit, or technical society. • Familiarity with education programs, technical publications, or standards development. 4‑Year Degree in a related field (business, economics, finance); an advanced degree preferred. #J-18808-Ljbffr