Chief Operating Officer

Location:

Washington, DC  

Sector:

Non Profit 

Organization URL:

http://www.understandingwar.org

Experience:

Advanced  

Last Date To Apply

Apr-30-2012 

Date Posted

Mar-20-2012 

Description

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The Institute for the Study of War (ISW) is seeking a mission-focused, strategic, and process-minded leader to serve as the Chief Operating Officer.  ISW is a fast-growing, dynamic, and independent non-profit research organization that informs the national security decisions of America's senior military commanders and foreign policy leaders.  After five years of steady expansion, ISW is seeking a COO to help manage institutional growth.  The ideal candidate will have experience leading an executive management team, and developing a performance culture among a group of diverse, talented individuals.

The COO must be a leader who will help others at ISW perform their responsibilities effectively; he/she will have the skills, sensitivity, and personal confidence to tap into talents that each member of the team brings to this mission.
Responsibilities include but are not limited to:
·Work in partnership with the President to develop a strategic five-year plan and implement the innovations needed to achieve its goals;
·Lead a high performing team of program directors as they implement the strategic plan and program operations;
·Manage and cultivate existing relationships with funders to secure and expand revenue streams, working in support of the President and Development Department;
·Manage all human resources functions including: training, development, compensation and benefits, employee relations, performance evaluation, and recruiting and compliance;
·Develop, implement, and manage the annual budget in conjunction with the CFO;
·Present to ISW’s Board of Directors at quarterly meetings to keep them informed of programmatic strategies and challenges;
·Analyze the current technology infrastructure and scope out the next level of information technology and financial systems that support the growth of specific programs and the organization overall;
·Oversee the staff's implementation of the CFO's accounting system to provide the organization with quick access to financial information;
·Oversee strategic budgeting and manage the departmental leaders through the annual budgeting process;
·Manage a team of 14 direct and indirect reports;
·Communicate ISW’s brand and mission internally and externally.

Qualifications

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The successful candidate must believe in the core values of ISW and be driven by its mission. This is an extraordinary opportunity for an individual with extensive program management experience and a demonstrated ability to both lead and build the capabilities of a driven, bright, diverse team to grow and further develop a proven program that has already made significant impact in the national security community.
·Passionate about ISW’s mission and able to promote and communicate the philosophy, mission, and values of ISW to external and internal stakeholders;
·Action-oriented, decisive leader with experience scaling up organizations, leading diverse work teams, developing an organization-wide strategy for program excellence, and implementing program strategies;
·Strong relationship builder with fundraising experience and the ability to engage a wide range of stakeholders and cultures, including business and military leaders;
·Entrepreneurial, flexible, and innovative approach to operational management;
·Ability to communicate to staff the President's intent; his or her own intent; and help the staff translate mission-style orders into a set of objectives and tasks necessary to achieve organizational goals;
·Ability to motivate the staff, hold them to excellent standards, ensure they execute tasks and achieve goals;
·Ability to think strategically, anticipate future consequences and trends, and incorporate them into the organizational plan;
·Deep experience in program budgeting and fiscal management;
·Strong written and verbal communication skills; a persuasive and passionate communicator with excellent public speaking skills;
·BA/BS required; advanced degree highly desired; a good track record in program management.

Contact Details

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Telephone:

2022935550

Email:

hiring@understandingwar.org

Application Instructions

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To apply, please e-mail a cover letter, CV, and writing sample to hiring@understandingwar.org. Applications will be considered on a rolling basis.