Senior VP, Operations and Strategy

Location: Chicago, IL (Hybrid, three days onsite)

Reports to: Executive Director

Position Type: Full-Time | Exempt

Direct Reports:

• Sr. Manager, Advocacy & Policy
• Sr. Manager, Operations and Sanctuary Program
• Director, Digital Strategy & Delivery
• Manager, BioLEAP Program
• Director, Science & Research Programs
• Science Advisor

About NAVS

The National Anti-Vivisection Society (NAVS) is dedicated to ending the exploitation of animals used in science. NAVS promotes greater compassion, respect and justice for animals through educational and advocacy programs based on respected ethical, scientific, and legal theory. Supported by extensive documentation of the cruelty and waste of vivisection, NAVS works to increase public awareness about animal experimentation, promote positive solutions that advance humane science, support the development of alternatives to the use of animals, and—together with like-minded individuals and groups—advance policies and practices that help end the unnecessary suffering of animals.

Position Summary

The Sr. VP-Operations & Strategy serves as a trusted advisor and right hand to the Executive Director of NAVS, ensuring that NAVS’ strategic plan, budget, and operations are executed with excellence. This role is central to driving organizational alignment, overseeing cross-departmental collaboration, and ensuring that finance, HR, compliance, and governance processes run smoothly.

The Sr. VP-Operations & Strategy provides operational leadership, improves internal processes, and keeps the organization focused on priorities—helping NAVS deliver maximum mission impact efficiently and effectively. This leader directly manages and supports NAVS staff, fostering a culture of accountability, respect, and high performance. This role ensures seamless collaboration across all program, operational, and administrative teams, aligning staff capacity and resources with organizational priorities.

The Sr. VP-Operations & Strategy also provides operational support, either directly or indirectly (by delegating responsibilities to NAVS staff), for NAVS’ sister organization, the International Foundation for Ethical Research (IFER).

Key Responsibilities

Strategic Planning & Alignment

Partner with the Executive Director to lead the annual strategic planning process, ensuring goals are clear, measurable, and aligned with NAVS’ mission.

Translate strategic priorities into clear departmental work plans with measurable outcomes; ensure accountability across departments.

Develop timelines and systems to ensure strategic plan and organizational budget are drafted, reviewed, and approved on schedule.

Track organizational progress against strategic goals and report on outcomes. Create updates to be shared with the Board of Directors.

Drive cross-departmental coordination, ensuring programs and operations align with strategic priorities.

Operational Excellence & Compliance

Ensure day-to-day operations—including finance, HR, and administration—are effective, compliant, and timely.

Manage relationships with external service providers (finance, HR, legal, auditors, and consultants), ensuring quality and accountability.

Oversee compliance with nonprofit governance requirements, including IRS filings, charitable registrations, and Board policies.

Maintain, update, and enforce organizational policies, systems, and procedures that reflect nonprofit best practices.

Oversee timely and accurate charitable registration filings in collaboration with third parties.

Financial Stewardship

Partner with the Executive Director and Finance/Accounting provider to oversee timely budget development and monitoring.

Ensure financial performance is transparent, compliant, and aligned with Board-approved goals.

Review and approve expenditures within budget, ensuring fiscal accountability.

Coordinate timely audits, reconciliations, and financial reporting.

Ensure timely submission of grant requests, related budgets, and final reports from invited third parties.

Approve payroll.

Approve monthly ACH revenues (e.g., payments, grants, donations).

Monitor banking balances and initiate wire transfers and ACH payments (e.g., grants to IFER, IFER Fellowships, Humane Science Awards).

Administer Capital One credit card account on behalf of NAVS.

Human Resources & Staff Support

Oversee HR operations in collaboration with external HR provider, ensuring compliance and consistency. Administer insurance and 403b accounts (BCBS, OneAmerica, Principal).

Coordinate collaboration and information flow among all staff to ensure alignment across departments and effective execution of programs and operations.

Directly supervise program, operations, and support staff, ensuring clarity of roles, professional development, and alignment with organizational goals.

Lead succession planning and workforce planning efforts to ensure NAVS has the right talent in place to achieve its long-term goals.

Support talent management processes, including performance reviews, training, and staff development.

Establish consistent performance management practices that include goal-setting, feedback, and accountability, ensuring professional growth opportunities for staff.

Work with the Executive Director and HR provider to develop competitive compensation and benefits strategies that support recruitment and retention.

Oversee key people initiatives, ensuring open communication channels, employee engagement, performance management, and the consistent review and maintenance of the employee handbook.

Foster a culture of collaboration, accountability, and respect across the organization.

Board & Leadership Support

Partner with the Executive Director to prepare materials for Board meetings, ensuring timely and accurate reports.

Maintain Board records, including rosters, terms, policies, and compliance disclosures.

Support the Executive Director in managing organizational priorities and follow-through on key decisions.

Other Duties as Assigned

Qualifications & Experience

Bachelor’s degree required (Master’s preferred) in nonprofit management, business administration, or related field.

10+ years of progressive leadership experience in nonprofit operations, strategy, or administration.

Demonstrated success in strategic planning, budgeting, and operational oversight.

Proven ability to lead and develop staff, with experience in coaching, mentoring, and building high-performing teams

Experience with HR compliance and talent management, including performance systems, staff development, and organizational culture-building

Strong knowledge of nonprofit governance, compliance, and financial management.

Exceptional communication, problem-solving, and organizational skills.

Ability to build trust, foster collaboration, and manage cross-functional teams.

Commitment to NAVS’ mission and values.

NAVS is an equal opportunity employer.

Health insurance coverage

Ancillary coverage

403(b) retirement plan