Chief Operating Oficer

Chief Operating Officer (COO)

Reports To: Chief Executive Officer

Supervises: Member Services Specialist, Membership/Marketing Coordinator, Partnerships Manager, Director for Middle Level Programs, and Senior Accountant

Status: Full-Time, Exempt

Position Summary

The Chief Operating Officer (COO) provides strategic and operational leadership to ensure the effective day-to-day functioning of the Association for Middle Level Education (AMLE). The COO serves as a key organizational integrator, aligning systems, people, and processes to deliver on AMLE’s mission and strategic plan. This role oversees all core operational functions including membership and marketing, events and partnerships, digital systems, finance, and customer service—ensuring that AMLE operates efficiently, transparently, and with maximum impact for its members and stakeholders.

General Responsibilities

1. Strategic and Operational Leadership
   • Leads the design, documentation, and continuous improvement of all association processes and standard operating procedures (SOPs) to ensure efficiency, accountability, and cross-departmental alignment.
   • Directs departmental reporting, data analysis, and risk assessment through recurring team data deep dive meetings, identifying trends and opportunities for improvement.
   • Partners with the CEO on long-term planning, policy development, and organizational strategy and serves as a surrogate for the CEO in his or her absence.
   • Ensures compliance with association policies and legal requirements while promoting innovation and continuous improvement across departments.
2. Digital Systems, Web, and Technology Infrastructure
   • Oversees AMLE’s entire digital ecosystem, including AMLE.org, AMLE.org/annual, middleschool.org, my.amle.org, and all event and campaign subdomains.
   • Leads the strategy and integration of all technology platforms, including Microsoft Dynamics CRM, Path LMS, WordPress, DNN, MX Online, and related plug-ins, APIs, and automation tools.
   • Directs single sign-on (SSO) initiatives, database management, analytics reporting, and cybersecurity best practices.
3. Events, Conferences, and Meetings
   • Directs all aspects of event strategy, planning, contracting, and on-site logistics for AMLE’s full event portfolio, including:
   • AMLE Annual Conference and Exhibit
   • Leadership Institutes
   • Summits
   • Schools of Distinction celebrations
   • Other regional or partner-hosted programs
   • Oversees vendor negotiations, including hotel and convention contracts, AV and decorator partnerships, and service providers, ensuring cost efficiency and adherence to budget, attrition, and risk management standards.
   • Manages conference scheduling and program coordination, ensuring alignment between educational sessions, speakers, and sponsor/exhibitor programming.
4. Membership, Marketing, and Partnerships
   • Provides executive leadership for AMLE’s membership and marketing strategies to support recruitment, retention, and engagement goals.
   • Supervises the Membership/Marketing Coordinator to ensure consistent branding, campaign effectiveness, and alignment with AMLE’s mission.
   • Oversees the Partnerships Manager, including all aspects of sponsorship and exhibit sales, partner fulfillment, and external relationship management.
   • Works cross-functionally to develop member and partner value propositions, communication plans, and promotional campaigns.
   • Support AMLE’s affiliate organizations, providing guidance, resources, and operational assistance to strengthen alignment with AMLE’s mission and strategic priorities.

1. Customer and Member Support
   • Provides strategic oversight of AMLE’s customer and member service operations, ensuring a positive and consistent experience across all points of contact.
   • Establishes and monitors service level expectations (SLAs), including response time goals for phone, email, and online inquiries.
   • Implements systems and workflows that enhance efficiency, accuracy, and responsiveness in handling orders, registrations, renewals, and inquiries.
2. People Leadership and Organizational Culture
   • Directly supervises the Member Services Specialist, Membership/Marketing Coordinator, Senior Accountant, Director of Middle Level Programs, and Partnerships Manager.
   • Fosters a collaborative, high-performance culture that emphasizes accountability, professional development, and service excellence.
   • Establishes departmental goals, performance metrics, and reporting systems to ensure measurable progress toward organizational objectives.
   • Encourages open communication and cross-functional collaboration among staff to enhance operational efficiency and morale.
3. Financial, Administrative, and Facilities Management
   • Directly supervises the Senior Accountant.
   • Partners with the CEO and Senior Accountant on the development and monitoring of AMLE’s annual operating budget, including forecasting, reporting, and fiscal controls.
   • Oversees systems for purchasing, contracting, and vendor management to ensure responsible use of association resources.
   • Oversees HR vendor relationship and HR benefits administration
   • Provides operational input and data analysis to support Board and committee reporting, strategic financial planning, and risk mitigation.
   • Manages AMLE’s physical operations, including negotiation and maintenance of storage space contract, and oversight of the fulfillment center, shipping processes, and inventory coordination with external vendors.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• • Bachelor’s degree required; advanced degree or Certified Association Executive (CAE) credential preferred.
  • Minimum 10 years of association or nonprofit leadership experience with demonstrated success in operations, technology systems, event management, and staff supervision.
  • Strong knowledge of CRM, AMS, ERP, CMS, and LMS platforms, including Microsoft Dynamics, WordPress, DNN, and Path LMS.
  • Proven ability to manage complex projects, budgets, and vendor relationships with attention to detail and strategic foresight.
  • Exceptional communication, interpersonal, and analytical skills.
  • Demonstrated commitment to innovation, collaboration, and continuous organizational improvement.
  • Demonstrated ability to leverage data and technology to inform decision-making and enhance member engagement.

Compensation and Benefits

• • Salary: $140,000 - $150,000
  • Benefits: Package includes group dental and vision insurance, as well as reimbursement for non-group medical insurance premiums at 75%, up to a maximum of $500 per month. Group retirement plan and $1,500 office setup stipend.

Location

• • This is a remote position with occasional travel as necessary.

Benefits: Package includes group dental and vision insurance, as well as reimbursement for non-group medical insurance premiums at 75%, up to a maximum of $500 per month. Group retirement plan and $1,500 office setup stipend.