Director - Executive Operations

ABOUT THE INVISIBLE WOUNDS FOUNDATION

The Invisible Wounds Foundation, founded in 2022, is dedicated to safeguarding the brain health of America’s warriors. Through collaboration with leading medical researchers and scientists, government agencies, industry, and its partner community, the foundation advances the science to diagnose, treat, and eventually prevent traumatic brain injuries suffered by U.S. military service members and veterans, especially among Special Operations Forces. Learn more at

DIRECTOR – EXECUTIVE OPERATIONS

This position provides a unique opportunity to define and implement a day-to-day operational support model for a growing non-profit organization based in Chicago. Working in collaboration with the Invisible Wounds Foundation team, the Director - Executive Operations will develop and refine day-to-day operational and procedural practices for the office and organization. Reporting directly to the CEO, the Director - Executive Operations provides executive support in a one-on-one working relationship as well as ancillary support to the Senior Management team. The Director - Executive Operations serves as the primary point of contact for internal and external constituencies. The Director - Executive Operations must be creative and enjoy working within a diverse, collaborative, and entrepreneurial environment that is mission-driven and results-oriented. The ideal individual will have the ability to exercise good judgment in a variety of situations, with strong written and verbal communication, administrative, and organizational skills, and the ability to maintain a realistic balance among multiple priorities. The Director-Executive Operations will have the ability to work independently on projects, from conception to completion, and must be able to work under pressure at times to handle a wide variety of activities and confidential matters with discretion.

WORK RESPONSIBILITIES

Complete a broad variety of administrative tasks, including managing active calendars of appointments, completing expense reports, composing and preparing correspondence that is sometimes confidential, arranging complex and detailed travel plans, itineraries, and agendas, compiling documents for travel-related meetings, and supporting events and conferences. Prioritize and follow-up on incoming issues and concerns, including those of a sensitive or confidential nature, and determine appropriate course of action, referral, or response. Provide a bridge for effective communication between and among the CEO, the Board, the Foundation’s councils and advisors, and the internal team, demonstrating leadership attributes that maintain credibility, build trust, and support the entire organization. Act as a barometer, having a sense for the issues taking place in the environment and keeping the CEO updated. Successfully complete critical aspects of deliverables with a hands‑on approach, including drafting letters of acknowledgement, personal correspondence, and other tasks that facilitate the leadership’s ability to effectively lead the organization. Prioritize conflicting needs; handle matters expeditiously, proactively, and follow through on projects to successful completion, often with deadline pressures. Maintain discretion and confidentiality in relationships with all stakeholders. Prepare and distribute materials for meetings as necessary. Participate as a member of the executive team, including assisting in scheduling meetings, coordinating agendas, and attending all team meetings. Ensure that the Foundation’s public‑facing content is kept updated and responds to requests for materials and information regarding the Foundation’s mission and operations. Follow up on contacts made by the CEO and team members, and support the cultivation of ongoing relationships. Provide counsel and support for organizational decision‑making, strategy development, and implementation at the senior leadership level, with utmost regard for professionalism and confidentiality. Write and edit high‑level internal/external communication on behalf of the CEO and leadership team, including agency‑wide messages, newsletters, sensitive communication, and meeting minutes. Manage and support programs and projects, including, but not limited to, strategic plan documentation, annual reporting, policy writing, and work group/committee oversight. Manage human resources, including, but not limited to, operational onboarding and training, systems enrollment, and general personnel issues. Lead office‑wide operational management, including, but not limited to, supply management, IT support, systems and vendor management, report filings, purchases and expenses, as well as space management. Manage contracts, agreements, purchases, and expenses, working in concert with the outside accountants, legal counsel, and other consultants.

QUALIFICATIONS

Minimum five years experience supporting senior executives, preferably in a non‑profit organization. Proficient in Microsoft Office (Outlook, Word, Excel, PowerPoint), Google Suite, Adobe Acrobat, and social media platforms. Proficient at employing AI and data analytics tools to derive productivity in all work and activities. Familiarity with communications platforms like Slack, Zoom, Teams, and Google Meet. Familiarity with fundraising platforms like Bonterra, Network For Good, GiveButter, etc. Strong organizational skills that reflect ability to perform and prioritize multiple tasks seamlessly with excellent attention to detail. Expert level written and verbal communication skills. Demonstrated proactive approaches to problem‑solving with strong decision‑making capability. Highly resourceful team‑player, with the ability to also be effective independently. Proven ability to handle confidential information with discretion, be adaptable to various competing demands, and demonstrate the highest level of service and response. Demonstrated ability to achieve high performance goals and meet deadlines in a fast‑paced environment. Forward‑looking thinker, who actively seeks opportunities and proposes solutions. Bachelor’s or advanced degree preferred.

PERSONAL ATTRIBUTES FOR SUCCESS

Personal and professional commitment to the mission of the Invisible Wounds Foundation. Demonstrated ability to work as part of a team and with people who hold diverse perspectives. Highly developed emotional intelligence and demonstrated ability to use interpersonal skills and political acumen in respectful and collaborative ways. Flexibility, commitment to teamwork, curiosity, and a sense of humor. A visionary who proactively plans with imagination and foresight. Capacity to work collaboratively in an office with high volume of work, as well as a deep sense of responsibility and accountability. Ability to make decisions, justify recommendations and be responsible and clear with stakeholders. A record of recognizing and acting on opportunities to continuously improve. High degree of professional ethics and integrity.

COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS

Initially, it is estimated that the position will be fractional and require working approximately 20–30 hours per week. During busy meeting periods, the number of hours may increase, and the position offers the flexibility to receive compensation for the increased hours or personal time off. The hourly rate for this position is $45. It is expected that this position will eventually convert to a full‑time salaried employee role.

LOCATION

Invisible Wounds Foundation has offices in the West Loop, and the successful candidate will be expected to work from the offices a minimum of two days per week to establish an excellent working relationship with the CEO and team. Occasional evening and weekend work may be required. Travel outside of Chicago may be required such as participation in, and support for, professional conferences or Foundation events.

BACKGROUND CHECKS

Invisible Wounds Foundation will conduct background checks prior to all hires.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Ability to sit at a desk or computer terminal for extended periods of time and ability to be physically in attendance at designated company office location during normal business hours designated for the position. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to talk, hear, handle, and feel. #J-18808-Ljbffr Invisible Wounds Foundation