Vice President of Operations (Chicago)

This search is being managed by Romberg Associates. To apply for this position, please email your cover letter and resume to View email address on apply.placed-app.com with the subject line: VP of Operations Carole Robertson.

Reporting to the Chief Financial Officer (CFO), the Vice President of Operations (VP-Ops) provides input for business operations and planning, sets goals for individual managers, collaborates with colleagues to implement policies and develop systems solutions and improvements, oversees resource allocation and budgeting as appropriate, and provides guidance to subordinate staff. In this role, the Vice President of Operations has primary oversight and responsibility for the effective management of all organizational owned and leased facilities, including in managing capital improvements and day-to-day maintenance of capital assets; organizational Information Technology solutions and management (currently managed via a third-party contractor); procurement practices; and risk management and corporate insurance.

As a senior leader, the Vice President of Operations serves as an ambassador and advocate for the Center with external constituents and demonstrates the values, mission and vision of the Center on a day-to-day basis. Additionally, this role may resolve issues that may arise, ensure timely reporting to senior management, board of directors, and regulatory and funding agencies (e.g. Office of Head Start, Department of Children and Family Services, Health Department).

The Vice President of Operations leads the Operations team and serves as a key resource to the CFO on operational initiatives and strategy. The Vice President of Operations will provide leadership, management oversight, and support for administrative operations, ensuring efficient and effective processes in alignment with the Center’s mission. The Vice President of Operations will ensure compliance with operational requirements such as maintaining safe and clean facilities, safety and security, etc. per funder contracts and policies and procedures of the Center. In collaboration with the CFO, the Vice President of Operations will manage the corporate insurance programs, relationship with brokers and directly with insurance providers as cases may arise.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Administrative Oversight: Provide strategic direction and oversight for the Operations team, including facilities management and oversight of construction projects.
• Support CFO in oversight of various insurance providers/brokers, renewals, and any necessary related bids.
• Information Technology Management: Oversee the IT service (currently outsourced) in managing technology infrastructure, systems, and software applications. Ensure data security, network reliability, and IT support services are maintained at high standards.
• Operational Efficiency: Identify opportunities to streamline processes, improve productivity, and reduce costs across administrative functions. Implement best practices and innovative solutions to enhance operational efficiency.
• Compliance and Risk Management: Monitor regulatory requirements and industry standards relevant to administrative functions. Implement controls and measures to mitigate risks and ensure compliance with legal and regulatory requirements.
• Vendor Management: Manage relationships with external vendors and service providers to ensure quality services are delivered in a cost-effective manner. Prepare RFPs as necessary for vendors to collect competitive bids in adherence with internal fiscal policies and regulatory requirements. Negotiate contracts and agreements to optimize value and minimize risks. Seek opportunities to work with community-based businesses.
• Purchasing and Procurement: Develop procurement strategies to improve visibility, coordination and purchasing discipline while supporting organizational objectives.
• Capital Assets Management: Oversee the overall performance of the capital asset projects portfolio, including project scope, budget, schedule, quality, risk, and organizational impact, and provide executive direction when significant issues require intervention.
• Financial Management: Develop and manage budgets for administrative functions, ensuring resources are allocated effectively to support business objectives.
• Leadership and Team Development: Provide leadership, guidance, and mentorship to members of the Operations teams. Foster a culture of collaboration, accountability, and continuous improvement.
• Policies and Procedures: Regularly review and update organizational policies and procedures, including the operations manual and policies governing risk management, procurement, and cybersecurity. Develop and implement new policies and procedures as needed to address operational needs, emerging risks, and regulatory requirements.
• Perform other related duties and responsibilities as assigned in support of the organization’s strategic and operational objectives.

Note: This list of essential functions is not exhaustive. Duties and responsibilities may change at any time with or without notice.

Education

• Bachelor’s Degree from an accredited college/university required. Degree or continuing education in business-related coursework preferred.

Experience

• Minimum 5 years of leadership experience in a senior administrative leadership role, preferably in the non-profit sector.

Required Skills

• Strong understanding of IT systems, facilities and physical infrastructure, and administrative and operational functions.
• Demonstrated expertise in procurement, purchasing, contract negotiation and vendor management.
• Excellent leadership, communication, and interpersonal skills.
• Exercises utmost discretion in managing confidential and sensitive information.
• Demonstrated ability to drive change, foster innovation, and achieve results.
• Knowledge of regulatory compliance requirements and risk management principles.
• Experience managing budgets, vendor relationships, and cross-functional teams.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with proven record of adaptability and
• agility.
• Excellent verbal and written skills.
• A proactive, hands-on, strategic thinker with the ability to translate vision into
• actionable plans and lead key operational tasks and projects.
• Persuasive and passionate communicator with leadership and a wide range of stakeholders.
• Commitment to Center’s mission.

Other Requirements

• Must successfully complete a background check.
• This role requires travel between organizational locations and program sites.

Physical Demands & Work Environment

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. The job requires:

• Ability to navigate multiple organizational sites, including stairs, hallways, classrooms, common areas, and other facility spaces as operational needs require.
• Visual and auditory acuity within professionally determined normal ranges, with correction if needed; and manual dexterity sufficient to operate a computer and office equipment, including, but not limited to, the telephone, computer, and copier.
• Occasionally required to lift/push/pull items up to 50 pounds.

Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions of this position.

Benefits:

• Health Insurance (Medical, Dental, Vision)
• Retirement Savings Plan (401k) with employer match
• Paid Time Off (Vacation, Sick Leave, Holidays)
• Employee Assistance Program
• Please check out our Careers page for the Benefits guide and weekly rate sheet for 2026-2027!

Carole Robertson Center for Learning provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local laws.

This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence,

compensation, and training.