Operations Director - Department of the Executive Director

American Association of University Professors

Operations Director
Department of the Executive Director

Based in Washington, DC
(Hybrid)

The American Association of University Professors (AAUP), a fast-growing union of higher education workers, invites applications for an Operations Director who is committed to keeping the union running smoothly and effectively. 

We are looking for an Operations Director with demonstrated organizational leadership experience who can manage complex projects, work collaboratively with internal and external partners, and stabilize and strengthen AAUP logistics and infrastructure. The ideal candidate can lead systems improvements and manage multiple projects simultaneously, with the goal of increasing AAUP’s capacity to advance the higher education labor movement.

This is a managerial position and a hybrid job, requiring in-office work Monday through Thursday and remote work on Fridays, plus occasional travel to governance meetings, conferences, and other events.

The AAUP is committed to a diverse workforce and strives to achieve a workplace environment respectful of the many cultures of our own employees and the higher education workers we represent, including a significant number of African-American, Asian-American/Pacific Islander, and Latinx employees, as well as LGBTQl-identified employees, and those who have immigrated from various countries. The AAUP values the benefits that diversity brings to the faculty profession and the labor movement. We seek applicants whose experience and perspective will contribute to strong representation of our diverse members.

Duties and Responsibilities
The position will include the following responsibilities:

• Maximize AAUP’s overall effectiveness by evaluating and improving administrative systems related to contracting, hiring, payroll, performance reviews, expense reporting, and others.
• Manage operations team, including human resources, event planning, and membership database staff.
• Assess and improve slow or ineffective workflows and remove organizational bottlenecks.
• Serve as in-office lead for operational questions, requests, and initiatives.
• Coordinate with the Executive Director, department heads, and elected leaders on organizational planning and aligning internal operations with strategic goals.
• Facilitate purchasing processes, liaise with vendors (including IT contractors), and manage rental and subscription agreements.
• Collaborate with building and facilities staff to maintain safe and welcoming physical spaces.
• Cultivate an inclusive, meaningful, and fulfilling workplace culture with team-building experiences and a sense of common goals.
• Lead incident response and risk management programs.
• Ensure multi-state regulatory and tax compliance.
• Develop and revise procedural documentation and staff training material.
• Assist with the administration of grants from external funders.
• Maintain physical office space and equipment, including mailing equipment, copier, kitchen area, pantry, lactation room, supplies, and inventory.
• Manage office keys and building access for staff and visitors.
• Maintain physical and digital document filing systems, including clearing backlogs of unorganized material.
• Pick up and log incoming mail, including partnering with finance staff to process accounts receivable.
• Mail outbound shipments.
• Track equipment for on-site and remote employees.
• Ensure that AAUP operations contribute to and advance racial equity.
• Book governing Council travel and assist with Council expense reporting and reimbursements.
• Support AAUP staff and non-staff AAUP members with expense reimbursements.
• Make recommendations to the Executive Director and elected officers for operational improvements.
• Support management negotiating team in collective bargaining with the staff union.
• Manage logistics for special projects.
• Other duties as assigned.

This job description is not designed or intended to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties, or responsibilities that are required of the employee. Activities, duties, and responsibilities may change, or new ones may be assigned during the course of employment.

Required Qualifications

• At least three years’ managerial experience supervising a staff team in a labor union or a social justice, non-profit, community organizing, advocacy, or other mission-driven organization.
• Demonstrated organizational leadership, including experience improving operational systems and administrative processes.
• Ability to manage complex projects and initiatives, balancing day-to-day demands with execution of long-term goals.
• Understanding of operational and administrative needs of a multi-state employer with both in-office and remote employees.
• Solution-oriented mindset with experience troubleshooting and problem-solving to increase organizational efficiency and consistency.
• Strong interpersonal and collaboration skills, including ability to coordinate effectively with other department managers, staff, union members, elected union leaders, and external partners.
• Demonstrated commitment to racial equity.
• Clear written and oral communication skills, and strong listening, writing, and conflict resolution skills.
• Knowledge of Microsoft Outlook/Office, Zoom, Salesforce, G-Suite, and other platforms.
• Valid driver’s license.
• Ability to travel regionally and nationally and to work evening and weekend hours, as required.
• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent work experience. 

Preferred Qualifications

• Managerial experience in a labor union.
• Prior operational responsibility in a membership-based organization.
• Experience with human resources and/or finance workflows.
• Knowledge of higher education and/or faculty issues.
• Understanding of the labor movement and worker justice.
• Motivated by collective action, solidarity, and building power with and for working people.
• Familiarity with AAUP principles and priorities. 

If you believe you have the skills to succeed in this role, but your previous work history does not perfectly match every qualification, we encourage you to still apply. We are interested in applicants who bring their unique lived experiences and abilities to building a stronger labor movement and driving meaningful change in higher education.

Compensation
Salary range: $100,000 – $140,000. AAUP offers a generous benefits package that includes health, dental, and vision insurance; paid sick days; paid vacations days; and 401(K). 

Position Classification
This regular full-time Senior Program Officer position is categorized as management/supervisory and is excluded from the staff bargaining unit. This is an exempt position and is not eligible for overtime pay. 

Work Location 
This position is DC based and hybrid, requiring in-office work four days per week (Monday - Thursday) and remote work one day per week (Friday).

To Apply
To apply, please submit a cover letter, résumé, and include the names and contact information of three references: . All application material are required. No phone calls or recruiters please. Review of applications will begin immediately. Full consideration of applications will be given to applications submitted by September 7, 2026. If necessary, applications submitted after September 7, 2026 may be considered on a rolling basis until September 21, 2026. 

The AAUP is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of age, sex, disability, race, color, religion, national origin, marital status, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, personal appearance, family responsibilities, genetic information, matriculation, political affiliation, homelessness, or other characteristics unrelated to professional performance. ( EEO Know Your Rights | Family Medical Leave Act ).

Women and minorities are encouraged to apply. 

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