[GACC - Colorado Chapter] Operations Director at German-American Chamber of Commerce, Colorado Chapter

Operations Director

The German American Chamber of Commerce Colorado (GACC Colorado) is a nonprofit membership organization dedicated to strengthening economic, business, and cultural ties between Germany and Colorado. As part of the global German Chamber Network (AHKs), GACC Colorado connects businesses, professionals, entrepreneurs, government organizations, and communities through events, networking opportunities, business services, and strategic partnerships. As the organization continues to grow, GACC Colorado is implementing a more structured operating model focused on accountability, operational excellence, member value, and sustainable growth.

The Operations Director serves as the operational backbone for a small but growing organization and is responsible for ensuring the organization's day-to-day activities, projects, systems, finances, and internal operations function effectively and efficiently. Working closely with the Executive Director, Board of Directors, staff, volunteers, and external partners, this role ensures organizational priorities are translated into action and successfully executed across all departments.

The Operations Director helps create alignment, accountability, and operational discipline while supporting a collaborative and mission-driven culture. This role ensures the organization's internal operations, finances, systems, people processes, and cross-functional execution run effectively while supporting sustainable organizational growth.

The ideal candidate is highly organized, process-oriented, proactive, and capable of balancing strategic thinking with hands-on execution. The Operations Director serves as the organization's Integrator and provides direct leadership and coordination for the Experiences & Events, Treffpunkt & Real Estate, and Communications & Marketing functions.

Reporting Structure:

Direct Reports: 2-4 FTE

Reports To: Executive Director (Visionary)

Works Closely With: Director Commercial & Ecosystem Development, Senior Project Manager Experiences, Office & Communications Manager, Third party service providers, GACC Board of Directors

Key Responsibilities:

Organizational Execution & Strategic Support:

Lead implementation of the organization's strategic priorities and annual goals

Coordinate execution of cross-functional initiatives and projects

Facilitate organizational planning processes and follow-up activities

Track progress against key priorities and organizational objectives

Assist the Executive Director in ensuring organizational alignment and accountability

Identify operational challenges and recommend solutions

Support implementation of EOS (Entrepreneurial Operating System)-inspired operating principles and meeting cadence

Operations Management:

Oversee and continuously improve day-to-day operations

Develop and maintain operational policies, procedures, and best practices

Create and maintain standard operating procedures (SOPs)

Improve efficiency and effectiveness across departments

Coordinate organizational resources and operational support functions

Monitor operational performance and recommend improvements

Maintain organizational calendars, planning tools, and project tracking systems

Leadership Team Coordination:

Facilitate weekly leadership meetings and follow-up actions

Oversee and manage 2-4 FTE

Track organizational priorities, projects, and action items

Support accountability across departments

Help establish and maintain organizational KPIs and scorecards

Coordinate communication between departments and leadership

Assist with performance management and organizational planning activities

Financial Management & Administration:

Lead preparation and monitoring of annual budgets in partnership with the Executive Director, Treasurer, and external accounting partners

Track organizational income, expenses, and financial performance

Develop and maintain departmental budgets and cost centers

Monitor cash flow and financial health

Prepare monthly financial and operational reports

Oversee invoicing, payments, and vendor administration

Support audits, tax filings, and financial compliance requirements

Identify opportunities for cost savings and operational efficiencies

Human Resources & Organizational Development:

Manage employee onboarding and offboarding processes

Coordinate recruitment and hiring activities

Administer employee benefits programs

Maintain employee records and HR compliance

Lead the organization's performance management process, including goal setting, employee development, coaching, and performance reviews in partnership with departmental leaders and the Executive Director.

Assist with employee training and professional development initiatives

Maintain employee handbook and HR policies

Support a positive and collaborative organizational culture

Technology & Systems Management:

Manage and improve organizational technology infrastructure

Oversee CRM, membership, and operational systems

Coordinate external IT providers and technology vendors

Lead implementation of new technology solutions

Identify opportunities for automation and process improvement

Promote cybersecurity awareness and compliance

Lead organizational digital transformation initiatives

Governance, Compliance & Risk Management:

Coordinate Board meeting logistics and administration

Prepare Board materials and supporting documentation

Maintain compliance with nonprofit regulations and reporting requirements

Coordinate annual filings and organizational reporting

Manage business insurance programs and renewals

Maintain organizational records and documentation

Oversee risk management and internal controls

Membership & Event Support:

Attend and support key GACC Colorado events

Assist with event operations as required

Support membership initiatives and member engagement activities

Coordinate operational support for major programs and events

Collaborate with event and membership teams to improve member experience

Organizational Support & Team Collaboration:

As part of a small and entrepreneurial organization, all team members are expected to contribute beyond their primary area of responsibility and actively support major organizational initiatives, events, and cross-functional priorities.

Qualifications:

Required:

Bachelor's Degree in Business Administration, Management, Operations, Finance, Human Resources, or related field

Minimum 5 years of operations, project management, administration, or organizational leadership experience

Experience managing multiple priorities and projects simultaneously

Strong financial management and budgeting experience

Excellent organizational and analytical skills

Strong written and verbal communication skills

Demonstrated ability to build systems, processes, and structure

Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Office and Google Workspace

Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a dynamic environment

Preferred:

Experience within a nonprofit, chamber, association, or membership-based organization

Experience with EOS or similar business operating systems

Experience with CRM platforms and operational software

German language skills

International business or intercultural experience

Experience managing vendors, consultants, and external service providers

Core Competencies:

Accountability

Organizational Leadership

Self-starter / Initiator

Project Management

Financial Acumen

Process Improvement

Relationship Building

Problem Solving

Communication

Strategic Thinking

Change Management

Attention to Detail

Continuous Improvement

Compensation & Benefits:

Salary Range: $80,000 $110,000 annually based on experience and qualifications

Potential performance bonus tied to organizational goals and key performance indicators.

Benefits:

Hybrid office schedule

Health Stipend

Safe Harbor 401(k)

Phone Stipend

Work From Home Flexibility

9 Federal Holidays and 3 Floating Days

15 Days PTO

Life Insurance

Long-Term Disability Insurance

Unlimited Sick Leave

Why Join GACC Colorado?

This is a unique opportunity to

German American Chambers of Commerce