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

TO APPLY TO THIS POSITION, please send your CV together with a short cover letter outlining your motivation and why you are a good fit for this role to samantha.seems(at)gacc-co.org.

Candidates must have valid work authorization for the United States. 

About GACC Colorado

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.

Position Overview

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 help shape the future of one of Colorado's leading international business organizations. The Operations Director will play a central role in strengthening organizational effectiveness, supporting growth initiatives, improving member value, and building the systems and processes necessary for long-term success. The role offers broad exposure across operations, finance, membership, events, technology, governance, and strategic initiatives while making a meaningful impact on German-American business and community relations throughout Colorado.