Vice President, Operations

Position Overview: As part of a broader organizational realignment, NASWA is seeking a Vice President, Operations to lead the internal business functions that enable the entire association to run well. Reporting to the President & CEO and serving on the Executive Team, this newly structured role oversees Communications & Meetings, Membership Coordination, Human Resources, Internal IT, and Office Operations. The Vice President, Operations is accountable for the operating infrastructure, workflow, staff experience, and business systems that support every NASWA business unit, NASWA Services, members, and partners. This person needs to be a trusted advisor and culture leader across the organization, comfortable operating at both the strategic and hands-on level, and able to build cohesion across five distinct functional teams.

Executive Leadership & Organizational Operations: Work with the President & CEO and the Executive Team to set strategic direction and provide insight and guidance on the overall management, infrastructure, and operation of the organization. Integrate operating infrastructure and functions with programmatic efforts, staff, board, and partners; identify and remove barriers that slow down delivery across teams. Maintain and evolve NASWA’s culture, promoting NASWA’s mission and values across a predominantly remote workforce. Build and lead a cohesive Operations leadership group across five functional areas, setting shared goals, service standards, and performance measures.

Communications & Meetings: Oversee NASWA’s communications strategy, brand, public relations, and outreach, including the website, newsletters, periodic reports, and program-specific materials. Oversee planning and execution of NASWA’s major convenings, including the annual SUMMIT and Winter Policy Forum, as well as miscellaneous conferences and events, and board and committee meetings. Serve, with the Senior Director, Communications & Meetings, as a point of contact for press and media inquiries. Support President & CEO in board meeting agenda and presentation development.

Membership Coordination: Provide executive oversight of membership coordination, ensuring consistent, responsive engagement with NASWA’s member agencies and alignment with the association’s mission and strategic priorities. Coordinate across Policy, Communications, Meetings, Finance, and program teams to support member onboarding, communications, participation, and access to NASWA resources, services, committees, and events. Maintain effective membership processes, records, and service standards; monitor member needs and feedback, identify opportunities to strengthen engagement and value, and help resolve cross-functional membership issues.

Human Resources: Provide executive oversight of HR, including recruiting and hiring practices, onboarding and offboarding, compensation and benefits administration, performance management, and compliance training. Partner with the President & CEO, General Counsel, and HR on staffing plans, organizational design, and workforce policy, including maintenance of the Staff Handbook. Champion staff development, engagement, and retention across a distributed workforce.

Internal Information Technology: Oversee internal IT operations, including service desk, cloud services, network administration, and system security and compliance. Ensure technology investments, cybersecurity practices, and responsible AI guidelines support productivity, protect NASWA data, and meet contract and grant requirements.

Office Operations: Oversee management of the Washington, D.C. office, including facilities, vendors, equipment, insurance, and day-to-day administrative operations. Establish and document operating procedures that support both in-office and remote staff.

Relevant Experience: Preferred 10+ years of progressively responsible operations, administration, and/or communications leadership experience, including service as a member of a management or executive team. A proven leader who has led through change and growth, who can build trust across an organization and develop strong working relationships across a diverse workforce. Experience overseeing two or more of the following functions: communications and events, human resources, information technology, business development, or facilities/office administration. Specific experience leading or providing executive oversight of human resources functions, including employee relations, performance management, compensation and benefits, recruiting, onboarding/offboarding, HR policy development, and employment compliance. Advanced ability to communicate through a variety of methods including oral, written, and various forms of media in a clear, concise, and creative manner appropriate to a variety of audiences.

Required Competencies and Skills: Considerable knowledge of government services and environments; familiarity with state workforce agencies, membership associations, or similar nonprofit/government programs preferred. Proven success creating strategic plans and managing implementation of strategic goals. Demonstrated ability to lead multi-functional teams and to hire, develop, and retain strong managers. Sound judgment on employment, compliance, procurement, and risk matters, with the discretion required to handle confidential information. Ability to exercise balanced, practical judgment on sensitive HR matters, including employee relations, performance concerns, organizational change, and staff engagement, while maintaining fairness, consistency, and confidentiality. Strong financial and analytical skills, including budget development and oversight for operating functions. A demonstrated ability to solve problems, from big to small, drawing on best practices and creative strategies. Proven ability in public speaking and the ability to represent the organization externally. High standards for design and writing, and strong attention to detail. Self-starter and self-disciplined, with the ability to lead effectively in a remote environment.

Education: Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university in business or public administration, communications, human resources, or a related field required. At least ten (10) years of relevant experience required. Master’s degree in a related field preferred.

Location: Remote/U.S. Based

Reports to: President & CEO

Position Type: Full Time, Exempt

Salary Range: $185,000-$210,000 commensurate with experience.

Benefits: NASWA offers a comprehensive benefits package, including medical, dental, and vision coverage; employer retirement contributions through our 401(k) plan; educational assistance; paid annual and sick leave; and additional benefits designed to support your health, financial well-being, and work-life balance.

Travel: Frequent travel to D.C., NASWA meetings, and various other states is anticipated. Estimated 25–35% travel.

How to Apply: Please send resume and cover letter to. Position posting will close on November 20, 2026 - applications will be reviewed until this date. Employment Opportunity Statement This job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee. Duties, responsibilities and activities may change, or new ones may be assigned at any time with or without notice. NASWA is an equal opportunity employer. NASWA does not unlawfully discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, sex, age, marital status, military status, personal appearance, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, family responsibilities, genetic information, disability, matriculation, political affiliation or any other characteristic protected by federal or District of Columbia law. Our non-discrimination policy applies to all facets of employment, including recruiting, hiring, employment, promotion, demotion, dismissal, compensation, and training opportunities.