Senior Executive Operations Leader – Chief Operating Officer (COO) | Full-Time Strategic Leadership Role at arenaflex in Ohio, USA
About arenaflex
arenaflex is a forward-thinking, mission-driven organization committed to operational excellence, innovation, and sustainable growth. With a workforce that spans domestic and international markets, arenaflex has built its reputation on fostering a culture of collaboration, accountability, and transformative leadership. Our teams are united by a shared dedication to delivering exceptional value to our members, customers, and stakeholders while championing the highest standards of professional integrity.
As we continue to expand our influence and modernize our operational framework, we are seeking a dynamic, results-oriented executive to serve as our next Chief Operating Officer (COO). This is a rare opportunity to join a high-impact leadership team and help shape the future of a thriving, multi-faceted organization. If you are a strategic thinker with a passion for building systems, scaling operations, and inspiring high-performing teams, arenaflex wants to hear from you.
Position Overview
The Chief Operating Officer (COO) at arenaflex will provide executive-level oversight of all domestic and international operations, financial stewardship, technology strategy, product oversight, and staff performance. Reporting directly to the Chief Executive Officer, the COO will serve as a trusted partner, thought leader, and mentor across the organization. This role is responsible for aligning operational resources with arenaflex's strategic vision, mission, and values while driving sustainable business growth and operational efficiency.
The successful candidate will join at a pivotal moment, with the opportunity to influence major initiatives including a key annual conference, finance congress, board meetings, and a critical knowledge-transfer phase with outgoing senior leaders. Within the first year, the COO will gain a deep understanding of arenaflex's full operational ecosystem — including business processes, employees, member demographics, programs, products, vendors, sponsors, and data systems.
Key Responsibilities
Strategic Operations & Financial Oversight
- Direct the organization's overall domestic and international business operations and strategies, including resource management, employee benefits, business insurance, senior leadership team performance, treasury, financial management, legal, risk management, payroll, and technology initiatives.
- Establish and recommend business initiatives that improve operations, generate revenue, or control costs — positioning arenaflex for long-term growth and sustainability.
- Manage corporate budgets and other organizational resources using approved financial guidelines, accepted practices, policies, and procedures; develop long-range financial plans that align with the association's strategic priorities.
- Plan and execute strategies, plans, and procedures; assign colleagues to special projects and cross-functional initiatives.
- Collaborate on and contribute to policy development that advances company culture, vision, and operational excellence.
Performance, Analytics & Continuous Improvement
- Participate in and monitor ongoing improvement efforts to maximize efficiencies, strengthen quality control, and reduce operational costs.
- Evaluate key results by analyzing and interpreting data and metrics; develop forecasts, projections, and predictive models to support informed decision-making.
- Create, review, audit, and edit various operational and financial reports for accuracy and clarity.
- Collaborate with the Board of Directors to develop the organization's vision and strategic focus.
- Serve as a staff liaison for the Board's Executive Council and the Finance and Audit Committee.
- Stay current with professional and industry trends, emerging technologies, and best practices in operations management.
Core Competencies & Leadership Skills
arenaflex is looking for a COO who exemplifies the following competencies:
- Adaptability: Adjusts to changes in the work environment; able to manage frequent change, delays, or unexpected events with composure.
- Analytical Thinking: Integrates complex or diverse information; gathers and analyzes data to drive sound business decisions.
- Business Acumen: Understands the business implications of decisions and applies critical thinking skills in all aspects of operations. Superior working knowledge of accounting and financial investment principles and terminology.
- Change Management: Develops actionable implementation plans; monitors progress and evaluates results.
- Ethics & Integrity: Works with integrity and ethically; upholds organizational values at all times.
- Drive for Results: Seeks increased responsibilities; actively identifies and creates opportunities for organizational impact.
- Innovation: Addresses challenges with creativity; develops ideas for improving work; generates innovative strategies and approaches.
- Interpersonal Skills: Maintains confidentiality; functions effectively independently or as part of a collaborative team.
- Sound Judgment: Demonstrates sound and accurate judgment; supports and explains reasoning for decisions; includes appropriate individuals in the decision-making process.
- Leadership Presence: Inspires confidence in self and others; effectively influences actions and opinions; accepts feedback constructively.
- Oral Communication: Speaks clearly and persuasively in positive or negative situations; demonstrates strong group presentation skills; actively participates in meetings.
- Organizational Support: Follows policies and procedures; supports the organization's goals and values.
- Planning & Organizing: Prioritizes and plans work activities; establishes clear goals and objectives.
- Problem Solving: Gathers and analyzes information skillfully to resolve complex challenges.
- Professional Behavior: Sets a consistent example and provides teachable moments among colleagues regarding the importance of ethics and professional decorum, both internally and externally.
- Project Management: Develops project plans; coordinates projects; communicates changes and progress; delivers projects on time and within budget; manages project team activities.
- Quality Management: Demonstrates accuracy and thoroughness in all work products.
- Strategic Thinking: Understands how operations and finances support the broader mission of the organization. Develops strategies to achieve organizational goals; identifies external threats and opportunities; adapts strategy to changing conditions.
- Written Communication: Writes clearly and informatively; edits work for spelling and grammar; varies writing style to meet needs; able to read and interpret written information.
Qualifications & Experience
Required Education and Experience
- Bachelor's degree in Business Management or a related field; education may be substituted with 10 years of Chief Operating Officer experience.
- Minimum of 5 years of experience as a Chief Operating Officer or in a comparable executive role.
- Experience in revenue improvement programs and initiatives.
- Experience with annual external financial audit procedures.
- Demonstrated depth of experience managing teams, supporting cross-functional collaboration, promoting change management, developing staff, and establishing clear goals.
- 5 years of public speaking experience.
Preferred Education and Experience
- BS/BA in Business Administration or a relevant field; MS/MBA strongly preferred.
- Experience in software, research, or policy/advocacy environments.
- Experience in domestic and international business operations management strategies.
- Experience in non-profit financial management.
- Experience with Association Management Software Systems (AMS).
Leadership Structure & Reporting
Direct Reports
The COO will directly oversee the following senior leaders:
- Executive Operations Administrator
- HR and Talent Management Director
- Financial Controller
- In-House Counsel and Senior Director of Government Finance Compliance
- Senior Director of Technology and Certification
Indirect Reports
The COO will provide matrix leadership across a broad functional team including:
- Accounting Manager (A/P)
- Accounting Manager (A/R)
- Accounts Receivable Collections Specialist
- Associate Director of Certification
- Clerical Specialist (Meeting Planning)
- Clerical Specialist (Speaker Bureau)
- Associate Director of Government Relations
- Business Systems Analyst
- Certification Manager
- Certification Program Specialist
- Director of Government Relations
- Disbursement Specialist
- HR Director
- IT Specialists (2)
- .NET Developer
- Senior Accountant
- Senior Accounting Manager
- Staff Accountant
- Senior Director of Technology
- Software and Applications Specialist
- Virtual Programs and Technology Manager
Management Responsibilities
- Participate in performance evaluation processes and provide coaching for continuous improvement.
- Follow aren'tflex's performance improvement and corrective action protocols.
- Participate in interview and selection processes for the division and make final hiring decisions.
Internal, Organizational & External Relationships
Internal Interfaces
Regular collaboration with key stakeholders including Accounting, Customer Service, Executive Office, Finance, HR, Leadership Team, Legal, Marketing, and Technology department colleagues.
Organizational Interfaces
Directorate, Board of Advisors, Finance and Audit Committee.
External Interfaces
Business Investors, Financial Investment Advisors, Corporate Partners, Consultants, Tax Advocates, Suppliers, and Vendors.
Compensation & Benefits
arenaflex is committed to attracting and retaining top executive talent by offering a competitive compensation package. The COO role includes an attractive hourly rate of $32/hour for full-time employment, along with a comprehensive suite of benefits designed to support your well-being, professional development, and work-life balance. While specific benefits may evolve over time, arenaflex employees can generally expect:
- Flexible Scheduling Options that empower you to manage your workday with greater autonomy.
- Performance-Based Earnings Potential including base compensation and opportunities for bonuses tied to organizational success.
- Recognition and Rewards Programs that celebrate leadership impact and operational excellence.
- Insurance Coverage including liability protection and occupational accident insurance for peace of mind.
- Exclusive Discounts and Perks through arenaflex and its partner network.
- Professional Community Access including leadership forums, networking events, and peer learning opportunities.
Why Join arenaflex?
At arenaflex, you will find more than a job — you will find a platform to make a lasting impact. We are a values-driven organization that invests in its people, prioritizes innovation, and believes that operational excellence is the foundation of everything we achieve. As COO, you will work alongside a deeply experienced leadership team, engage with a passionate and talented workforce, and have the resources and authority to drive meaningful change from day one.
We are proud to offer a culture that respects work-life integration, encourages continuous learning, and rewards the kind of bold, strategic thinking that transforms organizations. If you are ready to lead at the highest level and help arenaflex achieve its next chapter of growth, we encourage you to apply.
How to Apply
If you are an accomplished operations executive with a passion for mission-driven work and a track record of leading complex organizations, we invite you to submit your application today. Join arenaflex and help us build the future of operational excellence.