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Deputy Senior Director of Operations - Corporate Engagement

Optica is looking for a Deputy Senior Director of Operations - Corporate Engagement.

The new position is home-based, hands-on and reports directly to Optica’s Chief Technology Officer, Jose Pozo. You will lead the operations of other (home-based) staff to develop and execute the new phase in Optica’s exciting offer to corporate members worldwide. You will have proven skills to influence, motivate and enable others to actively contribute to a fresh set of goals. You will be familiar with Optica’s strategy to make both our community and workforce diverse, equitable and inclusive. The position means working for an organization active in North America, Europe, and Asia Pacific. 

You will work closely with the CTO to develop and execute an ambitious plan of expansion. It requires close-knit teamwork to deliver results on time and budget. To succeed you will need excellent communication skills, being responsible for the output in a fast-paced non-profit environment. In a post-COVID home based workflow, you may encounter unchartered waters. You are therefore flexible in your approach while understanding the entire team’s goals and responsibilities. You are also aware how this unit’s activities complement the wider global mission of other Optica departments.

Primary Responsibilities

1. Staff Management

1. Direct leadership of a remote team of up to ten people in the Corporate Engagement business unit. The team develops and executes activities including industry outreach, events and market/industry analysis as well as membership support.  Some team members operate in different time zones. 

2. Membership

1. Ensures membership growth and retention targets are reviewed, adjusted and met annually.
2. Provides continuous feedback on improving the membership value proposition based on corporate member feedback and evolving needs.

3. Communications

1. Produces reports and (video) presentations to track activities, outcomes and benchmarks on a recurring basis.
2. Key contributor to governance council updates and presentations.
3. Ensures Optica staff are regularly updated on department goals, accomplishments and ongoing activities.
4. Provides quality assurance checks on the department’s Optica website and outgoing messages.

4. Financial/Other Metrics

1. Manages the preparation of department budget and estimates.
2. Reviews monthly department-level reports/budgets, and addresses significant variances.
3. Oversees department expense reports and invoices.
4. Establishes Key Performance Indicators (KPI) for the department’s performance and growth.

Education and Experience

Skills and Abilities

1. An understanding of the Photonics technology and industry is a big advantage.
2. Ten or more years success in a senior-level position
3. Proven record of staff management and leadership
4. Strong track record of high integrity, good judgment, confidentiality, and discretion.
5. Proven experience as a manager of remote teams within a global, multi-cultural environment
6. Outstanding leadership ability and process-oriented thinking
7. Understanding of how professional societies and non-profit organizations work
8. Strong analytical, organizational, and project management skills
9. Aptitude for anticipating problems before they occur and rapid decision-making
10. Executive-level financial skills (goal and need based-budget creation, monitoring and reporting)
11. Excellent ability to manage time and prioritize tasks 

Estimated Travel: 5-10%, e.g., for organization-wide events.

About Optica

Located in the Dupont Circle neighborhood of Washington, DC, Optica offers a competitive salary and benefits. Please send your resume and cover letter with salary requirements to resumes@optica.org.

Optica is an equal employment opportunity employer and will not discriminate against any employee or applicant on the basis of race, color, age, sex, national origin, disability, religion, maritial status, veteran's status, personal appearance, political affiliation, sexual orientation, family responsibilities, matriculation, or any other basis prohibited by law.

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