Director of Operations

About the role

The Director of Operations oversees the business and administrative functions of Mathematical Reviews (MR), a 72-person division of the AMS. This role provides strategic and operational leadership across key divisional areas, including finance, facilities, purchasing, and personnel administration.

Responsibilities

• Partner directly with the Executive Editor to direct daily operations, personnel workflows, and administrative functions across the division.

• Establish and enforce comprehensive policies regarding office environments, workspace allocations, and shared facility usage.

• Act as the bridge between executive vision and operational implementation by leading key management forums; direct the planning, scheduling, and agenda setting for monthly leadership meetings and provide critical logistical oversight for governance bodies like the Editorial Committee.

• Oversee divisional procurement and financial administration, ensuring strict compliance with organizational policies.

• Prepare annual operating, personnel, fixed asset, and capital budgets in alignment with executive leadership, and manage continuous fiscal health through monthly financial reviews and quarterly variance reporting.

• Serve as the division’s primary lead on the Society-wide Business Continuity Team, designing and updating comprehensive continuity plans.

• Direct facility operations, negotiate service contracts, manage vendor agreements, and act as the principal liaison for maintenance, space planning, and infrastructure improvements.

• Standardize operational alignment across leadership tiers, working in close collaboration with the Human Resources department based in Providence, RI to ensure cohesive personnel management and policy enforcement.

• Actively champion employee engagement by overseeing internal communications and divisional event planning to cultivate a high-performing team culture.

• Partner directly with executive leadership to absorb internal operational burdens, serving as a trusted advisor and sounding board while enabling focus on broad organizational growth and external stakeholder relationships.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree required. In some cases, years of experience and certifications may be considered in lieu of a degree.
• 10 years business experience; 5 years fiscal experience and responsibility; 5 years management experience.
• Practical knowledge in the area of Human Resources.
• Experience with contractors and vendors relations, experience in purchasing procedures.
• Experience working in a non-profit environment is desirable.
• Excellent interpersonal skills: desire to assist, develop others and promote the development of staff.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills.
• Management experience essential, superior leadership skills.
• Exhibit integrity and good work standards, acts as a role model for managers and staff.
• Ability to multi-task; excellent time management and organizational skills.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Applications and office-related IT tools.
• Ability to handle stress; ability to see “big picture” perspective, with the ability to think creatively.
• Commitment to the mission of the Society.

Attributes and Competencies

• Demonstrates understanding of organization’s mission, structure, culture, and constituencies.
• Demonstrates knowledge of own department’s work activities and mission; understands how own job impacts work of department.
• Responds positively to changes in the organization and the workplace.
• Plans and organizes work effectively.
• Accepts accountability for job performance and results.
• Works effectively with others in a variety of settings.
• Uses communication tools effectively (e.g., presentation, verbal, writing, relationship building, negotiating, listening) to meet needs of audience and/or situation.
• Maintains professional composure in challenging situations.
• Exercises discretion in identifying, handling, and safeguarding confidential information.
• Addresses issues constructively, building cooperative relationships within and across departments.
• Receptive to feedback and willing to try different approaches in order to achieve the best results.

Physical Demands

Performing primarily sedentary work with limited physical exertion and lifting up to 25 lbs. Duties performed cause light fatigue of eyes, fingers, or other faculties due to long periods of standing, sitting or repetitive motion. Dexterity of hands and fingers to operate a computer keyboard, mouse, and other devices. Capable of reliable attendance in the office during scheduled work hours.

Work Environment/Conditions

Typical office environment, climate-controlled, minimal noise. Extended work hours may be required to meet project deadlines or resolve unexpected problems. This position is required to be in-office.