Chief Operating Officer, American Association of ...

ORGANIZATION BACKGROUNDThe American Association of Neurological Surgeons (AANS) is a national professional medical association dedicated to advancing the specialty of neurosurgery through education, research, advocacy, and professional development. The AANS was originally organized as a 501(c)(3) tax-exempt organization but modernized its structure in 2003 due to the increasing number of political and legislative issues affecting its members and established a companion entity, structured as a trade association under Section 501(c)(6) of the Internal Revenue Code. To capitalize on the positive name recognition of AANS, the new 501(c)(6) entity assumed the name American Association of Neurological Surgeons, while the 501(c)(3) entity adopted the name American Association of Neurosurgeons. While many of the activities and functions remain under the 501(c)(3), the AANS serves as the umbrella organization, coordinating political activities and sponsoring major income-generating programs.Today, representing approximately 12,000 members worldwide, the AANS operates through a multi-entity structure, including AANS and its affiliated nonprofit entities, including:NeuroPoint AllianceNeurosurgery Research & Education Foundation:Journal of Neurosurgery Publishing Group:NeurosurgeryPACThe AANS also partners with the Congress of Neurological Surgeons (CNS) under its umbrella.POSITON OVERVIEW The Chief Operating Officer (COO) is a key member of the executive leadership team and serves as the organization's senior operational leader. Reporting to the CEO, the COO oversees day-to-day operations and ensures that the organization's strategy is translated into effective execution across all departments and affiliated entities.The COO leads a senior leadership team, with approximately 8 to 10 direct reports, and provides operational oversight across the enterprise, balancing strategic priorities with operational discipline in a highly collaborative, mission-driven environment. Success in this role requires the ability to align diverse functional areas, support physician and volunteer leadership, and drive organizational effectiveness across a complex operating model.SCOPE & COMPLEXITYThe COO operates in an environment characterized by:Multiple affiliated entities with distinct missions, governance structures, and operational requirements.A matrixed organization with significant engagement from physician leaders, committees, and volunteers.National programs, meetings, publications, digital platforms, and data-driven initiatives.A senior leadership team with deep subject-matter expertise and functional autonomy.The role requires strong judgment, comfort navigating ambiguity, and the ability to lead through influence while maintaining accountability and performance standards.ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONSEnterprise Leadership & Strategy ExecutionTranslate strategic priorities established by the CEO and Board into executable operational plans across departments and affiliated entities.Drive cross-functional alignment, prioritization, and accountability to ensure initiatives are delivered effectively and on schedule.Serve as a senior advisor to the CEO, providing operational insight, risk assessment, and recommendations to support informed decision-making.Departmental & Functional OversightThe COO provides executive-level oversight, support, and integration. While direct functional ownership may vary by department, the COO ensures alignment, performance, and coordination across all areas.Education & Professional ProgramsOversees the operational execution of educational programs, courses, and professional development offerings in partnership with senior leadership.Ensures coordination between education staff, volunteer leaders, faculty, and external partners.Supports scalability, quality control, and alignment with organizational strategy and member needs.Meetings & EventsProvides oversight of national meetings, conferences, summits, and live events in partnership with senior leadership.Ensures effective cross-department collaboration related to program development, logistics, marketing, sponsorships, and financial performance.Supports risk management, vendor coordination, and continuous improvement of the attendee experience.Marketing, Communications & BrandOversees organizational marketing and communications strategy execution in partnership with senior leadership.Ensures consistent brand representation, messaging, and positioning across programs, publications, digital platforms, and events.Supports integrated marketing efforts that advance member engagement, program participation, and organizational objectives.Membership & Customer ExperienceProvides oversight of membership operations, services, and engagement strategies in partnership with senior leadership.Ensures systems, processes, and staff are aligned to deliver a high-quality member experience.Supports data-informed decision-making related to retention, acquisition, and engagement.Digital, Technology & SystemsOversees digital platforms, internal systems, and technology-enabled operations in partnership with senior leadership.Ensures alignment between business needs and technology solutions, including vendor-supported systems and internal capabilities.Supports system stability, data integrity, cybersecurity awareness, and continuous improvement.Finance Operations (Operational Partnership)Partners with finance leadership and the senior management team to support budgeting discipline, forecasting processes, and operational financial performance, including developing the $25 million annual budget (of which approximately $15 million is allocated to operations).Ensures departments operate within approved budgets and align decisions with financial objectives.Supports financial transparency, reporting clarity, and effective stewardship of organizational resources.Human Resources & Organizational DevelopmentProvides oversight of HR operations, policies, and practices in partnership with HR leadership.Supports leadership development, performance management, succession planning, and organizational effectiveness.Ensures alignment between people strategy, culture, and operational goals.Supports and participates in recruitment, selection, and onboarding of staff, with enhanced involvement in leadership and targeted roles.Facilities & Office OperationsOversees facilities management, office operations, and vendor relationships.Ensures physical infrastructure supports staff productivity, safety, and operational needs.Works in partnership with the contracted property manager to manage contracts, services, and operational resources efficiently and responsibly.Governance & Stakeholder SupportPartners with the CEO to provide clear, actionable operational information to boards, committees, and physician leadership.Serves as the primary staff liaison to assigned committees, partnering with volunteer leadership to guide strategy, facilitate meetings, and ensure alignment with organizational priorities and governance standards.Ensures appropriate documentation, approvals, and follow-through related to governance decisions and organizational policies.Builds strong working relationships with volunteer leaders and stakeholders across the organization.Systems, Process Improvement & Risk ManagementChampions continuous improvement initiatives across departments, including process standardization, service-level expectations, and operational efficiency.Oversees organizational risk management, compliance, and business continuity planning.Ensures adherence to applicable laws, regulations, and internal policies.LEADERSHIP EXPECTATIONSThe successful COO will:Demonstrate the ability to operate independently with sound judgment and decisiveness in a complex operating environment, while maintaining close alignment and strategic coordination with the CEO and organizational leadership.Build trust and credibility with senior staff, physician leaders, and volunteers.Balance collaboration with accountability.Communicate clearly and effectively across all levels of the organization.Lead through influence as well as authority.Foster a culture of professionalism, transparency, and continuous improvement.QUALIFICATIONSBachelor's degree required; advanced degree (MBA, MPA) or Certified Association Executive (CAE) preferred.12+ years of progressive leadership experience, including significant responsibility for enterprise or multi-department operations.Minimum of 7 years managing senior leaders or managers.Experience in an association, nonprofit, healthcare, or similarly complex, mission-driven organization strongly preferred.Demonstrated ability to lead cross-functional teams, manage complexity, and drive execution across multiple operational areas.Strong financial acumen, operational judgment, and executive communication skills.Proven ability to work effectively with volunteer leaders, boards, and professional stakeholders.COMPENSATION, BENEFITS & LOCATIONThe expected salary range for this position is $280,000-$330,000 commensurate with experience, qualifications, and demonstrated leadership capabilities. AANS offers a comprehensive benefits package This position is a hybrid role that requires regular weekly in-person presence in the Rolling Meadows headquarters office.  Some travel (approximately 21 days annually) is required to support major organizational meetings, events, and leadership activities.See full Position Profile: SEARCH PROCESSThe search for AANS' next Chief Operating Officer is being conducted by Tuft & Associates.Interested candidates should submit a cover letter and resume to Tuft & Associates to:Mary McMahon, c/ocbabjak@

Created: 2026-03-10