Chief Administrative Officer

Please apply online at https://www.hrci.org/about-hrci/hrci-careers. 

Who we are: 

HRCI®, headquartered in Alexandria, Virginia, is the premier credentialing and learning organization for the human resources profession. For over 50 years, we have set the global standard for HR expertise and excellence through our commitment to the development and advancement of businesspeople in the people business. HRCI develops and offers world-class learning, as well as the administration of eight global certifications and is dedicated to helping professionals achieve new competencies that drive business results. We are a dynamic non-profit with a hard-working, committed team. Want to know more about what life is like at HRCI? Find out more about us at https://www.hrci.org/about-hrci/life-at-hrci. 

Why HRCI:

• We are a 2024 Washington Post Top Workplace!
• Be part of a dynamic and passionate team of professionals focused on driving the organization forward. 
• Highly rewarding work in a fun, team-oriented culture. 
• Great benefits (health insurance, generous time off, 401(k) match, parental leave) and a flexible working environment.

Position Overview:

The Chief Administrative Officer (CAO) will be a key member of the Executive Leadership Team (ELT), working directly with the CEO to guide and lead HRCI with a focus on the efficient management of resources, systems, and processes that support the organization’s mission and growth. In this capacity, the CAO will be instrumental in driving the execution and development of the organization’s strategic goals.  The CAO will be responsible for translating strategy into operational excellence and ensuring the seamless execution of day-to-day operations.

This position will oversee several critical functional areas, including Product Development, Governance and Business Planning, Human Resources, Finance, Board, Facilities Management, Legal, and Compliance. The CAO will be responsible for both the daily operations and strategic direction of these functions, ensuring seamless execution while leading and motivating teams. The CAO will also manage the financial planning, operational performance, and financial health of the organization, including overseeing budgeting, forecasting, cash flow, investment priorities, and adherence to generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP) and other regulatory standards.

The ideal candidate will possess a proven track record in executive leadership, operational management, and creative problem-solving, with substantial experience in financial management, data analytics, and change management. Working closely with the CEO, the CAO will help implement HRCI's strategic plan through the development and execution of annual operating business plans. This is a hybrid role within a dynamic, high-growth organization.

Strategy Execution and Leadership

• Serve as a key member of the Executive Leadership Team (ELT) and represent the CEO at internal and external meetings as needed.
• Collaborate with the CEO to drive the development and execution of HRCI's strategic goals and objectives, overseeing the daily management of core functions.
• Work with the ELT to develop and nurture strategic relationships internally and externally.
• Lead enterprise-wide projects to ensure alignment with organizational priorities.
• Implement the horizon plan and annual business plan, with oversight from the CEO, through the informed development and execution of operating plans.
• Lead financial planning, ensuring alignment with the organization’s strategic objectives, and maintaining sound fiscal management.
• Ensure operational efficiency and the consistent achievement of financial and operational goals by collaborating with the leadership team.
• Maintain continuous communication with the ELT and leadership team, ensuring the CEO is informed of key developments and issues.
• Collaborate with the Chief Revenue & Learning Officer (CRLO) to drive revenue growth and support other key revenue-producing initiatives.
• Facilitate effective collaboration with external stakeholders, including the Board of Directors, partners, and vendors, representing HRCI’s vision and values.

Team Development & Leadership

• Oversee internal office operations, including Product Development (Learning-editorial build), Governance and Business Planning, Human Resources, Finance, Facilities Management, Legal, Compliance.
• Aligning learning initiatives with the strategic goals.
• Act as a "cultural ambassador" and "change expert," committed to advancing HRCI's desired culture, fostering a workplace that encourages learning and innovation.
• Promote a culture of high performance and continuous improvement that values accountability, quality, and operational excellence.
• Inspire and motivate staff by providing appropriate directions, urgency, and support to facilitate their success.
• Monitor staff performance and goal development, providing mentoring and coaching using a collaborative approach: assigning accountabilities, setting objectives, establishing priorities, and evaluate results.

Financial Strategy & Planning

• Oversee all financial functions, including budgeting, forecasting, cash flow, investment priorities, and financial planning, ensuring adherence to GAAP and relevant regulatory standards.
• Develop and implement financial strategies aligned with organizational goals, ensuring the financial health of the organization and its ability to meet long-term strategic priorities.
• Forecast financial trends and create comprehensive budgets to reflect operational needs and growth plans.
• Manage the capital structure to balance debt, equity, and internal funding for sustainable growth, while mitigating financial risks.

Risk Management

• Identify, assess, and mitigate financial risks, including enterprise risk management (ERM).
• Develop and maintain internal controls to safeguard assets and ensure compliance with financial regulations and industry best practices.
• Oversee insurance programs and other risk mitigation strategies to protect against financial losses and liabilities.

Performance Measurement, Stakeholder Relations & Board Governance   

• Track and analyze key performance indicators (KPIs) to evaluate the financial health of the organization, providing actionable insights for decision-making.
• Provide strategic insights to enhance profitability, streamline operations, and improve overall financial performance.
• Serve as the primary liaison with banks, investors, auditors, and other external stakeholders, fostering strong relationships that support financial credibility.
• Represent the organization in financial discussions with the Board of Directors, shareholders, and key stakeholders.

Analytical Skills

• Demonstrate strong financial acumen and business judgment, applying best practices to drive organizational excellence.
• Leverage critical thinking, problem-solving, and quantitative reasoning skills to lead change management initiatives effectively.
• Exhibit strong executive presence with a proven ability to influence and drive progressive organizational change.
• Provide effective mentoring and coaching to a team with varying levels of expertise.
• Strong project management skills, with the ability to meet deadlines and work flexibly in a fast-paced environment.

The Skills You Need to Succeed:

• Bachelor’s Degree required); Masters’ Degree highly desirable, in a business-related field or, a master’s in business administration is preferred
• 15 years’ experience in operational and financial management, ideally within a high-growth or complex organizational environment.  
• Demonstrated expertise in strategic planning, financial management, and organizational leadership, including budgeting, forecasting, cash flow management, and risk management.
• Proven success in change management, fostering cultural transformation and driving high-performance teams.
• Strong understanding of GAAP, financial regulations, and industry best practices in managing organizational resources.
• Experience managing profit & loss business lines, required
• Knowledge of learning, highly desirable
• Business credential (i.e. CPA, SPHR, GPHR), preferred
• Superior management skills: ability to influence, motivate, and engage direct and indirect reports and peers; ability to inspire and motivate constituents with clear strategic vision and thinking
• Highly-developed personal, interpersonal, and networking skills with a positive attitude and a professional demeanor
• Strong communication skills - Exceptional data storytelling and visual interpretation, written, oral, interpersonal, and presentation skills and the ability to effectively interface with senior leadership, HRCI’s board of directors, and staff
• Ability to work independently as well as collaboratively with internal and external stakeholders
• Diplomatic, resourceful, flexible, collaborative, and proactive; a team leader who can positively and productively impact both strategic and tactical finance and administration initiatives.
• Ability to perform in a fast-paced environment, anticipate challenges and effectively resolve conflict by identifying opportunities and pivot when needed.
• Passion for HRCI’s mission and a commitment to advancing its impact through organizational leadership