Chief Executive Officer

About the Organization:

Just prior to the onset of America’s involvement in World War II, President Franklin D. Roosevelt sought to unite several service associations to uplift the morale of the U.S. military and bolster support on the home front. This initiative brought together the Salvation Army, Young Men’s Christian Association, Young Women’s Christian Association, National Catholic Community Services, National Travelers Aid Association, and the National Jewish Welfare Board, forming the United Service Organizations, or the USO. From its origin, the mission of the USO has been unwaveringly focused on supporting America’s service members and their families. Today, the USO continuously adapts to the evolving needs of service members and their families.

With centers at or near military installations across the United States and worldwide—including unstaffed service sites in combat zones—the USO ensures that troops can focus on their crucial missions. USO airport centers throughout the country provide around-the-clock hospitality for traveling service members and their families. Trademark USO tours bring entertainment and support from America’s celebrities to service members stationed far from home. The USO’s diverse programs offer a continuum of support, guiding service members from their first day in uniform to their final departure. In 2019, the USO launched the “ONE USO” initiative aimed at unifying its operations into a regionalized structure, enhancing mission delivery and fundraising potential. By the end of 2019, the USO welcomed several new local organizations and established the Central, West, and Midwest Regional Offices. By the end of 2020, additional mergers were completed, increasing the operational strength of the USO and resulting in the establishment of
the Southeast Regional Office. The reach of today’s USO extends to over 250 centers worldwide, staffed by over 20,000 volunteer personnel dedicated to delivering best-in-class services to those who serve.

Globally, USO operations are organized into five geographic regions—Indo-Pacific, Europe-Middle East-Africa (EMEA), US-North, US-Southeast, and US-West. Leadership teams in these regions manage operations and provide strategic support for military personnel, ensuring an effective response to their needs.

The USO is a congressionally chartered, private organization reliant on the generosity of individuals,
organizations, and corporations. The USO employs 700 staff members, with an annual revenue of $170 million, and its national headquarters are located in Arlington, Virginia.

The USO's commitment to being the vital bridge between Americans and their service members has withstood the test of time. As the needs of the Armed Forces evolve, the USO remains agile and responsive, reallocating resources and adapting services to better support military families. With the continued dedication of its staff and volunteers, the USO will persist in providing its unique brand of comfort for as long as military personnel serve the country.

For more information, please visit: https://www.uso.org/.

Position Summary:

Reporting to the Board of Governors, the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the USO is the operational and strategic leader of the organization, with day-to-day responsibility for ensuring that the USO continues to deliver on its mission in a forward-thinking, high-quality, and financially responsible way. In addition, the CEO is the chief spokesperson, fundraiser, and ambassador for the organization, articulating its value as a national asset and its ongoing contribution to the men and women of the U.S. Armed Forces.

The CEO is expected to articulate and execute the strategic vision of the USO in a way that is highly relevant to the changing needs and interests of the servicemen and women who are its primary constituents. In advancing the USO’s mission, the CEO will continue to drive structural and organizational change to further unify the staff and volunteers who execute the USO’s important work around the world.

KEY RELATIONSHIPS

Reports to:
Board of Governors

Direct reports:
Chief Development Officer
Chief Financial Officer
Chief Government Relations Officer
Chief Human Resources Officer
Chief Marketing Officer
Chief Operating Officer

Other key relationships:
The USO Foundation Board Global Advisory Council USO Ambassadors
Senior Military Leadership
Relevant national and international legislators and government agencies

DESIRED OUTCOMES

• Accelerate the growth and effectiveness of programs globally offered to service members and their families by leveraging innovative delivery methods to increase the number of people served.
• Ensure effective change management, providing stability while fostering a more inclusive organizational culture that serves the military community while respecting the USO’s storied history.
• Continue to enhance the visibility and recognition of the USO’s brand among the next generation of service members to ensure continued relevance.
• Develop and implement impactful fundraising strategies that diversify revenue streams, improve financial sustainability, and ensure successful fundraising efforts, particularly among next-generation donors.
• Build and maintain positive relationships with donors and stakeholders, effectively communicating the impact of their contributions.
• Foster a supportive and empathetic work environment where staff feel cared for and valued, promoting unity within the organization to enhance mission delivery.
• Enhance public awareness of the USO and its mission and attract top talent in a competitive landscape.

Candidate Profile

The Chief Executive Officer is responsible for leading the United Service Organizations in its mission to support and uplift active-duty service members and their families. This role demands a visionary leader with unassailable character and integrity able to drive results through strategic oversight and operational excellence, ensuring effective program delivery that is aligned with the evolving needs of the military community. The CEO will cultivate strong relationships with diverse stakeholders, including government entities and donors, while fostering a unified organizational culture that emphasizes accountability and employee well-being. With an external focus on fundraising, innovation, and enhancing the USO's brand recognition among next-generation service members, the CEO must possess and cultivate a deep connection to the military community, demonstrated leadership capabilities, and the emotional intelligence necessary to navigate and inspire during periods of significant evolution and change.

IDEAL EXPERIENCE

Military Connection

A deep connection to the military community, ideally as a veteran or military spouse, to foster credibility and rapport with service members, staff, and volunteers and ensure a nuanced understanding of the USO's needs and activities.

Global Management Experience

Proven experience running a large, globally diverse organization as a CEO, COO, or C-suite executive, demonstrating an understanding of the intricacies of multi-stakeholder organizations, international operations and institutional dynamics. Past success within a federated or other complex not-for profit organizations, and/or success navigating government relationships and promoting advocacy efforts is additive.

Fundraising Expertise

Demonstrated performance in fundraising with a strong track record of securing diverse funding streams, including from major donors, foundations, and public sources.

Technological Forward-Thinking

Forward-looking regarding technology, with experience utilizing it to enhance organizational efficiency and effectiveness in service delivery and fundraising efforts.

Inspirational Leadership

Proven ability to build and recruit talented cohorts of leaders and staff while fostering trust within an organization and being externally charismatic as the public face of an organization.

Emotional Intelligence

High emotional intelligence combined with a “people first” mentality, capable of lifting team morale and ensuring employee well-being, particularly in times of significant change and adaptation within the organization.

CRITICAL LEADERSHIP CAPABILITIES

Driving Results

• Focuses on achieving measurable outcomes, particularly in program delivery and securing fundraising.
• Achieves financial goals while managing budgets effectively and ensuring financial sustainability.
• Exhibits curiosity to explore new or evolved approaches and processes.
• Identifies and acts on new opportunities to exceed performance targets.
• Seeks challenges and is energized by exceeding expectations.

Leading Change

• Takes personal ownership for advancing significant change.
• Fosters innovation while ensuring the team feels supported.
• Communicates a new direction or change with a clear rationale and sense of urgency.
• Adapts communication content, approach or style to appeal to different audiences.
• Demonstrates resilience and adaptability in evolving environments.

Leading People

• Communicates the vision and purpose of the USO with enthusiasm and passion.
• Promotes cross-organizational discussion to build or reinforce alignment around the organization’s purpose, vision, and direction.
• Enhances connections between “headquarters” and “field” personnel.
• Fosters open communication and a "people first" mentality to cultivate a positive organizational culture, boost employee morale, encourage creativity, and hold team members accountable for performance and growth.
• Demonstrates genuine empathy towards team members and stakeholders, understanding diverse perspectives and needs.
• Engages and relates to individuals across various age groups, understanding the dynamics of a multi- generational workforce.

FOR CANDIDATES

The USO is being assisted by Spencer Stuart in this important recruitment. If you wish to submit application materials or nominate someone to serve as the next Chief Executive Officer, please email: USOCEO@spencerstuart.com. For full consideration, please indicate your interest by May 7th, 2025.