Job Description
Title: Executive Operations Manager
Department: Office of the CEO
Reporting to: Chief of Staff
Location: NYC - USA - This role requires regular in-office presence in New York City.
Compensation: $86K USD - 115K USD
Who We Are:
World Education Services (WES) is a non-profit social enterprise that supports the educational, economic, and social inclusion of immigrants, refugees, and international students. For 50 years, WES has set the standard for international academic credential evaluation, supporting millions of people as they seek to achieve their academic and professional goals. Through decades of experience as a leader in global education, WES has developed a wide range of tools to pursue social impact at scale. From evaluating academic credentials to shaping policy, designing programs, and providing philanthropic funding, we partner with a diverse set of organizations, leaders, and networks to uplift individuals and drive systems change. Together with its partners, WES enables people to learn, work, and thrive in new places. For more information about WES, please visit our website at www.WES.org
About the Opportunity:
The Executive Operations Manager is a key steward in coordinating the CEO’s most important activities, events, and engagements. This role works closely with the other members of the Office of the CEO (the CEO, Chief of Staff, and Executive Assistant) and other key stakeholders throughout the organization (including the Executive Leadership Team and Communications team) to help ensure the CEO’s time, presence, and priorities are supported effectively, and that the Office of the CEO operates as a high-functioning hub for strategic alignment and advancement across the organization.
This position requires significant in-person presence to support high-priority meetings, internal and external events, Board activities, and cross-functional coordination. The Manager will work closely with the CEO, Chief of Staff, and Executive Assistant to steward key processes, ensure follow-through on organizational priorities, and uphold and enhance the effectiveness of the Office of the CEO.
The Executive Operations Manager provides a strategic vantage point into WES’ work at the intersection of higher education, global mobility, and workforce development, and offers meaningful exposure to senior leadership.
What You’ll Do:
Steward the Operations and Effectiveness of the CEO’s Office
- Serve as the primary coordinator for major CEO activities (e.g., travel to flagship conferences and key internal/external events), working in partnership with the Executive Assistant and other key stakeholders to develop itineraries, ensure seamless logistical arrangements, briefings, speaker preparations, etc.
- Build strong, cross-functional relationships with key departments across the organization; maintain and enhance systems to anticipate and plan for key CEO activities (e.g., coordination of All Hands and external events preparations with Communications team; coordination of Canada Board meetings with Canada team; etc.)
- Develop a proactive understanding of the CEO’s (and by extension, Chief of Staff’s) priorities, and anticipate needs ahead of key moments.
Provide In‑Person Support for High‑Priority CEO Engagements
- Attend internal and external meetings where requested with the CEO, capturing insights, tracking commitments, and ensuring timely follow‑up.
- Support the CEO during major events, speaking engagements, and organizational moments as requested, ensuring materials, logistics, and stakeholder coordination are prepared in a timely way with exceptional attention to detail.
- Partner with the Executive Assistant to ensure all logistical arrangements (building passes, catering, etc.) are in place where needed. (While the Executive Assistant is the primary owner of logistical arrangements, the Manager will be requested to provide partnership and support where needed.)
- Represent the CEO’s office with professionalism, poise, and maturity in interactions with internal and external partners.
Support Board‑Related Planning and Execution
- Under the stewardship of the Chief of Staff and in close partnership with the Executive Assistant, coordinate the planning, materials, and logistics for Board of Trustees and Board Committee meetings. (The Executive Assistant has primary responsibility for logistical arrangements, while the Manager will generally lead preparation and presentation of materials; however, both positions will flex in to support each other as needed.)
- Take meticulous minutes and track/advance key follow-ups needed to support Board engagement and governance responsibilities.
Lead Coordination of Cross‑Functional Processes
- As/when requested, provide support for executive/senior leadership meetings, including agenda setting, materials preparation, note-taking and follow‑ups. In partnership with Executive Assistant, ensure meticulous logistical preparations for meetings.
- As requested, work with Chief of Staff/Communications team to ensure that key actions made in senior leadership meetings are communicated and executed across the organization.
- Where requested, support roll-out and execution of processes (e.g., goal-setting for CEO Direct Reports, etc.) where led within the Office of the CEO
Drive Strategic Projects and Communications
- Lead special projects as requested, including research, analysis, and cross‑functional initiatives.
- Develop presentations, briefing materials, analytics, and reporting for the CEO and Chief of Staff.
- Work in close partnership with the Executive Assistant to the CEO on itinerary development and calendar management for major meetings, programs and activities; provide coverage for CEO calendar, scheduling, and travel needs when Executive Assistant is out of office.
- Ad hoc projects and other duties as required.
Your Experience:
Required
- 5 years of professional experience in project management, operations, consulting, or executive support roles.
- Experience supporting senior executives.
- Experience coordinating high-profile events or Board-level activities.
- Bachelor’s degree or an acceptable equivalent combination of education and experience in a relevant field. Demonstrated ability to operate with discretion and handle sensitive information.
- Exceptional written and verbal communication skills.
- Strong strategic thinking, planning, and analytical capabilities.
- High emotional intelligence, maturity, and poise in interacting with senior stakeholders.
- Ability to build strong relationships and work with individuals at all levels of the organization; collaborative, courteous, and a team player.
- Ability to manage multiple concurrent priorities with resilience and ownership.
- Highly organized, detail-oriented, and proactive.
Desired
- Strong familiarity with leveraging AI tools to realize efficiencies.
- Familiarity with non-profit and/or social enterprise organizations.
- Ability to potentially travel 3-5 times per year (within North America).
What We Offer:
Joining our team at WES means embarking on a purpose-driven career with a global impact, where you contribute daily to making a tangible difference in the lives of people worldwide. You'll thrive in an employee-centric environment, with access to learning opportunities, pathways for personal and professional development, and recognition of your achievements. Our inclusive, mission-driven culture values employees and focuses on investing in our people through our culture, people framework, and programming while offering the flexibility of remote work options.
- Work-Life Harmony: We believe that success is all about maintaining balance. Enjoy the freedom of remote work and flexible scheduling, paired with generous time-off policies designed to assist you in maintaining a healthy equilibrium between your personal and professional commitments. Our comprehensive wellness programs and work environment are focused on fostering your well-being.
- Rewards and Recognition: Your dedication and achievements are the cornerstone of our success. We recognize the importance of valuing your hard work, which is why we offer competitive compensation, comprehensive benefits, and tangible rewards to celebrate your contributions.
- Professional Growth and Development: We are committed to nurturing growth within our team, recognizing that growth is essential to providing opportunities for career advancement and ongoing professional development. To prioritize your learning and success, we invest in comprehensive training programs and offer tuition reimbursement opportunities. We promote a culture of continuous learning that empowers you to thrive and evolve in your career.
- Innovation and Impact: Engage in work that directly transforms lives and empowers individuals and communities by expanding access to global educational and professional pathways. Join us in fostering a culture that values innovation, embraces new approaches, and leverages transformation to implement and drive impactful change.
- Community and Connection: Our team is made up of individuals from different cultures and backgrounds who have varying perspectives and ideas. Our diverse workforce reflects the global community we serve, and we take pride in it. We are committed to fostering a workplace where everyone feels valued, respected, and included. Experience the power of connection by participating in a range of activities, including employee-led resource groups, town halls, collaborative team events, meaningful volunteer opportunities, and initiatives that promote equity, celebrate diversity, and cultivate a strong sense of belonging within our organization.
Values:
- Opportunity - We open doors so people can build better futures.
- Inclusion - We become stronger, more creative, and more resilient when we embrace diversity.
- Equity - We uphold fairness and justice in our work and actions.
- Enterprising - We are resourceful, inventive, and driven.
Inclusive Recruitment Process:
We welcome all applicants, irrespective of their experience perfectly fitting the job description, as we value diverse and innovative viewpoints. At our organization, individuals who thrive in a culture of continuous learning and inclusive teamwork excel. We are committed to fostering an inclusive and accessible work environment where everyone feels valued, respected, and supported and welcome members of all backgrounds and perspectives to apply.
Our Commitment:
World Education Services is committed to fostering an inclusive workplace that reflects the rich tapestry of our communities, both in the US and Canada. This commitment is underscored by our unwavering dedication to providing equal opportunities to all qualified individuals, regardless of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, veteran status, or genetics. This commitment extends to every aspect of employment, from recruitment and hiring to promotions, training, and benefits. We comply with all applicable federal, state, and local anti-discrimination laws. For us, diversity goes beyond compliance – it's about embracing unique perspectives and cultivating an environment where everyone feels valued and empowered to reach their full potential.
If you require assistance and/or accommodation at any point during the recruitment process, please contact us at hiring@wes.org, we're here to support you. Our Talent Acquisition team is happy to work with you to find solutions that meet your needs.
For more information about WES, please visit our website at www.WES.org
This position is an existing vacancy and is currently open for hire.
