Sr. Director, Operations
About the Company
If you are passionate about the ability of American business to improve lives, solve problems, and strengthen society, the U.S. Chamber of Commerce is the place for you. As the world’s largest business organization, we believe in building a future that gives everyone the opportunity to pursue a better tomorrow. We make it our job today–and every day–to build the strongest relationships possible among the American people, business leaders, and elected officials in Washington, D.C., state capitals, and countries around the globe. For them and the businesses we represent, the U.S. Chamber is a trusted advocate and partner.
We are driven by the pursuit of innovation and partnership and hold ourselves to the highest standards. Our commitment to our members is matched only by our commitment to our employees. As part of our team, we will support your long-term career development while delivering relevant learning opportunities. We will empower you to lead, develop deep expertise, and find new approaches to solving the toughest challenges.
About the Job
The Senior Director of Operations to the Chief Policy Officer (CPO) is a key leadership role responsible for ensuring operational efficiency, organizational effectiveness, and seamless execution of priorities across the Strategic Advocacy Department. This individual will oversee high-level operations, manage projects, and contribute to the development of policy initiatives and deliverables. Acting as a trusted adviser to the CPO, the senior director will play a pivotal role in driving collaboration across teams, tracking progress on key initiatives, and ensuring that the department’s outputs are timely, accurate, and impactful.
The ideal candidate is a highly organized, detail-oriented professional with a strong background in research briefs, operations, and leadership. The candidate must possess excellent communication skills, the ability to manage complex projects, and a proactive mindset to balance strategic priorities with day-to-day execution. This role requires a dynamic person who thrives in a fast-paced environment and is committed to advancing the organization’s mission.
Responsibilities
Operational Leadership
Oversee the Strategic Advocacy Department’s operations, including managing contracts, budgets, and workflows to ensure efficiency and effectiveness
Serve as the primary point of contact for operational matters, resolving issues promptly and effectively
Working with his executive assistant, analyze and manage the CPO’s schedule, priorities, and communications to ensure focus on high-impact activities
Prepare briefing materials, research summaries, and presentations for internal and external meetings
Track and monitor projects, initiatives, and deliverables to ensure that deadlines are met and goals are achieved
Research and Policy Support
Lead and contribute to developing policy briefs, reports, and other deliverables that align with the CPO’s priorities
Conduct research and draft memos on key areas, synthesizing findings into actionable insights
Ensure the accuracy, relevance, and timeliness of all outputs produced by the Policy teams
Stay informed on emerging policy issues, research methodologies, and best practices to enhance the department’s work
Cross-Functional Collaboration
Facilitate collaboration between the Policy teams and other teams across the organization to ensure alignment on shared goals and initiatives
Lead or support cross-functional campaigns, initiatives, and projects, driving coordination and accountability among stakeholders
Act as a liaison between the CPO and other teams to ensure clear communication, alignment, and follow-through on priorities
Qualifications
Bachelor’s advanced degree (e.g., M.A., M.P.A., J.D., or Ph.D.) in public policy, political science, economics, or a related field strongly preferred
10+ years of experience in research, policy analysis, or a related field with at least 5 years in a leadership role
Demonstrated experience managing teams, initiatives, and projects
Experience working in policy, government, advocacy, or a mission-driven organization is highly desirable
Strong research and analytical skills with the ability to synthesize complex information into clear, actionable insights
Proven ability to manage multiple workstreams and initiatives simultaneously, ensuring quality and timeliness
Exceptional organization and time management and a keen eye for detail
Excellent written and verbal communication skills
Ability to present research findings to diverse audiences
Demonstrated ability to lead and inspire teams, fostering a culture of collaboration and accountability