Chief Operations Officer

Chief Operating Officer

Another Source is proud to partner with the Center for Research Libraries (CRL) in the search for their next Chief Operating Officer. This is an exceptional opportunity to serve as the strategic partner and deputy to the President & CEO, leading enterprise-wide operations for a globally respected nonprofit that supports nearly 200 research institutions. The COO will help shape the organization's future by building scalable systems, strengthening operational excellence, and driving strategic initiatives across finance, HR, administration, and organizational operations.

The COO will work at the intersection of mission, finance, technology, human resources, organizational development, collections operations, and collaborative governance. This executive will oversee a broad operational portfolio while partnering closely with the President, Board, internal leaders, external finance professionals, employment counsel, and member stakeholders.

Library experience is not required. CRL is seeking an accomplished operational executive who understands how to lead complex, mission-driven organizations and enjoys creating the structure, clarity, and accountability that help strong institutions become more integrated, scalable, and effective.

Scope & Impact:

• Serve as the President's chief operational partner, translating CRL's strategic vision into coordinated execution across finance, human resources, technology, collections operations, procurement, facilities, and organizational administration.
• Lead the operational modernization of a financially strong organization entering its next phase of growth, strengthening the systems, cross-functional discipline, and management infrastructure needed to advance CRL's 2027–2030 strategic framework.
• Build organizational capacity by coaching leaders, clarifying decision rights, strengthening accountability, and improving planning and execution across the enterprise.
• Provide executive leadership for internal teams responsible for collections access and technology, collections acquisition and licensing, and human resources.
• Serve as the primary executive relationship manager for CRL's external accounting and finance partner, including its fractional CFO and accounting team, as well as outside human resources and labor counsel.
• Oversee annual operating budgets of approximately $7–9 million, funded primarily through member dues and program revenue.
• Help steward CRL's strong financial position, including substantial operating reserves and more than $10 million in long-term investment assets.
• Provide executive oversight for more than $100 million annually in licensing transactions managed on behalf of member institutions, ensuring disciplined cash management, strong internal controls, and operational efficiency.
• Partner with the President and Board to strengthen business intelligence, long-range planning, financial stewardship, enterprise risk management, and organizational performance.
• Improve coordination among program, operations, technology, finance, and member-service functions so that shared priorities move efficiently from discussion to sustained execution.
• Lead continuous improvement efforts that create scalable processes, modernize systems, strengthen communication, and improve the employee and member experience.
• Support thoughtful organizational growth by partnering with the President and directors to identify the staffing, systems, and operational capabilities required to advance CRL's strategic priorities.
• Help CRL evaluate and implement practical uses of emerging technologies, including automation, improved data practices, and artificial intelligence in library and organizational operations.
• Preserve the professional expertise and member ownership that make CRL distinctive while helping the organization become more integrated, resilient, and effective.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree or an equivalent combination of education and relevant professional experience.
• At least ten years of progressively responsible executive leadership experience with significant responsibility for nonprofit operations, administration, finance, or a comparable portfolio.
• At least five years of experience leading senior managers or multidisciplinary teams.
• Demonstrated success designing and implementing organization-wide operating plans, systems, policies, and accountability structures.
• Strong financial leadership experience, including budgeting, forecasting, financial reporting, long-range planning, internal controls, and presenting information to executive leaders or governing boards.
• Experience leading or overseeing human resources, workforce planning, employee relations, organizational development, and employment-law compliance.
• Experience managing enterprise risk, compliance, procurement, contracts, insurance, facilities, technology, or related operational functions.
• Proven ability to translate strategic vision into practical execution, measurable priorities, and sustainable organizational…