Senior Business Operations Specialist

The Journalism Education Association is hiring a Senior Business Operations Specialist to fulfill our mission of supporting free and responsible scholastic journalism. The Senior Business Operations Specialist will be responsible for the main areas outlined but not limited to these as the role evolves within our organization. The Specialist serves as a key organizational partner responsible for the effective execution, coordination, and continuous improvement of the association's business operations, governance administration, and organizational systems.

This position provides high-level operational and administrative support to the Executive Director, serves as a key partner in advancing initiatives and works collaboratively across the organization to ensure efficient, compliant, and well-documented business practices.

The position manages critical functions related to financial administration, governance support, organizational compliance, business continuity, operational processes, and strategic initiatives. The position serves as a liaison with external business partners, including accounting and audit firms, and ensures the timely and accurate administration of organizational records, policies, and procedures.

The position requires a solid understanding of basic accounting, budgeting and business management principles as well as association governance operating procedures. This role requires a highly organized, proactive, and adaptable professional who is committed to operational excellence, continuous improvement, and advancing the mission of the association. This position carries organization-wide responsibility for the coordination, documentation and execution of JEA’s business operations that will include confidential information.

As a senior individual contributor, this position exercises significant independent judgment, initiative, discretion, professionalism and problem-solving in managing complex, confidential and sensitive matters.

While the position does not directly supervise staff, it provides leadership through process management, cross-functional collaboration, and organizational expertise to support the successful achievement of association goals and priorities according to the JEA policies, bylaws and legal compliance.

% of time Duties / Responsibilities Essential / Marginal

• Serve as liaison to the association's accounting firm and other financial partners.
• Process accounts payable and other financial transactions in accordance with established policies and procedures.
• Reconcile financial records and manage Quick Books administration as well as related software and supporting documentation.
• Monitor bank accounts, balances, and cash flow activity and communicate concerns or trends to the Executive Director.
• Ensure appropriate coding and documentation of expenses.
• Assist in the preparation, monitoring, and reporting of the annual budget.
• Prepare and organize financial documentation for annual audits, tax filings, and financial reviews.
• Maintain compliance, financial records and documentation in accordance with legal, audit, and organizational requirements.
• Administer travel and reimbursement processes for board members, volunteers and other authorized representatives, ensuring compliance with organizational policies.
• Recommend and implement improvements to financial and operational processes and internal controls.
• Other duties as assigned including, but not limited to, invoices, deposits and membership records using association management system.

• Provide high-level administrative and operational support to the Executive Director to advance organizational priorities and ensure efficient operations as assigned.
• Serve as a strategic partner and assist the Executive Director in strategic execution.
• Conduct research, compile information, and prepare briefing materials, reports, and background documents for meetings, presentations, and decision-making.
• Assist in tracking organizational priorities, strategic initiatives, and follow-up items to support timely execution and accountability.
• Support the Executive Director in managing sensitive and confidential matters with discretion and professionalism.
• Coordinate and maintain governance processes and practices in accordance with the association's bylaws, policies, and established practices.
• Prepare and maintain official board and committee records, minutes, motions, elections, and related governance documents.
• Ensure accurate retention, organization, and accessibility of official organizational records.
• Coordinate board elections and other governance-related activities as assigned.

• Lead the development, documentation, maintenance, and continuous improvement of organizational processes and standard operating procedures.
• Coordinate organizational compliance activities and maintain…