Chief Administrative Officer; CAO

Position: Chief Administrative Officer (CAO)

Job Overview

Reporting to the CEO, the Chief Administrative Officer (CAO) will manage day‑to‑day operations of AVMA Administrative Services LLC (AVMA Trust). The CAO will streamline internal functions including carrier and TPA oversight, the sponsored insurance program, communications strategy, claims oversight, member experience, engagement, and technology modernization. This role is based in our Schaumburg, IL office.

Key Responsibilities Operational Leadership

• Lead daily operational activities and ensure effective execution of strategic initiatives, including the integration of a one‑broker platform.
• Develop, implement, and continuously improve operational policies and procedures to enhance efficiency.
• Partner with the Head of Legal Services to maintain compliance with regulatory requirements related to the insurance program.
• Drive initiatives to modernize, document, and optimize business processes.
• Oversee member experience and conduct research to achieve best‑in‑class operations for the veterinary profession.
• Build and nurture relationships with external partners, stakeholders, and vendors.
• Lead, mentor, and develop a high‑performance operational team.
• Create a staffing culture of transparency, trust, and accountability.
• Supervise administrative and finance functions and manage external vendor contracts.
• Project‑manage additional initiatives assigned by the CEO.

Insurance Program

• Oversee staff and partners responsible for administering sponsored insurance programs.
• Monitor program performance, identify opportunities for improvement, cost efficiencies, and increased member penetration, engagement, and satisfaction.
• Establish metrics, monitor staff performance, assign accountabilities, set objectives, and prioritize initiatives.

Member Experience / Marketing and Communication Strategy

• Collaborate with marketing communications staff and outside consultants to develop and implement an effective program strategy.
• Oversee brand messaging and positioning across all channels.
• Enhance communications to foster transparency and collaboration.
• Manage outreach efforts to the broader community regarding sponsored insurance programs.

Finance and Accounting

• Provide oversight of the Finance and Accounting team to ensure accurate monthly, quarterly, and annual financials.
• Oversee budget creation and monitoring, including forecasts and variance analysis.
• Support efficient integration into a unified reporting structure.
• Establish best‑practice benchmarking to achieve an 8‑10 day close period for monthly and quarterly reporting.

Veterinary Services

• Oversee Veterinary Services, including Trust Vets, Student Services, and stakeholder relationships.
• Support the creation of organizational playbooks, SOPs, and other documentation to sustain growth.

Carrier Engagement

• Manage carrier relationships to ensure quality products, service, and industry‑focused features.

Qualifications

• Accounting degree strongly preferred; advanced degree, CPA, or professional licensure preferred.
• Life, Health, and P&C licenses a plus.
• Extensive knowledge of insurance programs and/or association‑sponsored programs.
• Minimum 15 years of experience managing business operations, with at least 10 in a senior position.
• Proven experience overseeing and developing strong teams.
• Long‑term project management planning and implementation experience, including digital systems and data‑security risk management (a plus).
• Demonstrated excellence in financial management, budgeting, forecasting, and key performance metrics.
• Direct experience with transformational leadership of people and systems.
• Change management experience and ability to execute.

Compensation

Base salary range: $175,000 – $185,000. Compensation decisions consider experience, skills, certifications, location, business needs, and internal equity.

Benefits

The AVMA Trust provides a comprehensive benefits package including health, dental, vision, life, AD&D, short‑term and long‑term disability insurance; FSA & HSA plans; generous vacation & sick time; 11 paid holidays;
Employee Assistance Program; and 401(k) retirement plan.

Application

Deadline for application: 01/25/26. Submit a cover letter, résumé, and salary requirements to apply. Equal Employment Opportunity: men, women, disabled, veterans.

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