[Hiring] Operations Manager @CFA Institute

Role Description

The Operations Manager, Research Foundation is a key operational partner to the Research Foundation Board of Trustees and Executive Committee, executing strategic priorities, governance activities, publication oversight, and stakeholder engagement on their behalf. The role sits at the intersection of Board priorities, research activities, operational processes, and external engagement.

Working closely with Board leadership, Research Directors, the Business Operations Associate, RPC leadership, CFA Institute functions, and external stakeholders, you'll lead strategic planning activities, monitor progress against objectives, support governance processes, and keep communication flowing across a complex, multi-stakeholder environment.

This role has dual reporting to the Head, Content Asset Strategy and the Research Foundation Board Chair.

Responsibilities

• Lead implementation of the Research Foundation's strategic plan and annual priorities, tracking progress against objectives and KPIs and reporting to Board leadership.
• Coordinate and lead governance activities supporting the Board of Trustees, Executive Committee, Governance & Nominating Committee, Research Committee, Planning and Marketing Committee and Finance Committee - including Board meeting preparation, succession planning, and the annual Vertin Award nomination and selection process.
• Develop and maintain project tracking tools, reporting mechanisms, and operational processes that support efficient execution of Foundation initiatives.
• Serve as the primary coordination point between the Research Foundation, RPC, and CFA Institute stakeholders, facilitating communication and collaboration across groups.
• Liaise with Research Directors on the research and publication pipeline, priorities, and agenda development, tracking projects through development, review, and publication.
• Lead content promotion activities and contractor relationships and engage with CFA societies to grow awareness of Research Foundation content.
• Maintain visibility into operational priorities, dependencies, timelines, and risks - escalating issues and recommending process improvements as needed.

Qualifications

• Demonstrated experience leading or supporting governance bodies, boards, committees, or executive leadership groups.
• Strong understanding of governance practices, budgeting, and nonprofit or association operations.
• Experience driving complex projects and operational management initiatives, with strong strategic planning and organizational skills across multiple, competing priorities.
• Proven ability to build trusted stakeholder relationships and lead cross-functional collaboration in matrixed organizations.
• Excellent written, verbal, and presentation communication skills.
• Proficiency with workflow management and project tracking tools.
• Familiarity with the investment industry, CFA Institute, and/or CFA societies preferred.

Nice to Have

• Experience working closely with Board leadership as a strategic partner.
• Experience within nonprofit, foundation, association, or membership-based organizations.
• Experience with promotion or marketing programs, and managing external vendor, contractor, or agency relationships.
• Familiarity with investment research, publishing, or thought leadership organizations.
• Advanced project management certification or governance-related training.

Benefits

• Expected salary range: $83,000 - $110,700 per year.
• Eligibility for an annual incentive bonus.
• 12% employer contribution to a 401(k) or pension plan.
• Comprehensive medical benefits package.
• Health coverage, generous time off, competitive retirement plans, flexible work options, and wellbeing and development programs.

Company Description

CFA Institute is the global leader in investment excellence and ethics. With nearly 200,000 charterholders across 160 markets, we promote professional growth, uphold ethical standards, and help advance better financial markets. Join a global organization committed to putting investors first.