Executive Vice President of Operations

Children's Emergency Relief International (CERI) • Austin, TX

9d

About The Position

The Executive Vice President of Operations (EVP) is the leader responsible for making CERI’s mission happen at scale across cultures, across borders, and across every function of the organization. The EVP oversees all global programs and operations. The EVP must be a strategic and collaborative leader who fosters a high-performing, mission-driven organizational culture grounded in accountability, collaboration, inclusion, and continuous learning. The EVP serves as second-in-command, assuming the President’s full authority in their absence or unavailability.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in international development, nonprofit management, social work, public administration, business administration, or a related field.
• 10+ years of progressively senior experience in international operations.
• Demonstrated track record of leading global programs and operations across multiple countries simultaneously.
• Strong background in finance, organizational leadership, people management, and business processes required.
• Demonstrated experience engaging national governments on policy, regulation, and child welfare system reform.
• Experience managing programs in child protection, care reform, family-based care, child safeguarding, and/or related technical areas required.
• Collaborative Leadership: Demonstrated ability to build and lead high-performing, cross-functional, and cross-cultural teams; develops people, builds succession, and fosters an inclusive culture where staff at all levels can contribute and grow.
• Exceptional Communication Skills: Superior verbal and written communication abilities, with the capacity to clearly convey concepts, engage stakeholders, and inspire action.
• Cultural Competency and Equity: Demonstrated experience working respectfully across diverse cultures, nationalities, and organizational roles; elevates local voices in strategic decisions and actively advances gender equity and inclusion in staffing and programming.
• Child Safeguarding: Demonstrated personal commitment to child protection and safeguarding. All staff are required to comply with CERI’s Child Safeguarding Policy and Protection from Sexual Exploitation, Abuse, and Harassment (PSEAH) standards as a condition of employment.
• Mission Accountability: Connects every organizational decision to its impact on children and families; maintains ethical standards in high-pressure, under-resourced, and politically complex operating environments.
• Working knowledge of MEAL platforms, data visualization tools, financial management software used in international NGO contexts, and digital reporting systems.
• Valid driver’s license with a clear driving record
• Valid U.S. Passport
• Clear criminal background check
• Applicants must be authorized to work for ANY employer in the U.S. We are unable to sponsor or take over sponsorship of an employment Visa at this time.

Nice To Haves

• MBA, MPA, MSW, or advanced degree preferred.
• Proficiency in a second language relevant to CERI’s program countries.
• Experience with faith-based or values-driven international organizations.
• Graduate-level training or certification in child protection, care reform, or a related technical field.

Responsibilities

• Partner with the President to implement and oversee the organization’s strategic plan and long-term vision.
• Translate strategic priorities into actionable plans, objectives, and key results (OKRs) with defined milestones and measurable outcomes.
• Lead strategic initiatives that strengthen service delivery, expand geographic reach and partnerships, and diversify funding streams.
• Identify opportunities for program innovation, cross-country learning, and technology integration to advance CERI’s impact on children and families.
• Champion locally led development by actively building the leadership capacity of national staff and in-country partners.
• Assume the responsibilities of Acting President and provide full organizational leadership for an indefinite period in the event the President is unavailable, on extended leave, or no longer serving in the role.
• Lead technical portfolio strategy and oversight for all global operations, including oversight and support to the day-to-day operations of CERI Country office and the direct supervision of National Directors.
• Lead annual strategic planning processes in partnership with the President and country leadership teams, establishing clear performance targets, accountability structures, and resource allocations across all country offices.
• Develop and implement policies, processes, and systems ensuring compliance with statutory and regulatory reporting requirements, local labor law, and child safeguarding protection standards in each country of operation.
• Lead and facilitate inter-country learning and professional development opportunities to strengthen the impact of CERI programs and services.
• Develop and lead Monitoring, Evaluation, Accountability, and Learning (MEAL) strategy and implementation for CERI globally, including the integration of digital tools, data systems, and evidence-based learning cycles.
• Maintain and implement up-to-date personnel and financial policies and procedures in line with best practices and applicable laws and regulations in each country of operation.
• Lead emergency preparedness and response in partnership with country offices as needed.
• Collaborate with the President and finance team to oversee budgeting, financial planning, and forecasting.
• Oversee the financial planning and performance of international operations, including country operating budgets and all grants and contracts.
• Monitor financial performance, including review of monthly reports, and implement corrective actions as needed.
• Collaborate with Executive leadership on the diversification of funding through grants, contracts, institutional partnerships, and major philanthropy, ensuring compliance with all donor requirements.
• Represent CERI with governments, institutional donors, UN agencies, and peer organizations, building partnerships that advance care reform, expand program reach, and strengthen CERI’s credibility and impact in the sector.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with in-country stakeholders, including government ministries, child welfare officials, and community leaders, grounded in genuine understanding of local context, cultures, and values.
• Develop and maintain partnerships with research institutions, universities, and technical agencies to strengthen program evidence, innovation, and learning.

Benefits

• EEO Statement In accordance with Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and other applicable federal and state laws (e.g., the Age Discrimination in Employment Act (ADEA), and the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), it is our policy to provide equal employment opportunity and treat all employees equally regardless of race, religion, national origin, color, sex, or any other classification made unlawful or prohibited by federal, state and/or local laws, such as age, citizenship status, veteran or military status, or disability. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including hiring, promotion, demotion, compensation, training, working conditions, transfer, job assignments, benefits, layoff, and termination.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Executive