US Chess Seeks Deputy Executive Director

US Chess is accepting applications for the position of Deputy Executive Director in its St. Louis Office.

The Deputy Executive Director oversees the day-to-day operations of the organization, ensuring that it runs efficiently and that all members of the team have what they need to succeed (such as equipment, supplies, record keeping and a safe and supportive work environment). The Deputy Executive Director will have a strong financial background that will assist the Executive Director in evaluating and formulating budget projections for the organization. The Deputy Executive Director also coordinates communication and information flow among and between stakeholders, executive management, staff, members, donors, and others within the broader chess community. This position reports to the Executive Director.

US Chess, headquartered in St. Louis, Missouri, is a financially stable and growing 501(c)(3) organization with over 115,000 members. Learn more about US Chess at www.uschess.org.

The desired start date for this full-time position with benefits is on or before October 23, 2024.

Responsibilities

• Provides oversight for US Chess Communications/Publications, HR, Accounting, and Member complaint functions.
• Reviews, analyzes, and evaluates policies and procedures, communicate changes to stakeholders, and leads implementation efforts as directed. Makes recommendations on continuous improvement opportunities.
• Serves as US Chess supervisor for all formal complaint processes within US Chess including Safe Play.
• Monitors and forecasts budgets by department.
• Improves membership service and satisfaction through policy and procedural changes.   
• Manages HR, including compensation, benefits, hiring practices and professional development opportunities. 
• Manages and maintains contracts. Manage vendors and associated contracts and agreements.
• Provides support to the Executive Director, such as scheduling meetings and responding to inquiries. Triage information from department heads for Executive Director’s consideration/action.
• Works with Development department to oversee grant management to ensure that (a) accurate and timely financial reports are made in line with grant requirements; (b) accurate and timely project reports are made in line with grant requirements, and (c) grant applications, reports and other administrative practices are prepared and submitted on a timely basis.
• Develops annual goals and activities in alignment with US Chess strategic plan. 
• Manages US Chess office.

General

• Communicates organizational policies, trends, status to entire US Chess staff.
• Maintain open communications with Executive Director and department leads for efficient operations.  
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Required Skills/Abilities

• Thorough understanding of practices, theories, and policies involved in nonprofit practice and finance.
• Significant experience with HR.
• Superior verbal and written communication and interpersonal skills. 
• Superior managerial and diplomacy skills.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite, QuickBooks Online, and CRM packages.  
• Highly ethical leader.
• Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail.

Education and Experience

• Bachelor’s in Business, Nonprofit Management or other related degree.
• At least 5-7 years’ operational/financial leadership experience within a nonprofit organization.

Qualifications

The successful candidate will possess strong communication, organizational, and interpersonal skills, and must have a demonstrated ability to work well under pressure and tight deadlines. A bachelor’s degree is required; an MBA or other advanced degrees and/or equivalent experience is strongly preferred. At least five (5) years of experience in non-profit management and prior P&L responsibility is required.

The successful applicant need not be knowledgeable of the game of chess, but he or she will be expected to become rapidly proficient with the core services of US Chess, infrastructure needs, membership services, ratings services, a network and system of administering the conduct of dozens of competitive tournaments weekly and managing some of the largest chess competitions in the world.

Special Note

The successful candidate will need to reside in the vicinity of the US Chess headquarters in St. Louis, MO. 

Salary

Commensurate with qualifications and experience.

Application

Interested applicants should submit (in PDF format) the following documents to Debra Robison (click here to show email address), using "Deputy ED Application" as the subject of the email: (1) a letter of interest, (2) a resume, and (3) three professional references. US Chess is committed to having an inclusive community, and as an Equal Opportunity Employer, does not discriminate in its hiring or employment practices on the basis of gender, race or ethnicity, color, national origin, religion, age, disability, family or marital status, sexual orientation, or chess-playing skills.

Deadline

Review of applications will begin immediately, and all applications must be received no later than 11:59 PM Eastern on Monday, September 23, 2024. Following a screening by the Executive Director, select applicants can expect to have a virtual interview over Zoom. The process will continue until the position is filled.