Center Operation Specialist

The Center Operations Specialist position is responsible for executing the day-to- day operations of one or more USO Centers, providing excellent customer service and maintaining a safe, friendly, and inviting environment for service members. This position also manages delivers, and may assist in designing, high-quality, self-sustaining, and cost-efficient programs, events, and activities in locations surrounding the Center(s). It provides valuable, engaging, and memorable experiences for military service members and their families, and may also guide and administer volunteers.

Principal Duties and Responsibilities (*Essential Duties)

• Execute day-to-day Center operational procedures, ensuring a cost-effective, safe, welcoming, and clean environment. Monitor and maintain facilities and equipment so that they are well-maintained and ready to use.
• Enforce sanitary and food-handling guidelines and regulations.*
• Engage and interact with Center visitors, and serve as a subject matter expert about its amenities, tours, classes, programs, and services; troubleshoot to resolve issues. May direct and manage vendors.*
• Help to maintain Center operations within budget. Monitor maintain, and accurately report on inventory, and handle cash. Provide data for financial, operational, and statistical reports as requested. Provide ad hoc reports as requested.
• Create and maintain a Standard Operating Procedure file that details local operational procedures and Center activities to enable prompt reporting, easy rotation, and follow-on.*
• As directed by the Center Operations Manager or other leaders, help to plan oversee, and lead the execution of, operational areas which may include programs, logistics, inventory management, budget, social media, and database management.*
• Assist with operations and programs communications and awareness. Compile and prepare announcements, stories, and photos for social media, local media representatives, and website publications, ensuring that content conforms to USO media guidelines.*
• Deliver, or assist in managing the planning and evaluation of new and existing USO programs, activities, and events on and off US military installations, including coordinating all functions, materials, and assets to ensure that these programs, activities, and events are effective and run efficiently.
• Assist the Center Operations Manager or higher-level colleagues in reviewing USO programs and service needs within assigned areas, including helping to research and recommend new programs and services. Implement any resulting program, event, or activity changes.*
• With key internal and external stakeholders, assist in developing, improving, and maintaining working relationships with the U.S. Military, local community leaders, partners and donors, and media representatives to enhance awareness and generate support of the USO mission, and to support successful program delivery.*
• Coordinate with Center colleagues to ensure appropriate and adequate resources including volunteers, materials, and supplies are available for all programs, events, and activities. Serve as a program resource to colleagues and oversee volunteer participation.*
• Communicate key information to volunteers, including shift openings, policy changes, development opportunities, etc. Maintain and generate reports from the volunteer database related to hours worked, applications in process/received, etc.*
• Direct prospective volunteers through the application process. Help coordinate on-the-job training for volunteers. Implement volunteer recognition events and run reports - e.g., award milestones/birthdays, etc. Communicate volunteer improvement suggestions to USO colleagues. Submit Volunteer of the Quarter nominations.*
• May be required to operate a USO or personal motor vehicle.Other duties as assigned, including backfilling for Center Operations Manager or other positions, as directed by senior leaders., * This position is located at RAF Lakenheath in Suffolk, England. Preference will be given to local candidates within commuting distance of the location.
• U.S. Citizenship Required
• This position requires candidates to be currently located in Lakenheath with sponsorship already in place. We do not offer sponsorship for this position. Candidates must have the ability to obtain an Exempt Vignetter and National Insurance Number.
• USO locations will adhere to local area and DOD guidelines regarding COVID-19 vaccination/testing requirements. Employees may be required to be vaccinated or tested regularly per local requirements.
• A resume and cover letter are required for full consideration.
• Background check - education, criminal, and driving required.
• The statements contained herein describe the scope of the responsibility and essential functions of this position but should not be considered to be an all-inclusive listing of work requirements. Individuals may perform other duties as assigned including work in other areas to cover absences or relief to equalize peak work periods or otherwise balance the workload.

DOCPER/SOFA/Logistical Support Status

This position is not eligible for support under NATO Status of Forces Agreement (SOFA) supplemental agreement articles 72 or 73.

• High School Diploma or equivalent.
• 2+ years of work experience in event management, marketing, retail, customer service, recreation facility, or related roles. Relevant experience in a non-profit, military, multicultural, and/or global organization preferred.
• Strong interpersonal, customer service, and problem-solving skills. Ability to interact with USO Leadership, the general public, and military audiences at a variety of levels with integrity and professionalism.
• Proficiency in using computers and electronic equipment. Working knowledge of various software, applications, and programs including but not limited to Microsoft Office Suite. General knowledge of various software, applications, and programs including but not limited to volunteer management software and social media platforms. Experience with Digital Cheetah preferred.
• Demonstrated ability to exercise sound judgment related to controversial and/or culturally sensitive subjects.Ability to handle confidential information with tact and poise.
• Demonstrated ability to show initiative, self-motivation, and attention to detail with the ability to manage multiple projects with competing priorities. Ability to quickly and easily adapt to changing organizational needs.
• Ability to achieve desired results while working collaboratively in a team environment.
• Ability to perform basic math and follow proper cash/donation handling and reporting procedures, business/accounting functions including project management and budget reconciliation.
• Willingness and ability to work non-standard hours as needed.
• General knowledge of the military community is preferred.
• Ability to obtain and maintain proper credentials necessary to access USO Center locations and facilities including but not limited to security, credit and/or background screening, SOFA status, and valid driver’s license.
• Ability to obtain and maintain a valid United States passport and valid foreign driver’s license* (in applicable locations/regions)
• Must be a strong advocate of the USO’s mission.