Center Operations Specialist

the USO; Houston (TX); On-site; USD 42,000 - 54,000; Full time

Job summary

The USO in Houston seeks a Center Operations Specialist to manage day-to-day operations at one or more USO Centers, delivering high-quality customer service and maintaining a safe, inviting environment for service members and their families.

You will help design and deliver programs and activities, oversee volunteers, and ensure operations stay within budget while coordinating with leadership and external partners to maximize impact in the local community.

Qualifications

• High School Diploma or equivalent; 2 years related experience
• Experience in nonprofit, military, multicultural or global org preferred
• Strong interpersonal, customer service, and problem-solving skills
• Able to interact with USO leadership and the public with integrity
• Proficiency with computers and electronics; MS Office
• Experience with volunteer management software and social media platforms
• Willingness to work non-standard hours
• Ability to obtain and maintain credentials to access USO centers

Responsibilities

• Execute day-to-day Center operations to ensure a safe, welcoming, and clean environment
• Monitor facilities and equipment for readiness
• Enforce sanitary and food handling guidelines
• Engage with Center visitors and explain amenities, tours, classes, programs and services
• May direct and manage vendors; assist with budget and reporting
• Coordinate with volunteers and manage shift openings, training and recognition
• Create and maintain SOPs for local procedures and activities
• Plan, oversee, and evaluate programs, events and outreach activities
• Prepare announcements and photos for social media and media outlets
• Develop and maintain relationships with military community, partners and donors

Skills

Interpersonal skills

Customer service

Problem solving

Adaptability

Team collaboration

Education

High School Diploma or equivalent

Tools

Microsoft Office Suite

Digital Cheetah

Job description

Why join our team

With a mission that spans the globe the USO provides a rewarding and fulfilling work environment Our team is exceptional and we offer generous paid time off including volunteer days and military leave We have a remarkable 401k match comprehensive benefits and opportunities for training and education reimbursement Our team members are passionate about putting the mission first and we have a lot of fun while doing it Working for the USO isnt just a job its a calling and we believe in doing what you love and loving what you do A Certified Great Place to Work Dont just take our word for itour people have spoken According to the Great Place to Work 20252026 survey 96 feel good about how we support the community94 are proud to tell others they work at the USO92 say their work has special meaningits not just a job91 felt welcomed from day oneOver 88 agree all employees are treated fairly regardless of race or gender

The Center Operations Specialist Position

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 and delivers and may assist in designing high quality self sustaining and cost efficient programs events and activities in locations surrounding the Centers 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

• 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 and maintain and accurately report on inventory and handle cash
• Provide data for financial operational and statistical reports as requested
• Provide ad hoc reports as required
• 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 Center Operations Manager or other leaders help to plan and 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 Center Operations Manager or higher level colleagues in reviewing USO programs and service needs within assigned area 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 US 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 programs 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 processreceived etc
• Direct prospective volunteers through the application process
• Help coordinate on the job training for volunteers
• Implement volunteer recognition events and run reports eg award milestonebirthdays 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

Job Specifications

• High School Diploma or equivalent2 years work experience in event management marketing retail customer service recreation facility or related role
• Relevant experience in a non profit military multicultural andor 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 using computers and electronics 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 andor 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 cashdonation handling and reporting procedures businessaccounting functions including project management and budget reconciliation
• Willingness and ability to work non standard hours as needed
• General knowledge of military community preferred
• Ability to obtain and maintain proper credentials necessary to access USO Center locations and facilities including but not limited to security credit andor background screening SOFA status valid drivers license
• Ability to obtain and maintain a valid United States passport and valid foreign drivers license in applicable locationsregions
• Must be a strong advocate of the USOs mission

This position is located in Houston TX Preference will be given to local candidates within commuting distance to the location

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

Employee Quotes

• The organization truly cares about the people who work here
• There is great consideration given and extended in the following areas organizational core values for all work life balance impact we can actually see and even experience as a staff member the feeling of making an impact is priceless autonomy with respect to current position within the organization
• Everyone is friendly and easy to talk to
• We collaborate well together and share ideas and interests to create fun activities for our overall goal in the community
• I couldnt think of a better organization to work for
• The mission alone provides a positive and meaningful purpose where people should want to work and be a part of
• Most of the people who work for the USO and volunteer for the USO have giving hearts and want to make a difference
• This also makes the organization a place where people would want to work
• The mission and opportunities to make a Difference are amazing
• There is no doubt that the USO is one of the most forward facing frontline serving nonprofits that I know of