Executive VP of Operations & Strategy

Valliant Consulting Group; Albuquerque (NM); On-site; USD 150,000 - 200,000; Full time

Job summary

Visit Albuquerque is seeking a Vice President of Operations to lead core functions including Human Resources, Finance, IT, Risk Management, and Research. This role partners with the President & CEO to drive strategic plans, implement policies, and ensure operational excellence while managing vendor and stakeholder relationships.

The successful candidate will build high-performing teams, align operations with long-term goals, and support the Board and Executive Committee with timely reporting and

Qualifications

• Ten (10) years minimum of progressively responsible leadership experience overseeing multiple administrative or operational functions.
• Experience in operations, human resources, finance, IT, or organizational administration.
• Ability to develop implementation plans and drive cross-functional initiatives.
• Strong leadership, analytical, and relationship-building skills.

Responsibilities

• Lead Executive Leadership Team to advance Visit Albuquerque's mission and priorities.
• Translate strategic priorities into actionable operational plans with measurable results.
• Develop and improve organizational policies, procedures, and best practices.
• Oversee finance, HR, IT, risk management, and research functions.
• Manage vendor relationships, contracts, and risk controls; liaise with City and Board.

Skills

Leadership

Cross-functional leadership

Strategic planning

Risk management

Vendor management

Project management

Communication

Problem-solving

Education

Bachelor's degree in business/related field

Job description

As the official destination organization for the city, Visit Albuquerque is responsible for promoting Albuquerque as a competitive and world-class leisure, meeting, convention and sports destination, and enhancing its public image as a dynamic place to live and work. Through the impact of travel, Visit Albuquerque strengthens the city's economic position and provides opportunity for people in the community.

Visit Albuquerque is seeking an experienced and strategic Vice President of Operations to provide strategic leadership and oversight of Visit Albuquerque's core operational functions, including Human Resources, Finance, Information Technology, Risk Management, and Research & Market Intelligence.

This position partners closely with the President & CEO and Executive Leadership Team to support the development of the organization's strategic plan and lead the execution of key organizational initiatives. The Vice President of Operations develops and implements organizational policies and processes, oversees operational priorities, supports annual budgeting, serves as liaison for the City's contract, and provides support to the Board of Directors and Executive Committee, as needed.

This role requires a collaborative and solutions-oriented leader with the ability to build high-performing teams, manage complex vendor and stakeholder relationships, strengthen organizational systems and processes, and proactively identify opportunities to improve operational effectiveness while supporting the organization's long-term strategic goals.

This position provides leadership and strategic direction for internal operations while relying on subject matter experts and outsourced service providers for technical execution in specialized areas.

Visit Albuquerque offers employees a collaborative, team-oriented culture, opportunities for growth, a strong compensation and benefits package, and the opportunity to be a part of some of the coolest events in Albuquerque. Learn more at visitalbuquerque.org

Key Responsibilities

Executive Leadership & Strategy

• Serve as a member of the Executive Leadership Team, partnering with the President & CEO to advance Visit Albuquerque's mission and strategic priorities.
• Partner with the President & CEO to support development of the organization's strategic plan and lead execution of strategic priorities across the organization.
• Translate strategic priorities into actionable operational plans, ensuring initiatives are implemented effectively, on schedule, and with measurable results.
• Develop, implement, and continuously improve organizational policies, procedures, and operational best practices.
• Identify opportunities to improve organizational effectiveness through process improvements, technology, and cross-functional collaboration.
• Attend Board of Directors and Executive Committee meetings and provide operational updates, reports, and recommendations as requested.

Financial Oversight & Administration

• Provide executive leadership and oversight of Visit Albuquerque's finance and administrative functions, ensuring strong financial stewardship while partnering with the internal team and outsourced financial professionals.
• Partner with the Controller, outsourced financial agency along with the President & CEO and Executive leadership team in the development, implementation, and monitoring of the annual operating budget and financial forecasts.
• Oversee the implementation and maintenance of sound financial policies, administrative procedures, and internal controls.
• Oversee compliance with 501(c)(6) regulations, including executive-level review of the annual IRS Form 990.

Human Resources

• Provide leadership and oversight of the Human Resources function, ensuring alignment with organizational goals and culture.
• Partner with the HR Director on recruitment, onboarding, employee relations, performance management, compensation, benefits, and professional development initiatives.
• Ensure organizational compliance with employment laws, policies, and HR best practices.
• Foster a positive, collaborative workplace culture focused on employee engagement and organizational excellence.

Information Technology & Research

• Serve as the primary executive liaison for outsourced Information Technology providers, ensuring technology services support organizational needs.
• Oversee technology initiatives, cybersecurity efforts, and vendor performance.
• Partner with the Research & Market Intelligence team to support CRM strategy, organizational reporting, business intelligence and data-informed decision-making.
• Identify opportunities to leverage technology to improve efficiency, collaboration and organizational performance.

Risk Management & Organizational Operations

• Lead the organization's risk management strategy, identifying opportunities to reduce operational and organizational risk.
• Oversee the organization's business insurance program, including policy renewals, coverage evaluations, and relationships with insurance brokers and carriers.
• Serve as the primary liaison for the City's contract, ensuring compliance with contractual obligations and reporting requirements.
• Coordinate organizational business continuity, emergency preparedness, and operational resilience efforts.
• Manage relationships with key operational vendors and service providers, property management and leased equipment providers.
• Oversee all office facilities and physical operations, including maintenance, security, space planning, office improvements, and workplace logistics.
• Partner with the CEO and Executive Team on lease negotiations, facility planning, workplace initiatives, and office space changes.
• Develop, implement, and maintain office security protocols, including building and office access controls, parking procedures, and emergency response coordination.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in business administration, Public Administration, Human Resources, Finance, Organizational Leadership, or a related field required.
• Ten (10) years minimum of progressively responsible leadership experience overseeing multiple administrative or operational functions, including two or more of the following: operations, human resources, finance, information technology, or organizational administration.

• Demonstrated experience leading multiple organizational functions and developing high-performing teams.
• Experience developing implementation plans, managing cross-functional initiatives, and successfully executing organizational priorities.
• Demonstrated ability to move organizations from strategy to execution by leading complex initiatives, driving accountability, and delivering measurable results.
• Experience managing multidisciplinary teams and external service providers, with an emphasis on technology services.
• Strong understanding of organizational risk management, business insurance, and internal controls.
• Exceptional leadership, communication, analytical, project management, and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to build collaborative relationships with employees, Board members, City representatives, community partners, and external vendors.
• Knowledge of nonprofit organizations, destination marketing organizations, or the hospitality and tourism industry is preferred.
• Embody the three key virtues of an Ideal Team Player: humble, hungry, and people smart.
• An entrepreneurial mindset with the ability to think strategically while remaining hands-on when needed.

Note to Applicants: This search is being conducted by Valliant Consulting Group. If you require reasonable accommodations, please reach out to us and we will be happy to work with you. Visit Albuquerque is an equal opportunity employer.