Director of Operations

Job Description

Job Description

Position: Director of Operations

Location: Ann Arbor, Michigan

Reports to: Executive Editor, Math Reviews

This position does not include visa sponsorship.

Since 1940, Mathematical Reviews® (MR) has served researchers and scholars in the mathematical sciences by providing timely information on peer-reviewed articles and books. MathSciNet® , the electronic version of MR, presents a fully searchable database with many tools designed to help navigate the mathematical sciences literature.

ABOUT THE AMERICAN MATHEMATICAL SOCIETY:

The American Mathematical Society (AMS), founded in 1888, is a non-profit membership organization that is dedicated to advancing research and connecting the diverse global mathematical community through our publications, meetings and conferences, MathSciNet, professional services, advocacy, and awareness programs. The AMS has 30,000 members worldwide and offices in Rhode Island, Michigan, and Washington, DC.

WHY WORK AT THE AMS:

At the AMS we value excellence, inclusivity and teamwork. We work at the forefront of advancing and connecting the diverse mathematical community worldwide, and we are seeking curious, innovative, collaborative individuals to join our team.

• Excellent work-life balance with potential for hybrid work
• Generous benefit offerings including:
  1. 9.5% employer contribution to 403(a) Retirement Plan
  2. 100% employer-paid Life, AD&D, Short- and Long-Term Disability Insurance
  3. Medical and dental coverage with employer cost share
  4. Voluntary vision, Life/AD&D, and Long-term Care Insurance available through payroll deduction
• 12 paid holidays
• Generous paid time off
• Technology equipment reimbursement for applicable roles
• Tuition reimbursement

SUMMARY: The Director of Operations oversees the business and administrative functions of Mathematical Reviews (MR), a 72-person division of the AMS. This role provides strategic and operational leadership across key divisional areas, including finance, facilities, purchasing, and personnel administration.

Central to the role is fostering a collaborative, cohesive workplace culture and serving as a key organizational liaison. The Director acts as the primary bridge between MR and the broader organization, working closely with the Executive Office, Fiscal, Facilities & Purchasing, and Human Resources departments to ensure operational alignment. This role is a key member of the senior group that helps lead the division along with the Executive Editor.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

• Operational Oversight & Administration: Partner directly with the Executive Editor to direct daily operations, personnel workflows, and administrative functions across the division. Establish and enforce comprehensive policies regarding office environments, workspace allocations, and shared facility usage.
• Strategic Implementation & Governance: Act as the bridge between executive vision and operational implementation by leading key management forums; direct the planning, scheduling, and agenda setting for monthly leadership meetings and provide critical logistical oversight for governance bodies like the Editorial Committee.
• Fiscal Accountability & Compliance: Oversee divisional procurement and financial administration, ensuring strict compliance with organizational policies. Prepare annual operating, personnel, fixed asset, and capital budgets in alignment with executive leadership, and manage continuous fiscal health through monthly financial reviews and quarterly variance reporting.
• Business Continuity & Facilities Management: Serve as the division’s primary lead on the Society-wide Business Continuity Team, designing and updating comprehensive continuity plans. Direct facility operations, negotiate service contracts, manage vendor agreements, and act as the principal liaison for maintenance, space planning, and infrastructure improvements.
• Performance, Alignment & Engagement: Standardize operational alignment across leadership tiers, working in close collaboration with the Human Resources department based in Providence, RI to ensure cohesive personnel management and policy enforcement. Actively champion employee engagement by overseeing internal communications and divisional event planning to cultivate a high-performing team culture.
• Executive Alliance: Partner directly with executive leadership to absorb internal operational burdens, serving as a trusted advisor and sounding board while enabling focus on broad organizational growth and external stakeholder relationships.

TRAVEL: Less than 5%.

INTERNAL AND EXTERNAL RELATIONSHIPS:

• Coordinate with Managing Editor, Director of Production, Director of MR Information Services, and Department Managers
• Coordinate with staff at all levels.
• Collaborate with departments across the organization, but more regularly with the Executive Director, Fiscal, Human Resources, and Facilities & Purchasing departments.
• Direct contact with outside vendors, contractors, and maintenance staff
• Coordinate with various volunteers and committee members.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES:
Yes

QUALIFICATIONS: To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• Bachelor’s degree required. In some cases, years of experience and certifications may be considered in lieu of a degree.
• 10 years business experience; 5 years fiscal experience and responsibility; 5 years management experience
• Practical knowledge in the area of Human Resources
• Experience with contractors and vendors relations, experience in purchasing procedures.
• Experience working in a non-profit environment is desirable.
• Excellent interpersonal skills: desire to assist, develop others and promote the development of staff.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills
• Management experience essential, superior leadership skills. Exhibit integrity and good work standards, acts as a role model for managers and staff.
• Ability to multi-task; excellent time management and organizational skills
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Applications and office-related IT tools
• Ability to handle stress; ability to see “big picture” perspective, with the ability to think creativel
• Commitment to the mission of the Society

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ATTRIBUTES AND COMPETENCIES: The following attributes and competencies are indicators of the skills and/or behaviors necessary to successfully perform the essential functions of the position.

• Demonstrates understanding of organization’s mission, structure, culture, and constituencies.
• Demonstrates knowledge of own department’s work activities and mission; understands how own job impacts work of department.
• Responds positively to changes in the organization and the workplace.
• Demonstrates flexibility in responding to work demands.
• Demonstrates and communicates respect for the opinions and beliefs of other people at all levels and fosters a climate of mutual respect.
• Plans and organizes work effectively.
• Accepts accountability for job performance and results.
• Works effectively with others in a variety of settings
• Uses communication tools effectively (e.g., presentation, verbal, writing, relationship building, negotiating, listening) to meet needs of audience and/or situation.
• Maintains professional composure in challenging situations.
• Exercises discretion in identifying, handling, and safeguarding confidential information.
• Addresses issues constructively, building cooperative relationships within and across departments.
• Receptive to feedback and willing to try different approaches in order to achieve the best results.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS: The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• Performing primarily sedentary work with limited physical exertion and lifting up to 25 lbs.
• Duties performed cause light fatigue of eyes, fingers, or other faculties due to long periods of standing, sitting or repetitive motion.
• Dexterity of hands and fingers to operate a computer keyboard, mouse, and other devices
• Capable of reliable attendance in the office during scheduled work hours

WORK ENVIRONMENT/CONDITIONS: The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• Typical office environment, climate-controlled, minimal noise.
• Extended work hours may be required to meet project deadlines or resolve unexpected problems.
• This position is required to be in-office.

EOE Statement

The American Mathematical Society is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, pregnancy, genetic information, disability, status as a protected veteran, or any other protected category under applicable federal, state, and local laws .

Other duties disclaimer: Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change at any time with or without notice. It is not intended as an employment contract.