The IIA Seeks Chief Operating Officer, North America

January 25, 2010

Company Background
Established in 1941, The Institute of Internal Auditors (The IIA) is an international professional association with global headquarters in Altamonte Springs, Florida, USA. The IIA is the internal audit profession’s global voice, recognized authority, acknowledged leader, chief advocate, and principal educator. Members work in internal auditing, risk management, governance, internal control, information technology audit, education, and security. 

The mission of The Institute of Internal Auditors is to provide dynamic leadership for the global profession of internal auditing. 

The IIA’s many activities include setting the standards for the practice of internal auditing, advocating on behalf of the profession, certifying qualified auditing professionals, providing conferences and seminars, producing leading-edge educational products, providing quality assurance reviews and benchmarking, supporting undergraduate internal audit programs, and conducting valuable research projects through The IIA Research Foundation. Moreover, The IIA provides internal audit practitioners, executive management, boards of directors and audit committees with standards, guidance, and information on best practices in internal auditing. 

In addition to the global headquarters operation, The IIA serves members and stakeholders through 250 affiliated entities comprised of North American chapters and global institutes.  

Key Responsibilities
The Chief Operating Officer North America (COONA or COO) is responsible for leading and managing a comprehensive array of services and programs to meet the needs of IIA membership in North America. The COO will interface directly with the Chairman and other members of the North American Board (NAB) in ascertaining their priorities and keeping them fully and currently informed on the status and operating results of the North American Operations Division of The IIA. The COO will lead three Vice Presidents with a program staff of more than 25, and will review on an ongoing basis services being offered and develop new programs as needs emerge. The scope of responsibilities includes all activities pertaining to Educational Programs, North American Services and Relationship Management. Management and oversight of personnel, finance/budgets, and contracts are key components of this role.

The COO will partner with her/his peers—the Chief Financial Officer and the Chief Information Officer—while also being responsible for all program planning, organizing, operating, and staffing. The COO is responsible for developing, implementing, and managing the program aspects of the annual budget in conjunction with the CFO and CEO.

As a member of the Executive Leadership Team, the COO participates in planning for corporate growth and aligning the strategic plan with the development of North American products and services. 

Essential Duties and Responsibilities include the following:

• Provide effective and inspiring leadership, as well as stewardship, of The IIA by providing strategic direction and operational oversight of North American programs and services. 
•  Implement and lead a continuous quality improvement process throughout the program and service areas, focusing on systems/process improvement. Promote regular and ongoing opportunities for all staff to give feedback on program operations.  
• Identify and develop a strategy for the North American Operations of The Institute consistent with the assumptions, priorities and objectives of the North American Board (NAB) and The IIA’s strategic plan in support of the current core business and new business opportunities to serve IIA members; 
• Partner with the President and CEO to represent The IIA with external constituency groups, including key volunteers, governmental, and private organizations.  
• Ensure that all program activities operate consistently and ethically within the mission and values of The IIA.  
• Prepare and submit an annual operational budget to the CEO, CFO, and NAB for review and approval, manage effectively within this budget, and report accurately on progress made and challenges encountered.  
• Ensure the continued financial viability of The IIA’s program/service units through sound fiscal management. Provide programmatic leadership and input for all strategic planning processes with the CEO and staff.  
• Participate proactively in the development and implementation of the strategic and operating plans of The North American Operations Division of The IIA through teamwork and collaboration with the CEO and Executive Leadership Team;  
• Direct and manage the internal as well as externally sourced, resources for the organization including partner organizations, consultant and volunteers using the most effective and efficient sourcing strategies;  
• Lead a high performing team of vice presidents and directors to the next level by further developing and implementing recruitment, training, and retention strategies. Establishes, promotes and reinforces a proactive, action-oriented customer-driven philosophy for the operations business units; leads, manages, and develops staff competencies and resources to enhance skills and teamwork;  
• Fosters a collaborative working relationship with all operating functions of the Headquarters to ensure integration of services and delivery platforms;  
• Perform special projects as assigned by The IIA President and CEO. 

Professional Experience/Qualifications
The successful candidate should possess the following:
Undergraduate degree required, Master's degree (M. A.) preferred; and a minimum of ten years of executive-level experience, with at least five at a senior level (vice-president, chief officer, or equivalent); staff leadership, budget, contract, and project-management skills are essential. Experience in the capacity of Chief Operating Officer of an enterprise with revenues in excess of $5 million is preferred. Experience in association management or as an internal audit executive is a plus.

Essential competencies include:

• Strength in strategic leadership, with the ability to lead others from creative idea to action required for tangible, sustainable results.
• Mission-critical technical and functional skills, coupled with solid understanding of processes and systems; demonstrated business intelligence and planning skills, supported by strong analytical thinking.
• Ability to perceive the need for innovation and to drive culture change.
• A creative thinker, aware of a wide range of organizational models from the nonprofit and business worlds.
• Grounded in a “big picture” perspective, yet able to work alongside others as a “player-coach.”
• Strong interpersonal skills; comfortable working through problems and conflicts.
• Effective in decision making, coupled with a high level of personal integrity and professional conduct.
• Strong dedication to customer service, particularly with a volunteer base.
• Team-building skills and a shared-leadership style that attracts and retains competent staff.
• Achieves productivity through effective communication using tools of empowerment.
• Effective communicator with the written and spoken word; able to adjust to the audience to ensure receptivity to the message.
• Leads by example; self-motivated and energetic in execution of duties.
• Experience with an international organization is an asset to any role within The IIA.

 Work Visa  
The finalist candidate must be eligible to work in the United States. The IIA will make every effort possible to assist non-U.S. citizens or non-resident aliens to obtain the appropriate work authorization. 

To Apply
Please submit a letter of interest to include your earnings history for the past five years along with your most current resume of qualifications to: personnel@theiia.org by the position closing date of Friday, February 26, 2010.