Center Operations Specialist

Position Overview

The Center Operations Specialist (COS) 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. The COS also designs, delivers, and assists in self‑sustaining and cost‑efficient programs, events, and activities in locations surrounding the Center(s), guides volunteers, and supports program delivery.

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, enforce sanitary and food‑handling guidelines, and maintain preparedness for use.
• Engage and interact with Center visitors, serving as a subject‑matter expert about amenities, tours, classes, programs, and services; troubleshoot and resolve issues. May direct and manage vendors.
• Help maintain Center operations within budget. Monitor inventory, handle cash, and provide data for financial, operational, and statistical 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 Center Operations Manager or other leaders, plan, oversee, and lead execution of operational areas including programs, logistics, inventory management, budget, social media, and database management.
• Assist with operations and program communications and awareness. Compile and prepare announcements, stories, and photos for social media, local media representatives, and website publications, ensuring content conforms to USO media guidelines.
• Deliver or assist in planning and evaluating new and existing USO programs, activities, and events on and off U.S. military installations, coordinating all functions, materials, and assets to ensure effective and efficient delivery.
• Assist Center Operations Manager or higher‑level colleagues in reviewing USO programs and service needs within assigned area, recommending new programs and services, and implementing resulting changes.
• With key internal and external stakeholders, develop, improve, and maintain working relationships with the U.S. Military, local community leaders, partners, donors, and media representatives to enhance awareness and generate support of the USO mission.
• 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, and maintain reports from the volunteer database related to hours worked and applications in process.
• Direct prospective volunteers through the application process, help coordinate on‑job training, implement volunteer recognition events, and 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 equivalent.
• 2+ years work experience in event management, marketing, retail, customer service, recreation facility or related role. Preferred: experience in a non‑profit, military, multicultural and/or global organization.
• Strong interpersonal, customer service, and problem‑solving skills. Ability to interact with USO Leadership, the general public, and military audiences with integrity and professionalism.
• Proficiency using computers and electronics equipment; working knowledge of Microsoft Office Suite, volunteer management software, 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.
• Ability to show initiative, self‑motivation, and attention to detail, manage multiple projects with competing priorities, and adapt to changing organizational needs.
• Willingness and ability to work non‑standard hours as needed.
• General knowledge of military community preferred.
• Ability to obtain and maintain credentials necessary to access USO Center locations and facilities, including security, credit and/or background screening, SOFA status, valid driver’s license.
• Ability to obtain and maintain a valid United States passport and foreign driver’s license (when applicable).
• Must be a strong advocate of the USO’s mission.

Details

• This position is located in Baumholder, Germany. Preference will be given to local candidates within commuting distance to the location.
• This USO SOFA status position in Germany is available to U.S. citizens only who are not normal residents of Germany or NATO family members with immigration visa and SSN and who meet specific conditions.
• 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 are not 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.

Benefits

Generous paid time off, including volunteer days and military leave, a 401(k) match, comprehensive benefits, and opportunities for training and education reimbursement.