Position: Grand Secretary/COO

Department: Grand Secretary | Location: Chicago, IL

Position Description

The BPO Elks is one of the oldest and largest fraternal organizations in the country and has more than 750,000 members, both men and women, in nearly 1,800 communities all over the country. Founded in 1868, the Order is committed to charity and patriotism. Each year, the organization donates more than $60 million in cash and $350 million in goods and services to help support young people, veterans, the disadvantaged, the disabled, and groups that support patriotic and civic programs. Throughout its 155-year history, the BPO Elks has disbursed more than $3.6 billion in this fashion.

Be a part of the Elks’ quiet network of good deeds at the BPO Elks’ national headquarters in the heart of Chicago’s Lincoln Park neighborhood.

Bryan Klatt will retire as Grand Secretary of the BPO Elks at the end of the 2024-2025 Grand Lodge Year. The search committee is looking for qualified Past Exalted Rulers to be candidates for the position of Grand Secretary/Chief Operating Officer, the highest staff-level position on the Chicago campus reporting to the Board of Grand Trustees.

Responsibilities: The Grand Secretary/COO is responsible for the day-to-day and strategic management of the Elks National Headquarters’ Campus. The incumbent oversees all strategic and operational aspects of the organization including analysis, implementation, evaluation, and budgeting. The Grand Secretary/COO provides leadership; management and vision necessary to ensure that the organization has the proper operational controls, administrative and reporting procedures, and people systems in place to effectively grow the organization and ensure operating efficiency. 

 

Strategic management

  • Responsible for directing and supervising the day-to-day operations and administrative duties of the National Headquarters’ Campus, including strategic planning initiatives and human resource activities including overseeing the maintenance of the Elks Memorial Building and ensuring its upkeep is in accordance to the schedule established by the Elks Veterans Memorial Trust Trustees.
  • Responsible for establishing policies and procedures to manage the daily operations of the headquarters’ campus.
  • Accountable for the successful execution of organizational programs, policies and procedures. Responsible for overseeing the effective utilization of the organization's financial and human resources; implements changes and improvements as necessary including suggestions for financial savings for the Order and submit these recommendations and changes to the Chairman of the Advisory Committee.
  • Responsible for the development and implementation of the strategic plan, development plan and budget.;
  • Collaborate with Department Heads, the Board of Grand Trustees and the Budget subcommittee in the preparation of annual budgets for all Grand Lodge Committees and all departments at the Chicago Campus Headquarters.
  • Oversees/reviews the monthly financial statements and budget comparisons for all Grand Lodge Committees and departments.
  • Oversees audits. 
  • Makes difficult decisions in a timely manner, sometimes with incomplete information and under tight deadlines and pressure.
  • Other responsibilities may be delegated to by the BOGT as necessary and appropriate.

 

People Management

  • Accountable for hiring & discharge decisions.
  • Initiates salary actions.
  • Accountable for the work performance of the headquarters’ staff.
  • Responsible for training.
  • Provide coaching for career development.
  • Provides work direction, motivation, and guidance.
  • Ensure accurate records are maintained on all employees at Chicago Campus Headquarters’; including annual job evaluations and performance appraisals.
  • Collaborate with Advisory Committee to select, hire, and recommend compensation and disciplinary action for Directors and all other employees of the Chicago Campus.

 

Public Relations: Represents the Elks in a professional and appropriate manner at all times; Will have frequent interactions with members of the Board of Directors, members, employees, vendors, and the public.

 

Administrative Functions:

  • Serves as Secretary of the Board.
  • Arranges for Board meetings and keeps minutes of such meetings.
  • Reports to and attends Advisory Committee meetings.
  • Attend the Annual Convention, Board of Grand Trustees Meetings, etc.
  • Liaison to subcommittees, commissions, trusts, etc.

 

Requirements:

  • The Grand Secretary will be required to live in the Chicago area.
  • The successful candidate will have a minimum of a bachelor's degree and/or at least 10 years of related experience gained through positions of increasing responsibility, including a minimum of 5 years of management experience. 
  • Broad knowledge of non-profits, business administration, strategic planning, and business plan development is preferred.
  • Excellent problem-solving and critical-thinking skills
  • Superior management and interpersonal skills and communications (including writing) skills are required.
  • Ability to remain calm and focused in stressful situations
  • Must have the ability to analyze operational issues and develop alternative approaches to resolve them.
  • Must have the commitment to working in a collaborative management environment and an understanding of the unique aspects and demands of a membership organization.
  • Highly developed skills in organizational planning, management, presentation, etc. are required.
  • Knowledge of a variety of computer software applications in word processing, spreadsheets, etc.
  • Position continually requires demonstrated poise, tact, and diplomacy.
  • Position requires a flexible schedule/nontraditional hours and occasional travel to offsite and out-of-town meetings including attendance at the Elks National Convention annually.
  • Requires knowledge and understanding of the Grand Lodge statutes and policies.
  • Per the statutes of the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks, the Grand Secretary/COO must be a current paid Elks member and must have previously held the position of Exalted Ruler of his/her lodge. The explicit duties and responsibilities of the Grand Secretary are covered under Laws of the Order, Chapter 4, Sections 4.120, 4.130, 4.140, and 4.150, Chapter 9, offenses and penalties, and any other duties as may be assigned by the Grand Lodge from time to time or from the Advisory Committee.

Company-Paid Benefits Include Medical, Life, AD&D, Short-Term Disability, Long-Term Disability, Employee Assistance Plan, Vacation, Sick Days, Holidays, 401(k).

Interested candidates should apply online before October 1, 2024. The application process includes resume and cover letter submission, an online application, and the completion of pre-employment tests. Candidates will be required to complete a background check post-offer.