Chief Operating Officer

About MTS

The Marine Technology Society (MTS) believes that advancements in the development and use of marine technologies are essential to support responsible and sustainable use of the ocean. Founded in 1963, MTS brings together leaders across academia, government, and industry to exchange ideas, accelerate innovation, and build the workforce required for the global blue economy. MTS operates as both a professional society and a platform for mission-driven initiatives, including the MATE ROV Competition, the Ocean Enterprise Initiative, and Ocean Exchange.

The Role

The Chief Operating Officer (COO) is MTS's senior operational leader and the CEO's primary strategic and execution partner. The COO is accountable for the performance, integration, and health of the organizational core — ensuring that the Society's people, systems, programs, and finances are aligned and executing effectively to advance MTS's mission, strategic priorities, and next stage of growth.

This role requires both strategic leadership and functional execution. The COO sets direction and gets into the work, connecting and coordinating across a senior leadership team while staying close to all day-to-day execution. This position is fully remote and open to U.S.-based candidates.

Essential Functions

Operational Leadership and Execution

Own the day-to-day operations of MTS's organizational core. Ensure that membership services, programs, the MTS Journal, sections & committees, events, grants & contracts, HR, and financial compliance are performing at a high level and improving consistently, aligned with MTS's strategic plan.

Financial Management and Compliance

Oversee MTS's operating budget in close coordination with staff and the outsourced accounting function. Ensure strong financial discipline, transparency, and forecasting across all COO portfolio areas. Maintain compliance with all applicable regulations, including federal grant requirements (2 CFR Part 200 where applicable).

Revenue Growth and Business Development

Co-own MTS's revenue growth strategy with the CEO. Actively identify, originate, and pursue new funding and partnership opportunities across donations, grants, sponsorships, partnerships, and earned revenue.

Team Leadership and Culture

Directly lead, develop, and inspire a team of 6+ staff and contractors. Shape the conditions for high performance, professional growth, and accountability within the team and across the organization.

Programs and Member Value

Ensure MTS's membership services and legacy programs, including sections, committees, professional development, and the MTS Journal, evolve and continue to deliver meaningful value to members, partners, and the broader ocean technology community.

Cross-Functional Integration

Build the connective tissue that keeps verticals and operations moving in sync. Coordinate closely with flagship vertical leaders to ensure the organizational core enables and does not constrain their work.

Governance, Leadership, and Board Relations

Support the CEO in Board engagement through preparation of materials, coordination of governance processes, and follow-through on Board-directed priorities. Clearly define volunteer leadership pathways, taking a proactive role in developing and strengthening the leadership pipeline across all levels of the Society.

Travel

Represent MTS at domestic and international conferences, partner convenings, and business development engagements. Travel estimated up to 15–25% annually.

Requirements

Required

• Ten or more years of progressive leadership experience in a mission-driven, innovation, nonprofit, or membership-based organization.
• Exceptional written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to craft compelling narratives for diverse audiences.
• Demonstrated comfort representing an organization across the full spectrum of stakeholder engagement.
• Ability to operate fluidly at both strategic and hands-on levels.
• Demonstrated success building and leading multi-functional teams across operations, programs, and stakeholders.
• Strong financial acumen across the full operational cycle, including budget development and management, accounting oversight, financial reporting, and grants and contracts compliance.
• A proven ability to translate strategy into execution in lean, distributed organizations.

Strongly Preferred

• Deep familiarity with the dynamics of volunteer-driven, mission-centered institutions.
• Prior experience as a senior organizational leader — whether in a COO, Deputy Director, or comparable executive role.
• A demonstrated appetite for business development and external engagement, including experience originating and closing funding relationships.
• Experience supporting or leading organizations through meaningful growth or transition.
• Familiarity with federal funding environments, grant compliance frameworks, and the operational demands of managing government-funded programs.
• Background or genuine curiosity in ocean, marine technology, blue economy, or adjacent sectors.

What We Offer

• Base salary: $165,000–$185,000, commensurate with experience.
• Fully remote, flexible working hours.
• 403(b) retirement match up to 5%, vested immediately.
• 100% employer paid medical, dental, and vision (80% for dependents).
• 2 weeks paid annual leave, 2 weeks paid sick leave, and 11 paid holidays.
• $100 per month work from home stipend.

How to Apply

For confidential inquiries or to apply (current resume and 2-page cover letter), please contact chris.ostrander@mtsociety.org or apply via: MTS Career Center