About ABC Eastern Pennsylvania

The Associated Builders and Contractors (ABC) Eastern Pennsylvania Chapter is one of the region's leading construction industry trade associations, representing nearly 500 member companies and over 10,000 merit shop construction employees across 18 counties in Eastern and Northeastern Pennsylvania. Our members span general contractors, specialty contractors, manufacturers, suppliers, and a broad range of industry professionals including engineers, architects, attorneys, bonding and surety firms, and financial institutions.

With two offices (East Norriton and Allentown) and an apprenticeship training center, ABC Eastern PA delivers workforce development, safety training, political advocacy, and member services that empower the construction industry to operate at its highest level. Guided by the principles of merit construction and free enterprise, ABC Eastern PA is a mission-driven organization committed to championing the merit shop philosophy throughout the region.

The Opportunity

ABC Eastern PA is seeking an experienced, strategic, and operationally grounded Chief Operating Officer (COO) to serve as the organization's senior internal leader. Reporting directly to the President & CEO, the COO will be the primary steward of the Chapter's day-to-day operations, ensuring financial health, organizational efficiency, a strong workplace culture, and well-maintained facilities across all locations.

This is an exceptional opportunity for a results-oriented leader with deep experience in nonprofit or association management who thrives at the intersection of financial oversight, human resources, operational systems, and facilities management. The COO will free the CEO to focus on external strategy, member relations, and advocacy by providing a confident and reliable command of the organization's internal operations.

Position Summary

The COO oversees all internal functions of ABC Eastern PA, with primary responsibility across four core domains: Financial Management, Human Resources, Facilities & Operations, and Day-to-Day Organizational Management. The COO serves as a key member of the Executive Leadership Team, advises on operational and financial matters, and ensures the Chapter operates with fiscal integrity, compliance, and a culture of excellence.

Key Responsibilities

Financial Management & Fiscal Oversight

The COO serves as the Chapter's chief financial steward, ensuring sound fiscal management, long-term sustainability, and full regulatory compliance. Specific responsibilities include:

• Lead the development, implementation, and ongoing monitoring of the annual operating budget in collaboration with the CEO and relevant employees and vendors.
• Oversee all financial operations, including accounts payable, accounts receivable, payroll processing, cash management, and banking relationships.
• Produce and present timely and accurate monthly, quarterly, and annual financial reports to the CEO and Board of Directors, including variance analysis, cash flow forecasting, and trend reporting.
• Manage the annual audit process; coordinate with external auditors, CPAs, and legal counsel to ensure accurate, compliant, and timely preparation of the IRS Form 990 and all other required filings.
• Manage the annual membership billing and analysis to ensure consistency in messaging and budget.
• Ensure compliance with all applicable federal, state, and local financial regulations, including nonprofit tax law, state tax law, prevailing wage regulations affecting member companies, and grant or restricted fund requirements.
• Develop and maintain sound internal financial controls, policies, and procedures to protect organizational assets and ensure financial accountability.
• Manage investment accounts and reserves in accordance with Board-approved investment policies; provide regular reporting on portfolio performance.
• Lead Chapter budgeting for capital expenditures, training center operations, events, and member programs; track ROI across revenue-generating activities.
• Evaluate and manage contracts with vendors, service providers, and program partners; identify cost efficiencies and negotiate favorable terms when necessary.
• Provide financial modeling and scenario planning to support strategic decision-making by the CEO and Board.

Human Resources Leadership

The COO is the Chapter's senior HR leader, responsible for building and maintaining a high-performing, engaged, and mission-aligned workforce. Specific responsibilities include:

• Develop, implement, and continuously update HR policies, procedures, and the employee handbook in accordance with applicable Pennsylvania and federal employment law.
• Oversee the full employee life cycle: recruitment, onboarding, performance management, compensation review, professional development, and offboarding.
• Manage and administer all employee benefits programs, including health insurance, retirement plans, PTO, and leave policies; evaluate benefit offerings annually to ensure competitiveness and cost-effectiveness.
• Ensure compliance with all employment regulations, including FLSA, FMLA, ADA, EEOC, OSHA, and applicable PA state labor laws.
• Lead a healthy, inclusive, and positive workplace culture consistent with ABC's merit philosophy and organizational values.
• Oversee performance evaluation systems; provide coaching and guidance to managers on performance improvement, corrective action, and employee development.
• Manage employee relations matters, including conflict resolution, disciplinary processes, and terminations, in close coordination with CEO and legal counsel when appropriate.
• Lead succession planning efforts for key staff roles in partnership with the CEO.
• Develop and implement staff training, leadership development, and professional growth programs.
• Oversee payroll processing and ensure accuracy and timeliness; maintain compliance with all payroll tax obligations.

Facilities & Physical Operations

The COO oversees all physical assets and facilities of the Chapter, ensuring safe, functional, and well-maintained environments across all locations. Specific responsibilities include:

• Manage and maintain all Chapter facilities.
• Oversee facility leases, maintenance contracts, vendor relationships, and capital improvement planning.
• Ensure all facilities meet applicable health, safety, and accessibility standards, including OSHA requirements and ADA compliance.
• Develop and manage annual facilities budgets, including routine maintenance, repairs, and capital expenditures.
• Coordinate equipment acquisition, maintenance, and lifecycle replacement for offices and the training center, including specialized craft training equipment.
• Manage and maintain business continuity plans, including emergency protocols, safety systems, and technology redundancy.
• Oversee the procurement of office supplies, equipment, and services; maintain vendor relationships and ensure cost efficiency.
• Lead planning and execution of any facility expansions, relocations, or capital projects in coordination with the CEO and Board.
• Ensure all facility-related insurance coverage is adequate and current; manage claims and risk mitigation.

Day-to-Day Organizational Management

The COO ensures the smooth, coordinated, and efficient operation of the Chapter on a daily basis. Specific responsibilities include:

• Serve as the CEO's primary operational partner; assume leadership responsibilities in the CEO's absence.
• Translate the Chapter's strategic plan and Board-approved priorities into actionable operational plans with clear accountability, timelines, and performance metrics.
• Lead and manage the Chapter's administrative staff and department managers in coordination with CEO; conduct regular team and one-on-one meetings to maintain alignment, accountability, and open communication.
• Establish and oversee operational systems, processes, and workflows that promote organizational efficiency and cross-departmental collaboration.
• Implement and maintain a data-driven management approach, including dashboards and KPIs for membership, financial performance, training center enrollment, event participation, and staff productivity.
• Oversee the Chapter's technology infrastructure, including AMS (Association Management System), CRM, financial software, website platforms, and IT service providers.
• Coordinate with the CEO and Board on governance matters
• Ensure organizational compliance with ABC National standards, bylaws, and reporting requirements.
• Manage organizational risk, including insurance coverage review, legal compliance, and policy adherence.
• Oversee chapter-wide project management, ensuring that cross-functional initiatives, events, member programs, training, advocacy are delivered on time and within budget.
• Foster a culture of continuous improvement; identify and implement operational improvements that enhance staff capacity and organizational impact.

Board Relations & Strategic Support

• Support the CEO in long-range planning, strategic initiatives, and chapter growth priorities.
• Assist in the development of non-dues revenue strategies, sponsorship programs, and member services to strengthen the Chapter's financial position.
• Support ABC National initiatives and ensure Eastern PA Chapter compliance with all national programs and reporting requirements.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Business Administration, Finance, Accounting, Nonprofit Management, or a closely related field; Master's degree (MBA or MPA) strongly preferred.
• Minimum of 10 years of progressive management experience, with at least 5 years in a senior leadership role with direct responsibility for finance, HR, and/or operations.
• Demonstrated experience managing organizational budgets of $2 million or more, with direct hands-on responsibility for financial reporting, audit coordination, and internal controls.
• Proven ability to lead, develop, and manage staff teams across multiple functions and locations.
• Strong working knowledge of HR practices, employment law (PA and federal), benefits administration, and employee relations.
• Experience with facilities management, including multi-site oversight, vendor contracts, and capital planning.
• High proficiency with financial management software (QuickBooks), Association Management Systems (AMS), and Microsoft Office Suite.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills; ability to prepare clear reports and present effectively to members, staff, and external partners.
• Strong organizational skills, attention to detail, and the ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced association environment.
• Unquestioned integrity, discretion, and commitment to ethical leadership.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience working within a trade association, professional association, chamber of commerce, or other nonprofit membership organizations.
• Familiarity with the commercial and industrial construction industry, merit shop principles, apprenticeship programs, or workforce development.
• Experience with prevailing wage regulations, OSHA compliance, and construction industry HR practices.
• Demonstrated experience with strategic planning processes and governance support.

About Associated Builders & Contractors Eastern Pennsylvania

The Associated Builders and Contractors (ABC) Eastern Pennsylvania Chapter is one of the region's leading construction industry trade associations, representing nearly 500 member companies and over 10,000 merit shop construction employees across 18 counties in Eastern and Northeastern Pennsylvania. Our members span general contractors, specialty contractors, manufacturers, suppliers, and a broad range of industry professionals including engineers, architects, attorneys, bonding and surety firms, and financial institutions. With two offices (East Norriton and Allentown) and an apprenticeship training center, ABC Eastern PA delivers workforce development, safety training, political advocacy, and member services that empower the construction industry to operate at its highest level. Guided by the principles of merit construction and free enterprise, ABC Eastern PA is a mission-driven organization committed to championing the merit shop philosophy throughout the region.

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