Chief Operating Officer, American Association of Neurological Surgeons

The American Association of Neurological Surgeons (AANS) is a national professional medical association dedicated to advancing the specialty of neurosurgery through education, research, advocacy, and professional development. The AANS was originally organized as a 501(c)(3) tax-exempt organization but modernized its structure in 2003 due to the increasing number of political and legislative issues affecting its members and established a companion entity, structured as a trade association under Section 501(c)(6) of the Internal Revenue Code.

To capitalize on the positive name recognition of AANS, the new 501(c)(6) entity assumed the name “American Association of Neurological Surgeons,” while the 501(c)(3) entity adopted the name “American Association of Neurosurgeons.” While many of the activities and functions remain under the 501(c)(3), the AANS serves as the umbrella organization, coordinating political activities and sponsoring major income-generating programs.

Today, representing approximately 12,000 members worldwide, the AANS operates through a multi-entity structure
, including AANS and its affiliated nonprofit entities, including:

• Neurosurgery Research & Education Foundation:
• Journal of Neurosurgery Publishing Group:

The AANS also partners with the Congress of Neurological Surgeons (CNS) under its umbrella.

POSITION OVERVIEW

The Chief Operating Officer (COO) is a key member of the executive leadership team and serves as the organization’s senior operational leader. Reporting to the CEO, the COO oversees day-to-day operations and ensures that the organization’s strategy is translated into effective execution across all departments and affiliated entities.

The COO leads a senior leadership team, with approximately 8 to 10 direct reports, and provides operational oversight across the enterprise, balancing strategic priorities with operational discipline in a highly collaborative, mission-driven environment. Success in this role requires the ability to align diverse functional areas, support physician and volunteer leadership, and drive organizational effectiveness across a complex operating model.

SCOPE & COMPLEXITY

The COO operates in an environment characterized by:

• Multiple affiliated entities with distinct missions, governance structures, and operational requirements.
• A matrixed organization with significant engagement from physician leaders, committees, and volunteers.
• National programs, meetings, publications, digital platforms, and data-driven initiatives.
• A senior leadership team with deep subject-matter expertise and functional autonomy.

The role requires strong judgment, comfort navigating ambiguity, and the ability to lead through influence while maintaining accountability and performance standards.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

Enterprise Leadership & Strategy Execution

• Translate strategic priorities established by the CEO and Board into executable operational plans across departments and affiliated entities.
• Drive cross-functional alignment, prioritization, and accountability to ensure initiatives are delivered effectively and on schedule.
• Serve as a senior advisor to the CEO, providing operational insight, risk assessment, and recommendations to support informed decision-making.

Departmental & Functional Oversight

The COO provides executive-level oversight, support, and integration. While direct functional ownership may vary by department, the COO ensures alignment, performance, and coordination across all areas.

Education & Professional Programs

• Oversees the operational execution of educational programs, courses, and professional development offerings in partnership with senior leadership.
• Ensures coordination between education staff, volunteer leaders, faculty, and external partners.
• Supports scalability, quality control, and alignment with organizational strategy and member needs.

Meetings & Events

• Provides oversight of national meetings, conferences, summits, and live events in partnership with senior leadership.
• Ensures effective cross-department collaboration related to program development, logistics, marketing, sponsor ships, and financial performance.
• Supports risk management, vendor coordination, and…