American Academy in Rome
Overview
Chief Operating Officer role at American Academy in Rome. The COO is the principal executive responsible for day-to-day financial management and operations, ensuring efficient, compliant, and mission-aligned execution of all support functions. Reports to the President & CEO; collaborates with the Executive Leadership Team; manages financial, operational, and administrative domains; oversees eight direct reports across seven departments. This role requires bilingual and cross-cultural fluency. The Academy is a residential institute for advanced work in the arts and humanities, and operates as a hotel, a dining facility, and a historic property subject to heritage oversight, with events and rentals broadly integrated into its mission. Base pay
$215,000.00/yr - $265,000.00/yr The range is provided by American Academy in Rome. Your actual pay will be based on your skills and experience — talk with your recruiter to learn more. Responsibilities
Serve as a key member of the Executive Leadership Team (ELT) and align strategy, advise the President and CEO, coordinate cross-departmental priorities, and strengthen the Academy’s overall effectiveness. Manage alignment and execution of operational systems with mission, programs, and long-term strategic goals. Lead and establish policy and protocols for high-quality, efficient operations within a culture of collaboration, accountability, and continuous improvement. Represent the Academy internally at Board meetings, meals with Fellows and visitors, and externally with stakeholders in both Italy and the U.S. Oversee daily operations of Finance, Facilities, Residential Life, Sustainable Food Program, HR, and IT. Ensure compliance with Italian and U.S. laws governing non-profit organizations; maintain tax-exempt status in both countries. Manage relationships with external auditors, investment advisors, and other financial partners to safeguard assets and optimize returns. Oversee the Academy’s endowment and provide regular financial analysis to Board committees (Audit, Compensation, Executive, Finance, Investment, Plant, Planning & Preservation). Develop internal controls and risk management framework to protect institutional integrity. Oversee capital improvements, renovations, and routine maintenance; supervise facilities and campus operations including residential life and dining services. Lead HR functions: workforce planning, recruitment, performance management, payroll, benefits, and compliance with labor laws in both countries. Provide strategic direction for IT systems, data security, and business continuity across platforms. Represent AAR in external engagements, including legal, governmental, vendor, and partner relations in both geographies. Support special projects and strategic initiatives as delegated by the President. Qualifications
10+ years of senior operational and finance leadership in nonprofit and/or for-profit organizations, with cross-border experience preferred. Strong background in financial management, strategic planning, compliance, and risk management in a multinational context. Fluency in English required; proficiency in Italian strongly preferred. Experience leading cross-functional teams and working across cultures. Ability to manage complex budgets, capital projects, and internal systems. Excellent communication and interpersonal skills; strategic, collaborative, and results-oriented. Seniority & Employment
Seniority level: Executive Employment type: Full-time Job function: Management and Administration Industries: Non-profit Organizations
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Chief Operating Officer role at American Academy in Rome. The COO is the principal executive responsible for day-to-day financial management and operations, ensuring efficient, compliant, and mission-aligned execution of all support functions. Reports to the President & CEO; collaborates with the Executive Leadership Team; manages financial, operational, and administrative domains; oversees eight direct reports across seven departments. This role requires bilingual and cross-cultural fluency. The Academy is a residential institute for advanced work in the arts and humanities, and operates as a hotel, a dining facility, and a historic property subject to heritage oversight, with events and rentals broadly integrated into its mission. Base pay
$215,000.00/yr - $265,000.00/yr The range is provided by American Academy in Rome. Your actual pay will be based on your skills and experience — talk with your recruiter to learn more. Responsibilities
Serve as a key member of the Executive Leadership Team (ELT) and align strategy, advise the President and CEO, coordinate cross-departmental priorities, and strengthen the Academy’s overall effectiveness. Manage alignment and execution of operational systems with mission, programs, and long-term strategic goals. Lead and establish policy and protocols for high-quality, efficient operations within a culture of collaboration, accountability, and continuous improvement. Represent the Academy internally at Board meetings, meals with Fellows and visitors, and externally with stakeholders in both Italy and the U.S. Oversee daily operations of Finance, Facilities, Residential Life, Sustainable Food Program, HR, and IT. Ensure compliance with Italian and U.S. laws governing non-profit organizations; maintain tax-exempt status in both countries. Manage relationships with external auditors, investment advisors, and other financial partners to safeguard assets and optimize returns. Oversee the Academy’s endowment and provide regular financial analysis to Board committees (Audit, Compensation, Executive, Finance, Investment, Plant, Planning & Preservation). Develop internal controls and risk management framework to protect institutional integrity. Oversee capital improvements, renovations, and routine maintenance; supervise facilities and campus operations including residential life and dining services. Lead HR functions: workforce planning, recruitment, performance management, payroll, benefits, and compliance with labor laws in both countries. Provide strategic direction for IT systems, data security, and business continuity across platforms. Represent AAR in external engagements, including legal, governmental, vendor, and partner relations in both geographies. Support special projects and strategic initiatives as delegated by the President. Qualifications
10+ years of senior operational and finance leadership in nonprofit and/or for-profit organizations, with cross-border experience preferred. Strong background in financial management, strategic planning, compliance, and risk management in a multinational context. Fluency in English required; proficiency in Italian strongly preferred. Experience leading cross-functional teams and working across cultures. Ability to manage complex budgets, capital projects, and internal systems. Excellent communication and interpersonal skills; strategic, collaborative, and results-oriented. Seniority & Employment
Seniority level: Executive Employment type: Full-time Job function: Management and Administration Industries: Non-profit Organizations
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