Associate Executive Director Full Time

Company Description

The Open Worldwide Application Security Project (OWASP) is a global, open-source community dedicated to enhancing the security of software applications. With a mission to make application security more transparent, OWASP empowers individuals and organizations to make informed decisions about security risks. As a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit organization, all OWASP materials are freely available under an open-source license. The foundation supports a diverse range of projects, tools, events, and initiatives, facilitating collaboration among professionals worldwide.

Role Description

Location: Remote (US only, international travel is required at least twice a year)

Reports to: Executive Director

Type: Full‑time, Senior Leadership Role

About the Role

The Associate Executive Director (AED) is a senior operational leader who ensures the organization’s mission and Board priorities are translated into effective, compliant, and scalable operations. This role plays a critical part in strengthening organizational performance across chapters, membership, partnerships, finance, governance, and internal operations.

Working closely with the Executive Director, Boards, staff, and a global volunteer community, the AED brings discipline, clarity, and consistency to day‑to‑day operations while supporting long‑term strategic goals.

This is a highly collaborative role suited to a systems‑minded leader who thrives in complex, mission‑driven environments and enjoys building consensus and community that help communities succeed.

This role is only open to US citizens who reside in the lower 48 states. A background check is necessary.

What You’ll DoFinance & Administrative Leadership

• Oversee accounts receivable, accounts payable, and administrative invoicing.
• Review credit card statements and pay after approval from the ED and Treasurer (if applicable).
• Ensure that staff have submitted all expense claims by the 5^th of every month in Dext with all necessary receipts.
• Ensure that monthly OIL uncategorized income and expenditures are properly categorized.
• Provide any documentation or support that our accountants or auditors need.
• Maintain vendor relationships and manage contract renewals within the CRM.
• Procurement and contracting negotiations and oversight
• Procure and manage general liability, D&O, and event insurance for US and EU entities.
• Document and improve financial processes and internal controls.
• Access to a local branch of OWASP’s financial institutions
• I-9 Verification for new hires (US citizenship required)
• Support the annual external audit process.

Board Governance & Support

• Prepare and maintain Board minutes, action items, and governance documentation.
• Manage the annual Director election process.
• Oversee Board onboarding, offboarding, and conflict‑of‑interest disclosures.

Organizational Operations & Compliance

• Maintain repositories for contracts, legal agreements, and operational documentation.
• Conduct periodic compliance and signatory audits.
• Serve as staff liaison to community committees that have no other staff liaison.
• Lead operational planning and continuous process improvement initiatives.

Reporting & Strategic Support

• Prepare monthly operational reports for the Board.
• Support strategic planning, policy development, and risk management.
• Contribute to long‑term organizational initiatives.

Chapter & Community Development

• Oversee chapter health, compliance, audits, and revitalization efforts.
• Lead chapter expansion initiatives in high‑population or strategic regions.
• Partner with marketing to support chapter visibility and engagement.
• Supervise chapter‑related work of the Community Support Associate.

Membership Strategy & Stewardship

• Lead membership growth, retention, and engagement strategies.
• Coordinate membership promotions and campaigns with marketing.
• Manage annual recognition programs, including Distinguished Lifetime Membership nominations.
• Oversee membership audits and ensure data accuracy and integrity.
• Supervise membership‑related work of the Community Support Associate.

What Success Looks Like

• Financial and operational processes are documented, reliable, and audit‑ready.
• Monthly staff expense claims are reviewed and approved on time
• Board operations, elections, and governance processes run smoothly and on time.
• Chapters are compliant, supported, and growing.
• Membership engagement and satisfaction continue to improve year over year.
• Staff, volunteers, and partners experience clear communication and effective support.

Core Competencies

• Strategic and operational leadership
• Nonprofit governance and Board relations
• Financial and administrative acumen
• Community and membership engagement
• Partnership and stakeholder management
• Clear, professional communication
• Process improvement and compliance management
• People leadership and team supervision

QualificationsRequired

• Demonstrated experience in nonprofit operations, governance, or organizational management
• Strong financial literacy (AP/AR, vendor management, audit support)
• Bachelor’s degree in nonprofit management, business administration, public administration, or a related field — or equivalent senior‑level experience
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills
• Ability to manage multiple priorities in a mission‑driven environment

Preferred

• Experience with OWASP’s community in some form, whether as a leader, contributor, or participant
• Master’s degree (MBA, MPA, MNLM, or similar)
• Experience in a membership‑based or chapter‑based nonprofit
• Familiarity with insurance procurement
• Experience managing nonprofit elections and supporting other Board activities
• Background in community engagement or volunteer management

Experience

• 5–8 years of progressively responsible nonprofit leadership experience
• Staff supervision and cross‑functional leadership experience
• Direct experience supporting Boards, elections, and governance processes
• Experience working with distributed teams or volunteer‑led organizations