Center Operations Specialist

About the role

The Center Operations Specialist supports the smooth running of one or more USO Centers by handling daily operations, delivering excellent service, and helping create a safe, welcoming, and friendly space for service members and their families. The role also contributes to planning and running engaging, self-sustaining, and cost-conscious programs, events, and activities around the Center.

USO describes its work environment as mission-driven, collaborative, and rewarding, with generous paid time off, including volunteer days and military leave, a strong 401(k) match, comprehensive benefits, and learning and education reimbursement. The organization also highlights a culture of pride, fairness, community impact, and fun.

Key responsibilities

• Carry out daily Center procedures and keep the environment safe, clean, cost-effective, and ready for use, including care of facilities and equipment and compliance with sanitation and food-handling rules.
• Welcome visitors, answer questions about Center amenities and services, resolve issues, and support vendor coordination when needed.
• Support budget tracking, inventory control, cash handling, and preparation of operational, financial, statistical, and ad hoc reports.
• Maintain a Standard Operating Procedure file covering local processes and Center activities to support reporting and smooth handovers.
• When assigned, help plan and oversee operational work such as programming, logistics, inventory, budgets, social media, and database administration.
• Help produce and share communications such as announcements, stories, and photos for social media, local media, and website content in line with media guidelines.
• Support the planning, delivery, and review of new and existing programs, activities, and events on and off military installations, ensuring efficient execution and proper coordination of resources.
• Contribute to research and recommendations for improved programs and services, and implement approved changes.
• Build and maintain relationships with military stakeholders, community leaders, partners, donors, and media contacts to strengthen awareness and support for the mission.
• Coordinate with colleagues to ensure enough volunteers, materials, and supplies are available for programs and events, and act as a resource for volunteers and staff.
• Share updates with volunteers, maintain volunteer records and reports, guide applicants through the process, support training, recognize volunteer contributions, and submit award nominations.
• Operate a USO or personal vehicle when required.
• Take on additional duties, including stepping in for the Center Operations Manager or other roles when directed.

Requirements

• High school diploma or an equivalent qualification.
• At least 2 years of relevant experience in event management, marketing, retail, customer service, recreation facilities, or a similar field; experience in nonprofit, military, multicultural, or global settings is preferred.
• Strong people skills, customer service ability, and problem-solving skills, with the professionalism to work with leadership, the public, and military audiences.
• Comfort using computers, electronics, Microsoft Office, and related software; familiarity with volunteer management tools and social media platforms is useful, and Digital Cheetah experience is preferred.
• Ability to handle sensitive or controversial matters with good judgment, confidentiality, and professionalism.
• Self-driven, detail-oriented, adaptable, and able to manage several priorities and projects at once.
• Capable of working well in a team-oriented environment and achieving results collaboratively.
• Basic math ability and knowledge of cash or donation handling, reporting, project coordination, and budget reconciliation.
• Willingness to work outside standard hours when necessary.
• General knowledge of the military community is preferred.
• Ability to obtain and keep required credentials for access to USO locations, including security, credit, and/or background screening, SOFA status, and a valid driver’s license.
• Ability to obtain and maintain a valid United States passport and, where applicable, a valid foreign driver’s license.
• Strong commitment to the USO mission.
• This role is based in Landstuhl, Germany, and preference goes to local candidates within commuting distance.
• U.S. citizenship is required.
• This SOFA-status position in Germany is open only to U.S. citizens who are not normal residents of Germany, or to NATO family members who have an immigration visa and SSN and meet specific conditions.
• A resume and cover letter are required for full consideration.
• Education, criminal, and driving background checks are required.
• The job scope may change, and additional duties may be assigned, including work in other areas to cover absences or peak workload periods.

Perks and benefits

• Generous paid time off, including volunteer days and military leave.
• Strong 401(k) match.
• Comprehensive benefits package.
• Training opportunities and education reimbursement.
• Mission-driven, supportive workplace with a strong sense of purpose and community.

Additional information

The organization reports strong employee sentiment, including pride in the mission, feeling welcomed from day one, and a belief that work has meaningful impact. The role may require coordination with multiple internal and external stakeholders and may include using social media and volunteer management systems as part of daily work.

Hiring notes

The position is for a full-time onsite role in Kaiserslautern, Rhineland-Palatinate, Germany, with location details also referencing Landstuhl, Germany. Applicants should be prepared for non-standard hours, credential screening, and the possibility of vehicle use as part of the job.