Center Operations Specialist

About the Organization

The USO operates with a worldwide mission and offers a work environment that is both meaningful and rewarding. Team members are encouraged to put service first while enjoying a supportive atmosphere, strong benefits, generous paid time off, volunteer days, military leave, training opportunities, and education reimbursement. The organization also highlights a strong workplace culture, including recognition as a Certified Great Place to Work® based on the 2025–2026 survey.

• 96% said they feel positive about the organization’s support for the community.
• 94% are proud to say they work there.
• 92% said their work has a special purpose and is more than just a job.
• 91% felt welcomed from the first day.
• More than 88% agreed that employees are treated fairly regardless of race or gender.

Role Overview

The Center Operations Specialist is responsible for running the daily operations of one or more USO Centers, delivering outstanding customer service, and helping maintain a safe, welcoming, and friendly environment for service members and their families. The role also supports the planning and delivery of engaging, practical, and cost-conscious programs, events, and activities in and around the Center, and may include volunteer coordination and supervision.

Key Responsibilities

• Oversee daily Center processes to keep the environment safe, clean, welcoming, and economical, while ensuring facilities and equipment remain in working condition and sanitation and food-handling standards are followed.
• Interact with visitors, explain available services and activities, resolve issues, and where needed coordinate with vendors.
• Support budget control, track inventory and cash accurately, and prepare operational, financial, statistical, and ad hoc reports as requested.
• Maintain a detailed Standard Operating Procedure file covering local processes and Center activities to support smooth reporting and continuity.
• Assist leadership with planning and running operational areas such as programs, logistics, inventory, budget, social media, and database work.
• Help create operational communications and public awareness content, including announcements, stories, and photos for social media, local media, and website use in line with media guidelines.
• Support the planning, delivery, and review of new and existing programs, activities, and events on and off military installations, including coordination of materials, assets, and logistics.
• Help evaluate service needs in the assigned area, research possible new offerings, and implement approved changes to programs, events, or activities.
• Work with internal and external partners, including military contacts, community leaders, donors, partners, and media, to strengthen relationships and support the mission.
• Coordinate with colleagues to make sure programs and events have the needed volunteers, supplies, and materials, and act as a resource for program support.
• Share important updates with volunteers, maintain volunteer-related reports, and manage data such as hours worked and applications in progress.
• Guide volunteer applicants through the process, support volunteer training, organize recognition activities, run milestone and birthday reports, collect improvement feedback, and submit Volunteer of the Quarter nominations.
• May be asked to drive a USO vehicle or a personal vehicle for work purposes.
• Perform additional duties as assigned, which may include stepping in for the Center Operations Manager or other staff when needed.

Requirements

• A high school diploma or an equivalent credential is required.
• At least 2 years of relevant experience in event management, marketing, retail, customer service, recreation facilities, or a similar field is needed.
• Experience in nonprofit, military, multicultural, or international settings is preferred.
• Strong people skills, customer service ability, and problem-solving capability are essential.
• Must be able to interact professionally and with integrity with leadership, the public, and military audiences at different levels.
• Comfort using computers, electronics, Microsoft Office, volunteer management systems, and social media tools is required; experience with Digital Cheetah is preferred.
• Ability to use good judgment when dealing with sensitive or controversial matters and to manage confidential information discreetly.
• Must be self-driven, detail-oriented, able to juggle multiple priorities, and adapt quickly to changing needs.
• Should work well in a team environment and contribute to shared goals.
• Basic math ability is needed, along with proper cash and donation handling, reporting, project management, and budget reconciliation skills.
• Willingness to work non-standard hours when required.
• General familiarity with the military community is preferred.
• Must be able to obtain and maintain required credentials for Center access, including security, credit and/or background screening, SOFA status, and a valid driver’s license.
• Must be able to obtain and maintain a valid U.S. passport and, where applicable, a valid foreign driver’s license.
• Must strongly support the mission of the USO.
• For full consideration, a resume and cover letter are required.
• This position is based in Baumholder, Germany, and preference is given to local candidates within commuting distance.
• U.S. citizenship is required.
• This SOFA-status role 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 the specified conditions.
• A background check covering education, criminal history, and driving record is required.
• The listed responsibilities are not exhaustive, and additional work may be assigned as needed, including coverage in other areas to balance workloads or cover absences.

Additional Information

This role is onsite in Baumholder, Rhineland-Palatinate, Germany. The employer notes that the position may require flexibility around hours and the ability to cover different operational needs as assigned.

Why This Role Stands Out

The organization emphasizes meaningful work, a supportive culture, fair treatment, collaboration, autonomy, and the opportunity to make a visible impact in the community. Employees also describe the workplace as friendly, mission-driven, and highly collaborative.