Join Our Team: Chief Operating Officer (COO)

About ASEF

The American Slovenian Education Foundation (ASEF) connects Slovenian students and researchers with top academic and professional opportunities abroad and strengthens the network of Slovenians around the world. It operates as a US foundation (501(c)(3)) and a Slovenian public interest institution.

About the Role

We are looking for a person to lead the growth and development of ASEF: ensuring financial growth and stability, building relationships with key stakeholders, and managing a small operational team. The role combines strategic and external responsibilities (donors, public institutions, partners, the ASEF endowment fund) with leading a team of three colleagues who execute concrete projects and programs. This is an opportunity to make a significant impact and co-create an organization in its growth phase.

Key Responsibilities

• Development and Fundraising
  • Preparing and executing the fundraising plan and regularly monitoring the pipeline, from initial contact to contract closure.
  • Building and maintaining relationships with individual donors, foundations, and corporate partners.
  • Developing new revenue sources and funding mechanisms for scholarships.
• ASEF Fund Management
  • Operational management of the ASEF fund, including donor relations, restricted funds, and donor reporting.
  • Ensuring transparent and trustworthy allocation of funds in line with donor intent.
• Public Funding and Institutional Collaboration
  • Collaborating with key stakeholders, the Government Office for Slovenians Abroad, and other public institutions.
  • Monitoring relevant national and EU public tenders, as well as leading the preparation and submission of grant applications.
• Strategic Partnerships
  • Identifying and onboarding partners across corporations, universities, research organizations, and foundations.
  • Designing partnership packages, negotiating, closing, and tracking partner agreements.
• Team Leadership and Operations
  • Leading and developing a team of three operational staff members, including task and resource allocation.
  • Monitoring the implementation of the annual work plan and ensuring the timely execution of projects.
  • Supporting scholarship and other programs (applications, selection, tracking scholars, scholar experience).
  • Establishing clear internal processes and standards (travel orders, expense approvals, procurement, contracts, project management, scholarship administration).
• Financial Monitoring and Reporting
  • Tracking revenues, expenses, and liquidity in collaboration with the Executive Director and accounting.
  • Monthly reporting to the Executive Director and quarterly reporting to the Board of Directors.
  • Organizing Board of Directors meetings for the ASEF Foundation and delivering reports to the Board.
  • Maintaining the project dashboard and proactively flagging plan deviations.

Who We Are Looking For

• At least 10 years of experience in fundraising, partnership development, project management, or business development – ideally in the non-profit, academic, or public sector.
• Experience in preparing and managing national or EU public grant applications.
• Experience in people management or leading project teams.
• Ability to present confidently to donors, public institution representatives, and corporate leadership.
• Strong understanding of financial planning and reporting.
• Fluent written and spoken proficiency in Slovenian and English.
• Self-initiative, reliability, and readiness to work in a small, fast-growing organization where rolling up your sleeves is required.
• Advantage: Familiarity with the US academic or philanthropic environment and an established network in Slovenian business and public administration.

What We Offer

• A role with high impact and autonomy in an organization shaping the future of Slovenian talent.
• Close collaboration with an international network of academics, entrepreneurs, and donors.
• Full-time employment in an office in Ljubljana, with hybrid work options (working from home).
• A pleasant international work environment and engagement with programs and projects you will be proud of.
• Collaboration with distinguished individuals and institutions in Slovenia and worldwide.
• A motivated, positive team environment.
• Opportunities for career growth.

Application Process

The application deadline is October 15, 2026. Applications are accepted until the position is filled.

Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis, so early submission is strongly encouraged.

Apply via the link.

Application requirements: You must include a motivation letter (emphasizing relevant experience) and a CV, both in Slovenian and English.