Chief Operating Officer

As a member of Defenders’ executive team, the Chief Operating Officer (COO) will provide critical oversight of all essential business and operational functions to ensure organizational priorities are fully supported and the organization achieves its mission and objectives in protecting wildlife and wild places. The COO directly supervises staff who oversee human resources and operational functions of the organization.

The COO will create and oversee the implementation of an integrated operational strategy in support of Defenders’ conservation mission. They must be a systems-focused and process-minded leader with experience scaling an organization, leading and motivating a modern, diverse and geographically dispersed workforce and overseeing the development of efficient, effective and secure systems and processes to maximize the effectiveness of the organization. They will work in partnership with the president & CEO and other senior staff to provide thoughtful, timely and strategic financial, fundraising, administrative and human resources counsel, including the management of a unionized workforce.

The COO will also provide advice and support as needed to the Board of Directors of Defenders of Wildlife and Defenders of Wildlife Action Fund.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Serves as a key advisor to the President & CEO in addressing a range of strategic operational issues, which includes reviewing and evaluating the efficiency and effectiveness of current business/operations functions, planning changes and updates to keep up with infrastructure advancements and collaborating with the executive team to set and meet Defenders’ objectives.
• In partnership with the Chief of Staff, develops and prepares monthly and quarterly reports and dashboards, as appropriate, to reflect key performance indicators and other metrics to allow the President & CEO and the Board of Directors to readily assess organizational performance.
• In partnership with the Vice President of Finance, oversees the preparation and monitoring of Defenders’ annual budgets as well as the management of internal controls, policies and procedures.
• In partnership with all department heads, administers annual work planning process and ensures work plans are aligned with budget realities, organizational goals and the organization’s current strategic plan.
• In partnership with the Vice Presidents of Finance, Philanthropy and Integrated Marketing, forecasts and addresses revenue surpluses or shortfalls to make recommendations as necessary for how to make adjustments and re-allocate resources over the course of the budget year to meet top organizational priorities.
• In partnership with the Vice President of Human Resources, oversees the development and implementation of all human resources (HR) functions that provides high-quality and timely service to meet the needs of a modern, collaborative and geographically dispersed workforce, including negotiations with the union and management of the union’s collective bargaining agreement. Ensures the organization is in compliance with the ratified collective bargaining agreement and any related amendments governing terms and conditions of employment for bargaining unit employees. Collaborates with leadership to promote a proactive and constructive approach to labor relations and ensures the organization remains in compliance with national labor relations trends, laws and regulations.
• In partnership with the Vice President of Human Resources Integrate transparency, respect, trust, and fairness into recruitment and retention strategies and promote positive mindsets among staff.
• Maintains organizational contracting policies and procedures and ensures compliance throughout the organization.
• In partnership with the information technology (IT) support team, recommends and implements leading-edge IT techniques to improve productivity, increase efficiencies, cut costs and maintain the latest products and practices throughout IT infrastructures.
• In partnership with the facilities team, oversees the management of Defenders’ headquarters building with support of a management company and evaluates options to optimize use of the building as an organizational asset; coordinates management of all leased space used by Defenders.
• Maintains cutting-edge and high level of technical and operational accuracy and quality throughout all of Defenders’ functions involving operational, fundraising and financial activities.
• Develops robust risk management policies, procedures and practices for the organization (e.g., record retention policies, procedures and practices) and keeps abreast of emerging threats and risk mitigation trends.
• In partnership with the President & CEO, develops short- and long-range operating objectives, organizational structure designs and staffing requirements.
• Provides strong and effective leadership, defining organizational expectations, monitoring progress and providing a work environment supportive of organizational accomplishment and individual growth.
• Assists with the implementation of the organization’s strategic plan.
• Performs all other related duties as assigned by the President & CEO.

QUALIFICATIONS:

Education: Bachelor’s (B.A./B.S.) degree or equivalent in a related discipline is required. An advanced degree and/or MBA is preferred.

Experience:

• 20+ years of progressively responsible experience and an exceptional track record in senior management.
• 10+ years with a large organization directing and supervising administrative, human resources, and operational functions.
• 7 years of managing at C-level and nonprofit experience is required.
• Experience managing office buildings, leasing, construction, and contract administration is required.
• Experience working with unions and a unionized workforce is strongly preferred.
• Experience scaling an organization, leading and motivating a modern, diverse and geographically dispersed workforce, and overseeing the development of efficient, effective, and secure systems to uphold the integrity of the organization.
• Experience in the conservation/environmental field is preferred.

An equivalent combination of education and experience may be accepted as a satisfactory substitute for the specific education and experience listed above.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities for All Defenders

https://defenders.org/knowledge-skills-and-abilities

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities for Chief Operating Officer

• Exceptional leadership skills, with a proven track record in successful workforce culture strategy development, staff recruitment and retention, team development, and organizational management with the ability to coach senior-level staff to develop and implement key operational and performance strategies.
• Must be a systems-focused and process-minded leader.
• Excellent problem-solving abilities including anticipation of alternative scenarios, assessment of risks and rewards, collaboration and consultation with others, and timely decision-making.
• Demonstrated ability to use good judgement and make and implement good decisions under stressful and sometimes ambiguous circumstances.
• Analytic and decisive decision maker with the ability to prioritize and communicate to staff key objectives and tactics when necessary to achieve organizational goals.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills.
• Knowledge of modern computer software and tools, as well as communication technologies to enable remote work and virtual meetings.

PHYSICAL ACTIVITIES, ENVIRONMENTAL CONDITIONS, PHYSICAL DEMANDS

Physical Activities

Frequency

(N)Never, (O)Occasionally or (C)Constantly

Ascending or descending ladders, stairs, scaffolding, ramps, poles and the like.

N

Moving self in different positions to accomplish tasks in various environments including tight and confined spaces.

N

Remaining in a stationary position, often standing or sitting for prolonged periods.

C

Moving about to accomplish tasks or moving from one worksite to another.

N

Adjusting or moving objects up to 10 pounds in all directions.

O

Communicating with others to exchange information.

C

Repeating motions that may include the wrists, hands and/or fingers.

C

Operating machinery and/or power tools.

N

Operating motor vehicles or heavy equipment.

N

Assessing the accuracy, neatness and thoroughness of the work assigned.

C

Environmental Conditions

Frequency

(N)Never, (O)Occasionally or (C)Constantly

Low temperatures.

N

High temperatures.

N

Outdoor elements such as precipitation and wind.

N

Noisy environments.

O

Hazardous conditions.

N

Poor ventilation.

N

Small and/or enclosed spaces.

N

No adverse environmental conditions expected.

O

Physical Demands

Sedentary work that primarily involves sitting/standing.

X

Light work that includes moving objects up to 20 pounds.

Medium work that includes moving objects up to 50 pounds.

Heavy work that includes moving objects up to 100 pounds or more.

Visit www.defenders.org to apply.

All employees are required to satisfactorily perform the essential duties and responsibilities of their positions. The essential duties and responsibilities listed above are not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties and skills required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of the job.

It is the policy of Defenders of Wildlife to provide equal employment opportunities to all qualified individuals without regard to their race, color, creed, religion, sex national origin, ethnicity, age, physical or mental disability, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, marital status, personal appearance, family/parental status, matriculation, political affiliation, genetic information, or any other legally protected characteristic in all personnel actions.

Please be advised this position is non-union eligible.