Chief Operating Officer

Position Overview:

The Director of Operations & Impact is a new integral role that will support the Executive Director (ED) by overseeing operational and administrative excellence, strategic alignment, and organizational accountability. With a deep commitment to the mission of the organization and the people within it, this person will create systems that ensure efficient operations, administration, and strategy that harmonize with our mission and values. This person will partner with the ED: while she focuses on big-picture strategy, vision, and external relationships, the Director of Operations will ensure day-to-day operations and follow-through, creating a balanced, mission-driven environment.

Responsibilities

Strategy & Accountability:

• Clarification and Focus: Help the organization to clarify and operationalize priorities, align resources, and manage the organization’s strategy to ensure that each initiative serves the broader vision.
• Organizational Accountability: Partner with the ED to develop systems that hold the organization accountable to its strategic objectives, cultural commitments, and mission-driven goals.
• Portfolio Management: Manage the operational and administrative requirements of the organization; be ready to give the ED operational updates promptly on any aspect of the organization, proactively sharing key insights and recommendations with her across the portfolio to support strategic decision-making.
• Follow-Through on Strategy Execution: Increase the organization’s impact by operationalizing strategy and ensuring that decisions are implemented. In coordination with program managers, ensure the successful implementation and evaluation of programs.

Program Management:

• Understand Goals and Requirements: Understand fully the goals, processes, and reporting requirements for each of the National Council’s program areas.
• Policies and Procedures: Create and update policies and procedures for operations and all programs and ensure that they are followed.
• Relationships: Establish and maintain effective working relationships with National Council staff nationwide.
• Performance Monitoring and Improvement: Work with program directors to establish key performance indicators, outcomes, and accuracy of reporting. Recommend operational changes to increase effectiveness and efficiency of service.
• Program Reporting: Report on program activities, challenges/solutions, and results to the ED and other key stakeholders.

Compliance & Audits

• Audit Management: Organize and lead the organization’s response to audits, managing relationships with external auditors and working collaboratively with the CFO.
• Financial Compliance: Partner with the CFO on financial oversight, managing expense tracking, reporting, and accountability for financial transactions to ensure transparency and compliance.
• Financial Operations: Oversee day-to-day financial operations, including bill payments, so that the organization can focus on advancing its mission without undue administrative bottlenecks.
• Organization-Wide Impact Measurement & Data-Driven Decision Making
• Metrics System Oversight: Lead the development and maintenance of a metrics and impact system that provides actionable insights for strategic decisions.
• Data-Driven Support: Ensure that the data collected is meaningful, up-to-date, and useful for organizational reflection and planning, enabling leaders to make informed decisions for greater impact.

Fundraising Operations & Compliance

• Grant Tracking and Reporting: Manage grant schedules, ensuring timely submissions, compliance, and reporting to donors.
• Support for ED’s Fundraising Role: Prepare and equip the ED for donor engagements, developing materials and managing the operational needs around fundraising.
• Donor Reporting and Compliance: Ensure all reporting obligations to funders are met, and that the organization is positioned for continued growth and trust in its funding relationships.

1. People Operations

• Lead Recruitment, Hiring, and Onboarding: Oversee all aspects of recruitment, hiring, and onboarding processes for staff.
• HR Policies and Practices: Develop and implement the organization’s HR policies and practices.
• Employee Evaluations and Development: Institute and oversee employee performance evaluations, professional development initiatives, and succession planning.
• Compensation and Organizational Strategy: Assist the Executive Director (ED) in compensation planning and developing the organizational chart strategy.
• PTO Monitoring: Monitor employee paid time off (PTO) usage.
• Benefits Management: Collaborate with the insurance broker on annual open enrollment, plan pricing, and option changes.
• Internal Issue Resolution: Resolve issues between individuals, program teams and other internal stakeholders.
• Confidentiality: Maintain a high standard of confidentiality in all workplace interactions.

Qualifications:

• Experience: Minimum of 7 years of senior operations or administrative management experience, ideally in a nonprofit organization, with a demonstrated track record of effective operations and team leadership.
• Commitment to Social Justice: Demonstrated passion for social justice and working within a community-focused, grassroots, or mission-driven organization.
• High Emotional Intelligence: Ability to connect deeply with a team with diverse experiences and lead with empathy.
• Organizational Skills & Attention to Detail: Strong project management and accountability skills to oversee complex operational processes.
• Financial Acumen: Comfort with financial compliance, planning, analysis, audits, and budget oversight, particularly within nonprofit frameworks.
• Strategic Planning Skills: Proven ability to develop, implement, and monitor operational strategies that align with organizational goals and mission.
• Human Resources Leadership: Demonstrated experience in overseeing recruitment, employee development, performance evaluations, and fostering a positive organizational culture.
• Operational Efficiency: Expertise in designing and implementing operational policies and processes to improve organizational efficiency and effectiveness.

Preferred Experience:

• Experience working with justice-impacted communities or lived experience that provides a strong cultural fit.
• Background in nonprofit operations or similar roles with a focus on equity, accountability, and strategic impact.
• Willingness to center JEDI (justice, equity, diversity and inclusion) values in your approach to leadership and experience working with organizations that manifest these values in the workplace.