Chief Operating Officer

About our organization

Founded in 1959, Lutheran Community Services (LCS) has a mission to help individuals and families address food, housing, their health and other essential needs with dignity and respect. We operate a network of food pantries that serves almost 50,000 people annually; operate the Delaware Food Farmacy, a Food is Medicine program; provide emergency financial assistance and housing stability services; and help deliver smoking cessation services in partnership with the Delaware Quitline. Our vision: people moving from emergency to empowerment.

Position Overview:

The COO of LCS will be responsible for overseeing the organization’s daily operations and ensuring the effective implementation of its programs and operations, financial management, and human resources. The COO works closely with our program managers, the Executive Director, and leadership team to support the mission, develop strategies, and manage operational efficiency. This role is critical in ensuring the organization’s sustainability and impact, will aid in the achievement of the Strategic Plan as adopted by the Board of Trustees.

Key Responsibilities

Program Management:

• • Understand fully the goals, processes, and reporting requirements for each of LCS’ program areas.
  • In coordination with program managers, ensure the successful implementation and evaluation of programs.
  • Maintain and update policies and procedures for all programs and ensure that they are followed.
  • Establish and maintain effective working relationships with staff/volunteers at LCS sites and other community programs.
  • Recommend changes to programs as appropriate to increase effectiveness and efficiency of service.
  • Work with program directors to monitor key performance indicators, outcomes, and accuracy of reporting.
  • Help develop partnerships with external stakeholders to support program expansion and sustainability.
  • Report on program activities and results to the Board and key stakeholders, including grant administration.

Human Resources:

• • Lead recruitment, hiring, and onboarding processes for staff.
  • Fully understand and implement the organization’s HR policies and practices.
  • Oversee employee performance evaluations, professional development, and succession planning.
  • Assist ED in compensation planning and org chart strategy
  • Monitor employee PTO usage.
  • Work with our insurance broker on annual open enrollment and plan pricing/option changes.
  • Resolve issues between program teams and other internal stakeholders.
  • Coordinate with Board HR committee on specific situations or policy issues as needed.
  • Maintain a high standard of confidentiality with others in the workplace.

Financial Management:

• • Develop and maintain program budgets and assist ED in the organization wide budgeting process.
  • In conjunction with the ED, ensure effective financial planning, including forecasting, cash flow management, and reporting.
  • Oversee financial compliance, audits, and reporting for funders, board, and other key stakeholders.
  • Maintain transparent financial systems and recommend cost-saving opportunities.

Compliance and Risk Management:

• • Ensure compliance with nonprofit regulations, including state, federal, and donor requirements.
  • Oversee risk management strategies to safeguard the organization’s assets and reputation.

Organizational Operations Management:

• • Oversee the daily operations, ensuring that all activities align with the organization's mission and strategic goals.
  • Identify and implement operational processes and procedures that promote efficiency, quality, and accountability.
  • Manage external vendor relationships including insurance, IT and all office and building maintenance contracts.

Strategic Leadership:

• • Collaborate with the ED and Board of Trustees on strategic planning and long-term growth.
  • Provide leadership to ensure alignment between the organization's operations and its mission.
  • Support fundraising and development initiatives through operational insights and resource management.
  • Be a positive and professional communicator.
  • Support a culture of excellence, teamwork, compassion, and innovation.
  • Represent LCS to outside groups as requested.
  • Participate in Program Committee of the Board of Directors.

Qualifications

• • Bachelor’s degree in business administration, nonprofit management, or a related field.
  • 7+ years of experience in operations and program administration. preferably in the nonprofit sector.
  • Familiarity with social services delivery and systems.
  • Experience with grant administration.
  • Strong leadership skills with the ability to manage diverse team.
  • Experience with budget development and financial oversight.
  • Knowledge of nonprofit compliance and regulatory requirements.
  • Excellent communication and organizational skills.
  • Ability to work collaboratively with a small, mission-driven team.

Personal Attributes

• • Passion for the organization’s mission and values.
  • Problem-solving mindset with a focus on operational efficiency.
  • Strong ethical standards and commitment to transparency.
  • Ability to adapt to a dynamic and fast-paced environment.
  • Detail oriented self-starter.
  • Has a continuous improvement mindset.