Chief Operating Officer

Key Responsibilities

Operations

• Increase the effectiveness and efficiency of support services through improvements to each function under their supervision (IT, Performance Measures, Facility Management, Finance, and Communications)
• Provide leadership in process improvement and effective communication across all facets of the organization to build a solid foundation for future growth with the overall goal of operational/compliance excellence, institutional quality, and client trust and satisfaction
• Monitor performance with tracking software and take corrective measures when necessary, and prepare detailed updates and forecasts
• Facilitate internal collaboration to ensure that all departments are communicating effectively and supporting one another as needed
• Oversee the maintenance and updating of all internal policies and procedures and ensure they are reviewed and up to date

Fiscal Management

• In cooperation with the Sr. Director of Accounting & Finance and management team, ensure sound fiscal management, business plans and forecasts
• Manage capital investments and expenses aggressively to ensure that the agency achieves investor targets for growth and profitability
• Manage the fiscal budgeting process to prepare a budget that meets the strategic goals,
• Manage investment policy development as a member of the executive management team
• Engage the Finance Committee to develop short-, medium-, and long-term financial plans and projections

Communications

• Direct strategic internal and external communication plans and activities to enhance CIS’s visibility and promote its mission
• Oversee the planning and execution of a media relations, public relations strategy, and relationships with regional and local media and community groups
• Provide oversight and collaboration across the organization in pursuit of positive news coverage in line with strategic priorities
• Support policy and advocacy communication strategy and execution

Information Technology Management

• In cooperation with the Sr. Director of IT, ensure sound information technology management strategies
• Oversee the ongoing vision and strategy for the evolution of the organization’s technology infrastructure
• Support relationships with technology vendors, contracts, and IT department-related purchasing

Facility Management

• Oversee agency facilities and equipment and ensure all are maintained in a condition to promote efficiency, employee health, comfort, and safety
• Procurement and contract management
• Space management and office security
• Utilities and communications infrastructure

Risk Management

• Conduct thorough risk assessments to identify potential vulnerabilities and weaknesses in all areas of the organization including site-based programming and service delivery, HR, IT, and general business operations
• Work with department leaders to reduce the probability of risks and/or the likelihood of an occurrence
• Lead periodic reviews of insurance coverage and recommend changes as appropriate

DEI and Culture

• Lead CIS’ efforts to advance diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) within the organization,
• Develop goals and implement strategies that establish and sustain a diverse and inclusive workplace culture
• Serve as a change agent to provide guidance, resources, and training on DEI related topics
• Ensure availability and use of professional development opportunities for all CIS staff,
• Promote and maintain agency culture, standards, and systems
• Champion the CIS team approach to service delivery and problem solving

Board of Directors Governance

• Work in partnership with the CEO and the board as appropriate to define and accomplish the CIS strategic plan
• Work with the CEO and the Executive Team to recommend changes or additional policies to the Board of Directors
• Provide timely and comprehensive reports of organizational operations,
• Act as a staff liaison to relevant board committees

Ideal Candidate

The ideal candidate brings proven executive leadership having led Operations at an education-focused nonprofit of similar or greater size. An equity-centered generalist, who is a systems thinker and accomplished leader, with experience in org-wide operations, people management, communications, real estate, and finance.

Qualifications

Required Skills and Qualifications

• Minimum of eight (8) years of experience in a socially responsible organization with progressive management experience
• Minimum of five (5) years of experience in operational/administrative management
• Minimum of five (5) years of experience in a senior fiscal management role and partnering with executive staff
• Demonstrated experience in operations management and planning with previous experience overseeing human resources, day-to-day business operations, organizational policies and procedures, contracts, risk management, and legal and regulatory matters
• Experience translating strategy into actionable steps for growth, implementing organization-wide goal setting, performance management, and annual operations planning
• Demonstrated success in organizational development, project management, personnel management, budget and resource development, strategic planning, and monitoring and evaluation
• Excellent people skills, with an ability to partner with a dynamic leadership team, including exceptional communication skills with demonstrated ability to persuasively promote ideas to a variety of stakeholders
• Flexible and able to multi-task with demonstrated ability to work within an ambiguous, fast-moving environment while also driving toward clarity and solutions
• Bachelor’s degree in business administration, accounting, or finance, or non-profit management; Master’s degree is preferred