Description

Reporting to the President/CEO, the Chief Operating Officer (COO) serves as CFLeads’ primary steward of internal operations, ensuring that the organization’s strategy, priorities, and values are translated effectively into day-to-day practice. The COO oversees the systems, processes, and cross-team structures that support high performance, operational alignment, and a healthy organizational culture. 

This role strengthens CFLeads’ internal capacity so that the President/CEO can focus on strategic leadership, external relationships, financial health, and long-term vision. The COO oversees day-to-day internal operational alignment, including enterprise risk management, human resources, information technology, legal affairs, and cross-departmental coordination. 

The COO ensures operational integrity, fosters organizational effectiveness, and promotes a positive, mission-aligned workplace culture. The COO acts on behalf of the President/CEO in their absence and serves as a trusted partner to the Executive and Leadership Teams, helping to drive accountability and performance across the organization.

Requirements

Key Responsibilities

Leadership Expectations

      Model integrity, accountability, and inclusivity in all practices

      Serve as a trusted, thought partner to the President, contributing to organizational learning, continuous improvement, and cross-departmental cohesion

      Represent CFLeads internally and externally as delegated, maintaining the highest standards of professionalism and stewardship

      Act on behalf of the President in their absence to ensure organizational continuity

      Ensure cross functional collaboration through communications channels that fosters teamwork and transparency

Operations

      Steward day-to-day internal operations, ensuring operational alignment with strategic priorities

      With the President and CEO, the Senior Director of Programs and Strategy, translate the strategic plan—established by the President and Board—into annual work plans, measurable goals, and performance systems

      Lead enterprise-wide initiatives that improve collaboration, efficiency, and organizational capacity

      Maintain continuous communication with the President on critical operational and risk-related matters

      Develop and improve policies, procedures, and workflows

      Foster a culture of accountability, continuous improvement, and excellence

Governance and Internal Communication

      Lead operational execution of Board approved policies, ensuring organizational compliance and alignment with governance best practices

      Support internal communications and change management processes that promote transparency and collaboration

      Support governance practices and organizational accountability

Talent & Team Development

      Design and implement strategies that foster a positive, values-based organizational culture emphasizing trust, equity, and accountability

      Oversee human resources and talent systems, including recruitment, performance management, professional development, and compliance with employment law

      Support Executive and Leadership Team members in goal setting, performance reviews, and leadership development

      Ensure competitive compensation and benefits practices

      Promote a positive, inclusive, and high-performing organizational culture

      Support leadership development and performance management processes

      Ensure staff are equipped, informed, and supported to perform at their best

 Finance & Technology

      In close partnership with the Director of Finance and CEO, provide thought leadership for budgeting, forecasting, and long-range financial planning

      Collaborate with the finance team, ensuring accuracy and timeliness of all financial processes

      Oversee organizational technology systems, cybersecurity, and data management

      Ensure systems support organizational effectiveness and growth

      Lead technology planning and operational modernization efforts

      With the CEO, ensure stewardship of organizational resources

Risk Management & Coordination

      Oversee enterprise risk management, compliance, and legal coordination, engaging outside counsel as needed

      Ensure operational systems, policies, and procedures are current, effective, and consistently applied across departments

      Oversee the development of performance metrics and dashboards to monitor organizational health and impact

      Support and provide leadership to finance, programs, communications and technology, and other areas as needed