Chief Operating Officer, Strategic Operations & Growth

Civitates; Brussel Hoofdstad; On-site; EUR 89,000 - 112,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Meal vouchers

Pension scheme

Hospitalisation insurance

Homeworking and phone allowances

Flexible remote working (up to 2 days)

Job summary

NEF, the Network of European Foundations, invites a Chief Operating Officer to lead operations during a growth phase. Reporting to the Executive Director, the COO will drive finance, HR, IT, data management and compliance, coordinating with external providers to deliver impact across Europe.

With a small core team, the role requires hands-on leadership, strategic thinking and a collaborative style to support philanthropy and civil society. Strong integrity and stakeholder skills are essential.

Qualifications

• A minimum of eight years in progressively responsible leadership roles in operations, finance or related field.
• Experience leading multi-disciplinary teams across complex organisations.
• Strong budgeting, governance, compliance and risk management capabilities.
• Track record of organisational change, process improvement and digital transformation.
• Excellent interpersonal and stakeholder-management skills; fluent English.

Responsibilities

• Provide strategic leadership and translate priorities into operational plans and performance indicators.
• Oversee operations functions including finance, HR, IT, data management and governance.
• Ensure sound financial management, internal controls and regulatory compliance.
• Lead risk management, business continuity and governance activities.
• Mentor core team members and foster an inclusive, collaborative culture.
• Represent operations in external relations with auditors, funders and authorities.

Skills

Leadership experience

Team management

Financial management

Governance and risk

Digital transformation

Analytical thinking

Stakeholder management

English fluency

Job description

NEF, the Network of European Foundations, invites a Chief Operating Officer to lead operations during a growth phase. Reporting to the Executive Director, the COO will drive finance, HR, IT, data management and compliance, coordinating with external providers to deliver impact across Europe.

With a small core team, the role requires hands-on leadership, strategic thinking and a collaborative style to support philanthropy and civil society. Strong integrity and stakeholder skills are essential.