Chief Operating Officer

Yess; Edmonton; On-site; CAD 120,000 - 160,000; Full time

Job summary

YESS in Edmonton is seeking a Chief Operating Officer to guide the organization's operations across Finance, People & Culture, Facilities, Health & Safety, and IT.

Reporting to the CEO, the COO will shape strategy, ensure efficient use of resources, build strong teams, and maintain compliance with regulatory standards.

Qualifications

• Minimum 7 years of progressive senior leadership experience in operations and financial management.
• Experience with strategic planning and policy development.
• Nonprofit sector experience is highly valued.
• CPA designation is an asset.
• Strong governance, risk, and compliance oversight.

Responsibilities

• Lead and oversee Finance, People & Culture, Facilities, Health & Safety, and IT.
• Develop and align strategic plans with KPI metrics.
• Manage annual budgets, financial reporting, and resource allocation.
• Foster cross-functional collaboration and high-performance teams.
• Represent the organization to partners, funders, and the board.

Skills

Strategic leadership

Financial management

People & culture

Operations management

Policy development

IT oversight

Health & safety

Team leadership

Education

Bachelor's or higher degree in a relevant field

CPA designation (asset)

Job description

Chief Operating Officer (COO)

What We Do

YESS is a not-for-profit agency working with youth facing difficult realities. Based in Edmonton, our Youth Support Centre provides immediate and low-barrier 24/7 sleep support and individualized wrap-around supports for young people aged 15 -24.

We work collaboratively within a network of care, focused on the prevention of youth homelessness by providing youth with the necessary supports to stabilize their housing, improve their wellbeing, build life skills, connect with community, and avoid re-entry into homelessness.

We are committed to advancing equity, diversity, and inclusion, and to cultivating an environment where all individuals feel respected, valued, and supported. YESS is an equal opportunity employer and always strives to ensure all employment decisions are grounded in equity, fairness, and merit.

What You Will Do

Reporting to the CEO and as a key member of the executive leadership team, the COO contributes to the strategic direction of the organization while leading and overseeing the Operations Department. The Chief Operating Officer is responsible for leading the key components of operations services that include Finance, People & Culture (P&C), Facilities Management, Health & Safety, and IT. The COO will have ongoing responsibility to build productive relationships with the organization’s management team, staff, vendors, and funders.

The role will also be responsible for developing and maintaining corporate policies and processes to maximize use of YESS resources and contribute to the efficient and effective application of resources to achieve YESS’s mandate and goals. TheCOO willdevelop and lead a high-performanceoperationsservices team.

Key Responsibilities

Strategic Leadership & Planning - 20%

• As a key member ofthe executive team the COO will participate in the development ofthe organizationsstrategic plan and annual operating planning for the operationsdepartmentincluding the development of KPI’s in line with the mission and mandate and values of theorganization.
• This willinclude thought leadership initiatives with the goal of YESS being a role model within the youthand crisis space and building process and policies that support these initiatives.
• The role will furthersupport cross-functional initiatives that drive process improvement, change management, and integration across departmentsand will collaborate with internal stakeholders to support interdepartmental integration and service delivery.
• Provide regular updates to the CEOand leadership team onall services initiatives.
• The role will also represent YESS professionally in meetings with contractors, partners, and at public eventsin promoting the mission and vision of the organization.
• This role may act in the CEO role as required from time to time.

Delivery ofOperations – 50%

• The COO is responsible for the directoversightofkeyoperationsfunctions andtheirdelivery theseinclude facilities management, finance, People & Culture, Health & Safety and IT.
• This includes the fiscal and administrativemanagementof each area.
• The role will develop and manage annualfinancial reporting and budgets,facilities, human resourcesand Health & Safety and IT budgets and expenditure ensuring appropriate controls and sustainability.
• Ensure accurate, timely submission of departmental reports, including key performance indicators and quality improvement updates.
• Finance
  • Oversee thefinancial accounting system and processes, such as payroll, budgets and financial plans, financial reports and analysis, AR/AP, cash flow, annual audits, and financial assets.
  • This will include the development and implementation and management of financial controls, systems and procedures that ensure accuracy and integrity of information and safeguard the organization’s financial and capital assets.
  • Lead the financial teamand act asa financial and corporate administration resource to other team members andexecutive leadership.
• Facilities Management
  • Oversee all facility operations, including maintenance, security, emergency response, and compliance with safety regulations.
  • Manage relationships with contractors, vendors, and service providers to ensure quality and efficiency.
  • Oversee theimplementation of facilities policies, procedures, and systems aligned with legal, regulatory, and accreditation standards (e.g., CARF).
• People & Culture
  • Oversee all aspects of the People & Culture area including recruitment and retention, total rewards systems, organizational and cultural development, coaching and performance management, and human resource policies and processes.
• Health & Safety
  • Oversee all aspect of the Health & Safety program for the organization. This includes the oversight of development and implementation of safety policies and procedures, training and education of teams, inspections and compliance with all code and regulation requirements, emergency preparedness, incident management, and promoting a safe and inclusive environment for clients and employees.
  • Ensure all staff are trained in and adhere to health, safety, and operational policies and procedures.
• IT
  • Selection and oversight of IT contractor responsible for all hardware and software requirements for the organization.

TeamLeadership– 30%

• As the COO this role will provide visionary leadership and direction to alloperationsteammembers byfostering a culture of continuous improvement, professional growth, and high performance.
• The role will develop goals and KPI’s for each teamand teammember andhold these teamsaccountable through ongoingindividual and teamfeedback and coachingand continuous learning.
• Oversight of the distribution and utilization of all FTE’s within theoperationsdepartment. This includes succession planning and HR allocation withinoperations team.
• Direct leadership, coaching, and support of theoperationsteam.
• Overseeing and implementing appropriate performance management and coaching to ensure competency and individual development within the team and goal achievement.
• Responsible for assessing broad gaps in both management and service delivery team to ensure appropriate skill development and service delivery.
• Responsible for team culture and engagement across the department and facilitating that across the organization.

Core Competencies & Expectations

These core competencies outline the key behaviors, values, and expectations that guide how employees contribute to the YESS’s mission and work effectively with others.

• Demonstrate integrity by acting with honesty, fairness, respect, and maintaining confidentiality in all interactions.
• Communicate effectively through active listening, clear messaging, and respectful, transparent dialogue with team members and stakeholders.
• Deliver results by meeting performance expectations, taking initiative to solve problems, and supporting team success.
• Provide service excellence by responding professionally and compassionately to the needs of youth, partners, and colleagues.
• Apply strong problem-solving and judgment to assess situations, identify solutions, and seek support when needed
• Foster teamwork by collaborating effectively, contributing positively to team culture, and valuing diverse perspectives.

Qualifications and Experience

• Undergraduate or graduate degree in a relevant fieldcombined with a minimum of 7years of progressiveseniorleadership experience in operations andfinancialmanagementthat include oversight of finance and accounting,human resources,andfacilities management.
• Experience with strategic planning is also required.
• Experience developing and implementing standard operating procedures and or policy and procedures in human resources, and facilities is ideal.
• CPA designation would be an asset.
• Some exposure to IT and Health & Safety would be an asset.
• Experience working in anonprofitsetting with vulnerable population would be a strong asset.

What You Bring

• Clear police clearance (PIC) and a Child Intervention (CIRC) check, both obtained within the last six months
• Valid Alberta class 5 or higher driver’s license and clean driver’s abstract
• $1 million PLPD Personal Liability Protection

YESS is an equal opportunity employer, committed to an inclusive and safe work environment for people of all backgrounds.

We thank all applicants for their interest, however only those shortlisted will be contacted.