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.
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