Chief Operating Officer

Children's Institute, Inc.; United States; On-site; USD 275,000 - 310,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Generous PTO

Medical, dental, vision insurance

403b retirement plan

Tuition reimbursement

Professional development

Job summary

Children's Institute, Inc. is seeking a Chief Operating Officer to translate strategy into scalable execution, building the systems and processes that enable mission delivery at scale.

This executive will steer operations, compliance, data analytics, technology governance, and organizational effectiveness as part of the Executive Leadership Team. The role requires a Bachelor's degree (advanced degree preferred) and 10+ years in senior leadership within operations or related functions; nonprofit

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree required; advanced degree preferred.
• Ten+ years of senior leadership experience in operations, administration, compliance, technology governance, or related functions.
• Experience leading complex organizations and enterprise change initiatives.
• Nonprofit, healthcare, education or public sector experience preferred.
• Willingness to work evenings and weekends as needed.

Responsibilities

• Provides executive oversight of enterprise compliance, risk management, and internal controls to ensure regulatory compliance and accountability.
• Leads enterprise operational planning and execution to support strategic priorities and cross‑functional collaboration.
• Oversees data and analytics, establishes metrics and reporting aligned with goals.
• Guides technology governance and digital transformation, ensures cybersecurity and continuity.
• Drives program integration and organizational effectiveness through standardized processes and change management.

Skills

Strategic execution

Systems thinking

Operational leadership

Data & technology fluency

Financial acumen

Education

Bachelor's degree

Advanced degree preferred

Tools

ERP systems

HCM systems

EHR/EMR systems (NetSuite/Workday)

Job description

The Chief Operating Officer (COO) is responsible for translating CII's strategy into execution by ensuring the organization has the systems, processes, accountability, and infrastructure necessary to deliver its mission effectively and sustainably. As a member of the Executive Leadership Team, the COO provides executive leadership for enterprise operations, compliance, data and analytics, technology governance, and organizational effectiveness, driving cross-functional integration and continuous improvement across the organization. In partnership with the CEO, the COO strengthens organizational capacity, removes barriers to performance, and enables CII to achieve its strategic priorities at scale.

DUTIES SUMMARY

The Chief Operating Officer (COO) is responsible for translating CII's strategy into execution by ensuring the organization has the systems, processes, accountability, and infrastructure necessary to deliver its mission effectively and sustainably. As a member of the Executive Leadership Team, the COO provides executive leadership for enterprise operations, compliance, data and analytics, technology governance, and organizational effectiveness, driving cross-functional integration and continuous improvement across the organization. In partnership with the CEO, the COO strengthens organizational capacity, removes barriers to performance, and enables CII to achieve its strategic priorities at scale.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Enterprise Compliance, Risk Management & Organizational Accountability

Provides executive oversight of enterprise compliance, risk management, and internal controls to ensure regulatory compliance, audit readiness, and organizational accountability. Establishes and monitors processes to identify and mitigate financial, regulatory, technology, and reputational risks. Oversees corrective actions arising from audits, investigations, licensing reviews, accreditation findings, and other compliance matters. Partners across the organization to strengthen controls and ensure effective implementation of policies and regulatory requirements. Ensures timely escalation and reporting of significant risks, findings, and corrective actions to the CEO and Board, as appropriate.

Enterprise Operations & Strategic Execution

Leads enterprise operational planning and execution in support of CII's strategic priorities. Establishes governance structures, decision rights, and accountability mechanisms that support effective execution and cross-functional collaboration. Leads enterprise process improvement and major cross-functional initiatives to enhance efficiency, effectiveness, and service quality. Removes organizational barriers and resolves complex operational challenges that impede performance.

Data, Analytics & Performance Intelligence

Provides executive oversight of enterprise data and analytics to ensure timely, accurate, and actionable information for decision-making. Establishes metrics, dashboards, and reporting systems aligned with strategic goals and organizational performance. Promotes data governance, shared information practices, and evidence-based decision-making across the organization. Partners across functions to integrate data and reduce siloed reporting.

Technology Governance & Digital Transformation

Provides executive oversight of enterprise technology governance and digital transformation to ensure technology investments support organizational priorities and operational effectiveness. Oversees relationships with outsourced technology providers and ensures accountability for service delivery, cybersecurity, and business continuity capabilities. Leads technology-enabled process improvement, systems integration, and organizational change initiatives. Ensures appropriate governance of information privacy, technology risk, and cybersecurity through internal oversight and external service providers.

Program Integration & Organizational Effectiveness

Ensures effective integration across programs, operations, data, and infrastructure to improve organizational performance and reduce duplication. Partners with program leadership to design operating models that support scale, quality, and consistency of service delivery. Standardizes core processes while preserving flexibility and innovation. Leads enterprise change management efforts that strengthen adoption, accountability, and organizational effectiveness.

Leadership Responsibilities

Leads and develops high-performing teams across operations, compliance, data and analytics, facilities, and related administrative functions. Builds a culture of accountability, continuous improvement, and enterprise thinking. Serves as a strategic advisor to the CEO and Board on organizational performance, enterprise risk, and transformation initiatives. Fosters collaboration and shared ownership of organizational outcomes across the Executive Leadership Team.

ADDITIONAL DUTIES

Other duties and special projects as assigned.

PERFORMANCE EVALUATION & ACCOUNTABILITY

The COO reports to the CEO and is accountable to the Executive Leadership Team. Annual performance will be evaluated based on the achievement of key performance indicators in: Execution of the strategic plan and achievement of enterprise milestones; Operational efficiency, effectiveness, and scalability; Data quality, analytics adoption, and performance transparency; Systems reliability, security, and alignment with strategy; Program integration and cross-functional collaboration.

QUALIFICATIONS

Education & Experience: Bachelor's degree required; advanced degree preferred. Ten or more years of senior leadership experience in operations, administration, compliance, technology governance, or related functions. Experience leading complex organizations and enterprise change initiatives. Experience in nonprofit, healthcare, education, public sector, or other mission-driven organizations strongly preferred. Ability to handle sensitive and confidential information with discretion and willingness to work evenings and weekends as needed.

Other Qualifications & Attributes

Core Competencies: Strategic Execution: Proven ability to translate strategy into operational reality; Systems Thinking: Ability to design and align complex, interdependent systems; Operational Leadership: Deep experience managing enterprise operations and infrastructure; Data & Technology Fluency: Deep knowledge of analytics, IT systems, and digital transformation; Financial Acumen: Experience partnering on budgets, forecasting, and resource allocation.

Qualifications & Leadership Profile

Strategic and execution-oriented leader with the ability to translate strategy into results. Systems thinker with experience leading complex, cross-functional organizations and organizational change. Strong operational, financial, and business acumen, including process improvement and resource stewardship. Data and technology fluent, with experience leveraging analytics and technology to improve organizational effectiveness. Experience providing executive oversight of enterprise platforms (e.g., ERP, HCM, and EHR/EMR systems like NetSuite or Workday). Proven track record in vendor evaluation, RFP leadership, contract negotiation, and enterprise application transitions. Collaborative executive with sound judgment, integrity, and a commitment to mission-driven leadership.

Additional Requirements

• Possesses a valid driver's license and state-required auto insurance or reliable transportation depending on business needs.
• Required to travel up to 20% of the time.
• Willingness to work evenings and weekends as needed.
• High ethical standards and discretion with sensitive information.

Computer Skills

Must have advanced knowledge proficiency of computer programs in a Windows environment, including Word, Excel, and E-mail. Enterprise platform experience (e.g., ERP, HCM, and EHR/EMR systems like NetSuite or Workday).

Physical Demands

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. Time Spent [None, -1/3, 1/3 - 2/3, 2/3+] Stand: -1/3 Walk: -1/3 Sit: 2/3 + Reach with hands and arms: 2/3+ Use hands to finger, handle, or feel: 2/3+ Climb or balance: -1/3 Bend, kneel, crouch, or crawl: -1/3 Talk or hear: 2/3+ Taste or smell: None Carry, push or pull: -1/3 Lifts Weights or Exerts Force Up to 10 pounds: -1/3 Up to 25 pounds: None Up to 50 pounds: None Up to 100 pounds: None More than 100 pounds: None VISION REQUIREMENTS No special vision requirements.

Work Environment

The physical, mental & environmental conditions in which the work is performed are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this position. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. Time Spent [None, -1/3, 1/3 - 2/3, 2/3+] Environmental variables that may be indicated as applicable to the position: Working near mechanical parts: None. Work in high, precarious places: None. Fumes or airborne particles: None. Toxic or caustic chemicals: None. Outdoor weather conditions: None. Extreme cold (non-weather): None. Extreme heat (non-weather): None. Risk of electrical shock: None. Noise level Moderate noise. REQUIRED TRAINING New Hire Orientation AB-1825: Sexual Harassment Prevention training Mandated Reporter Timekeeping & Attendance.

Compensation

$275,000.00 - $310,000.00 In accordance with California law, the expected pay range for this position is included in this posting. The actual compensation will be determined based on factors permitted by law. New hires will be offered a salary at the starting point of the range to maintain internal inequity and allow opportunity for future salary growth. CII salaries are determined based on comprehensive internal and external market analysis, as well as the skills, education, and experience relevant to each position.

Benefits

• Generous paid PTO, plus 10 paid holidays and CII is closed between Christmas and New Year
• Excellent medical, dental, and vision insurance for eligible employees and qualified dependents
• 403b Retirement Plan with employer contribution for eligible employees
• Up to $4,500 in tuition reimbursement per calendar year
• Eligible for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness program
• Flexible Spending Account (FSA) & Health Savings Account (HSA)
• Employer paid Life and AD&D Insurance
• Voluntary Supplemental Insurance
• Opportunity for growth & advancement
• Professional development & continued training
• Team building & bonding through company sponsored events & activities

Contingencies

Influenza immunization or declination; COVID-19, MMR and Tdap immunizations; Education verification; Reference check; Background fingerprint clearance (FBI, DOJ, CACI) conducted by the California Department of Social Services; Drug and alcohol screening; Tuberculosis screening.

CII believes that all children and families have boundless potential to achieve emotional well-being and educational success, which build pathways to economic mobility and lifelong health. Using a whole family, two-generation approach, CII offers education, counseling services, parenting support, convening spaces and enrichment programs in the community, at our early education centers, K-12 schools, and neighborhood hubs. Our employees value passion, partnership, innovation and equity. If meaningful work and a vibrant culture are important to you, you're in the right place. Join our team and change the world! CII promotes and fosters equity and inclusion in our workplace and in our communities. We strive to embed these values in our agency-wide decisions and our talent practices so that we create equal opportunities for everyone.