Chief Operating Officer

National Indian Health Board; Washington (District of Columbia); On-site; USD 95,000 - 140,000; Full time

Job summary

An established industry player is seeking a Chief Operating Officer to lead and enhance operational effectiveness. This role is pivotal in driving strategic initiatives and ensuring the organization aligns with its mission to serve Tribal communities. The COO will oversee HR, finance, and compliance, while fostering a culture of excellence and continuous improvement. If you are a visionary leader with a deep understanding of the unique challenges faced by Indian Country, this opportunity offers a chance to make a significant impact in a supportive and culturally centered environment.

Qualifications

• 7-10+ years in senior management, preferably as COO in a nonprofit.
• Strong background in financial management and HR operations.

Responsibilities

• Oversee HR, Finance, and administrative functions for operational efficiency.
• Support CEO in strategic planning and organizational oversight.

Skills

Strategic Management

Financial Management

Human Resources Management

Risk Management

Leadership

Education

Bachelor's Degree in Business Administration

Advanced Degree in related field

Tools

Nonprofit Management Systems

Financial Software

Job description

Position Overview

The Chief Operating Officer (COO) serves as a key strategic partner to the Chief Executive Officer (CEO), providing leadership and direction across NIHB’s internal operations. The COO oversees HR, Finance, and administrative functions to ensure the organization runs effectively and efficiently. This role is central to translating vision into action, strengthening systems and processes that support our team and the Tribal communities we serve.

Key ResponsibilitiesSTRATEGY, VISION, AND LEADERSHIP

• Provide strategic management, guidance, and oversight across the organization.
• Drive NIHB’s fiveyear strategic planning process and implementation in conjunction with the CEO and senior leadership.
• Create and track key performance indicators, develop dashboards, and advise the CEO on processes for effective organizational oversight and reporting.
• Support the CEO in leading the organization through growth and change, ensuring alignment with its vision and mission.
• Act as secondincommand in the absence of the CEO, ensuring continuity of leadership and operational excellence.
• Support CEO in preparing materials, presentations and reports for the Board of Directors, ensuring timely, accurate, and strategic communications.
  
  

OPERATIONAL MANAGEMENT

• Oversee the implementation of operational policies, guidelines, procedures, rules, and practices.
• Develop and implement systems and measurements to ensure operational efficiency, accountability, and effective use of resources.
• Ensure adherence to all applicable legal and regulatory requirements throughout the organization.
• Coordinate internal stakeholders and resources to promote collaboration, integration, and effective project and daytoday management.
• Develop, monitor, evaluate, and manage operational processes, systems, and strategies that further the organization’s mission and effective use of budgeted resources.
• Oversee facilities management and office operations, including lease administration, building management and safety compliance to ensure NIHB’s workspaces are secure, wellmaintained and support the needs of the organization.
  
  

FINANCE, TECHNOLOGY, AND HR

• Oversee core operational functions, including finance, human resources, and outsourced information technology relationships.
• Support the Finance Director in financial planning, budgeting, cash flow, investments, and policies.
• Manage all banking and real estate relationships.
• Coordinate the annual operations plan and budget developed by the Finance Director.
• Oversee the HR function to ensure effective management of people resources, including recruitment, training, and development.
• Support the Finance Director to monitor grant budgets and allocations and strengthen internal controls and financial procedures to support audit readiness and overall fiscal health.
  
  

CULTURAL COMPETENCE AND COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT:

• Ensure that the organization's operations, policies, and practices reflect a deep understanding of Indian Country and the specific needs of tribal communities.
• Promote a culture of high performance and continuous improvement that values learning and a commitment to quality.
• Ensure staff members receive timely and appropriate training and development.
• Establish and monitor performance and development goals for leadership team members, assign accountabilities, set objectives, conduct annual performance appraisals, and administer salary adjustments.
• Foster a healthy, culturally centered work environment where everyone can thrive and be their best.
  
  

RISK MANAGEMENT AND COMPLIANCE

• Monitor internal systems, policies, and procedures to ensure compliance with legal, ethical, and cultural standards.
• Identify potential operational risks and work with leadership to develop strategies to manage and mitigate them.
• Maintain uptodate knowledge of nonprofit legal, regulatory, and cultural best practices, ensuring NIHB’s operations reflect compliance requirements while honoring the organization’s mission to serve Tribal communities.
  
  

Qualifications:EDUCATION

Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration, Public Administration, Health Administration, Public Policy, Law, or a related field. An advanced degree or equivalent experience is preferred.

EXPERIENCE

• At least 7 to 10+ years of relevant experience in a senior management role, preferably as a COO or similar position in a nonprofit organization.
• Strong background in nonprofit financial management, including budgeting, grants administration, financial reporting, and internal controls.
• Proven ability to support and oversee HR operations, including policy development, recruitment, employee engagement, and compliance with employment laws and best practices.
• Knowledge of operational best practices, facilities oversight, risk management, and organizational compliance in a nonprofit setting.
• Proficiency with nonprofit management systems, financial software, and basic IT infrastructure oversight.
• Demonstrated ability to develop and implement strategic plans, with a track record of success in driving organizational change.
• Excellent leadership, communication, and interpersonal skills.
• Deep understanding of the cultural, social, and economic issues affecting Indian Country and tribal communities.