Chief Operating Officer (BOC)

Black Oaks Center; Chicago (IL); On-site; USD 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Job summary

The Black Oaks Center for Sustainable Living (BOC) in Pembroke Township, IL, invites applications for a Chief Operating Officer to fortify the organization's operational and financial infrastructure. The role emphasizes transparent controls, scalable systems, and strategic leadership to advance resilience-driven programs serving Black farmers and the Pembroke Farmland Restoration initiative.

The COO will partner with the leadership team to guide administration, compliance, and governance while

Job description

The Black Oaks Center for Sustainable Living (BOC) has been working to build community resilience since 2006. We operate from our 40-acre eco-campus in the historic Black farming community of Pembroke Township, Illinois a short distance from Chicago, IL.

Our focus is to serve and equip the community with skills in sustainable agriculture, sustainable building, and renewable energy – all grounded in resilience. We accomplish our mission through

• Local food system development (peri-urban from Pembroke to Chicago)
• Teaching and experiential learning/skills building
• Technical assistance and advisory services to local landowners
• Building collaborative partnerships and networks

ABOUT THE POSITION

The Chief Operating Officer (COO) will focus on strengthening and managing our operational and financial infrastructure. This includes overseeing the organization’s administrative functions, ensuring that internal controls are sound and transparent, and adding strategic acumen to the leadership team. With our mandate to address the land loss experienced by Black farmers and ranchers, we expect the COO to play a significant role in this mission-critical initiative. She/He will have the additional opportunity to help build a team that focuses on the work of the Pembroke Farmland Restoration.