Chief Operating Officer (GWCF)

Greater Washington Community Foundation; Washington (District of Columbia); On-site; USD 180,000 - 260,000; Full time

Job summary

Greater Washington Community Foundation in Washington, DC seeks a Chief Operating Officer to drive operational excellence, technology transformation, and organizational effectiveness. The COO will report to the CEO, lead IT, finance, people, and community investment, and partner with funders and partners to broaden impact while fostering an inclusive, high-performing culture.

The ideal candidate has nonprofit executive leadership experience, MBA/MPA or equivalent, strong data analytics, and

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree required; MBA/MPA or nonprofit management degree a plus.
• Proficiency with business software to analyze data and provide insights.
• Strong leadership and integrity.

Responsibilities

• Set and drive organizational vision, strategy, operations.
• Lead Executive Team and support Board of Trustees.
• Oversee IT, Finance, People, and grants management upgrades.
• Develop and monitor performance reports and forecasting.
• Recruit and retain top talent; develop employees.
• Translate strategy into actionable goals and annual planning.
• Ensure compliance with federal, state, and local requirements.
• Build strong, inclusive culture and stakeholder relationships.

Skills

Leadership

Emotional intelligence

Active listening

Strategic thinking

Data analysis

Performance metrics

Communication skills

Team collaboration

Education

Bachelor’s degree

MBA/MPA or nonprofit degree

Tools

MS Office Suite

Job description

Since 1973, the Greater Washington Community Foundation has been a champion of thriving communities and a catalyst for change through local philanthropic engagement, effective community investment, and civic leadership. We work with donors and partners to enhance the quality of life in the District of Columbia, Montgomery County, Northern Virginia, and Prince George’s County.
The Community Foundation, under new leadership, will be embarking on a new strategic plan, building on the Foundation’s rich history of social justice grantmaking and community leadership initiatives and prioritizing community voice to ensure the Greater Washington region is an equitable, just, and enriching place for all residents to live, work, and thrive.

POSITION OVERVIEW

Reporting to the CEO, the COO will drive key operational and administrative functions to ensure the Community Foundation has the infrastructure needed to continue the organization’s success and impact. The COO will lead critical initiatives such as a technology transformation that allows the Foundation to expand its footprint and meet the increasing needs of our funder holders, partners and of our community. The ideal candidate will bring extensive nonprofit executive leadership experience and a demonstrated record of managing and enhancing the administration of a high-performing organization. The top candidate is a creative problem-solver who thrives on identifying solutions and focusing on what’s possible while facilitating strong collaboration and communication across the organization. They will bring strong emotional intelligence, authenticity, and a proven ability to help individuals and teams achieve their full potential. In addition, the COO will embody and nurture a strong and inclusive culture that reflects our values.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS & RESPONSIBILITIES

• Collaborate with the CEO in setting and driving organizational vision, strategy, operations, and reporting; the COO’s internal focus will allow the CEO to engage externally with critical community partners and funders.
• Serve as a member of the Executive Team and support the CEO in managing and leading the Board of Trustees.
• Implement new customer relations, financial and grants management technology upgrade. Partner with the VP, Development and Senior Philanthropic Advisor on organization-wide strategic customer service and systems planning.
• Oversee the key operational areas of the Foundation: Employee Engagements, Impact Reporting, Finance, Information Technology, and Community Investment. Monitor departmental performance and establish corrective measures as needed; prepare detailed reports, both current and forecast.
• Partner with the Director, Employee Engagement in identifying, developing, and retaining top talent.
• Translate strategy into actionable goals for performance and growth, helping to implement organization-wide goal setting, performance management, and annual operating planning.
• Develop actionable strategies and plans that ensure alignment with short-term and long-term objectives developed in tandem with the CEO.
• Contribute to building a highly inclusive culture where team members can thrive and achieve outcomes.
• Maintain up-to-date knowledge of all federal, state, and local business and regulatory requirements and ensure compliance. Adhere to organization, federal, state, and local requirements, enforcing compliance and taking action when necessary.
• Analyze internal operations and identify areas for improvement; develop consistent processes and systems such as contracts and vendor management.
• Maintain and build trusted relationships with peers and direct reports, key partners, and stakeholders.

DESIRED SKILLS, EXPERIENCE, AND PERSONAL ATTRIBUTES

• Bachelor’s degree required; MBA, MPA, or other graduate non-profit management degree, a plus
• Demonstrated ability to use business software applications, e.g., MS Office Suite or comparable productivity tools, to collate, analyze and synthesize data and information to provide strategic and operational insights to the President/CEO and the organization.
• Leadership skills, with steadfast resolve and personal integrity.
• Understanding of advanced business planning and regulatory issues associated with philanthropic organizations.
• A solid grasp of data analysis and performance metrics. Ability to diagnose and solve business problems expeditiously and proactively.
• Emotional intelligence, integrity, humility and a commitment to transparency, and active listening.

The Greater Washington Community Foundation is an equal opportunity employer. All applicants willbe considered for employment without attention to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, genderidentity, national origin, veteran or disability status.