Chief Operating Officer (Interim)

RFK Community Alliance; Lancaster (Lancaster County); On-site; USD 80,000 - 150,000; Full time

Job summary

An established industry player is searching for an Interim Chief Operating Officer to provide steady leadership during a pivotal transition. This role is crucial in overseeing operations, ensuring alignment with strategic goals, and fostering a culture of diversity and inclusion. The ideal candidate will bring a wealth of experience in nonprofit leadership, program management, and operational excellence. Join a supportive team dedicated to making a meaningful impact in the community, while enjoying generous benefits and the opportunity to lead a diverse portfolio of services. This is a unique chance to shape the future of an organization committed to equity and belonging.

Benefits

Generous Paid Time Off

Educational Assistance

Employer Paid Short- & Long-Term Disability

Retirement Plan with Generous Employer Match

Qualifications

• Proven experience in financial oversight and budget management.
• Strong background in program management and operations.

Responsibilities

• Oversee program operations and ensure high-quality service delivery.
• Collaborate with HR to strengthen recruitment and retention efforts.

Skills

Program Management

Organizational Leadership

Diversity and Inclusion

Strategic Thinking

Communication Skills

Problem-Solving

Education

Master’s Degree in a Relevant Field

Job description

Join to apply for the Chief Operating Officer (Interim) role at RFK Community Alliance

RFK Community Alliance is seeking an Interim Chief Operating Officer to help guide our team through a period of transition, continued growth, and renewed alignment with our mission.

Who We Are:

At RFK Community Alliance (RFKCA), we believe in the power of people to make real, lasting change. With a mission to promote meaningful and sustained well-being, RFKCA provides high-quality care and support to individuals and families facing complicated challenges. We trace our roots to the Doctor Franklin Perkins School (1896) and RFK Children’s Action Corps (1969)—two organizations built on inclusion, equity, and advocacy.

The Opportunity:

We are seeking an Interim Chief Operating Officer (COO) who will provide steady leadership during a pivotal time of transition for the organization. This is a critical leadership role, overseeing all of our programs and working with the CEO and Executive and Senior leadership to ensure strong alignment of operations with our mission and strategic goals. The ideal candidate leads with trust, supports team autonomy, builds collaboration across departments, and is committed to supporting a diverse and inclusive culture of belonging through their work. The position will run through at least December 2025, with the potential for extension.

Key Responsibilities:

1. Oversee program operations, ensuring high-quality service delivery and strong performance outcomes.
2. Ensure our work is delivered within a culture that values diversity, belonging, inclusivity, and equity.
3. Support, coach, and inspire senior leaders, and foster empowerment within all of our teams.
4. Collaborate with HR and senior leaders to strengthen recruitment and retention efforts, address staffing challenges, and build a stable, mission-driven workforce.
5. Promote a culture of collaboration, trust, and accountability.
6. Partner with the CEO and Executive team to review strategy and move big goals forward.
7. Collaborate with the CFO and senior leaders to ensure program budgets are well-managed, compliance is maintained, and reporting remains accurate and timely.
8. Use data and feedback to drive continuous learning, improvement, and innovation within programs.
9. Support grant reporting and proposals by providing program insights and data.
10. Represent RFKCA with funders, partners, and external stakeholders.
11. Identify operational challenges and opportunities, proactively recommending solutions to the CEO.
12. Help maintain organizational stability while preparing for long-term success.

What We’re Looking For:

• Deep commitment to RFKCA’s mission and values.
• A seasoned nonprofit executive with a track record of stepping into complex (or transitional) roles; brings stability, adaptability, and a readiness to lead.
• Demonstrated commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion, and fostering belonging.
• Utilizes a leadership approach rooted in trust, collaboration, empowerment, and shared responsibility.
• Strong background in program management, operations, and organizational leadership.
• Ability to balance strategic thinking with operational follow-through.
• Ability to lead a diverse portfolio of services and funding streams (e.g., DCF, DYS, DDS, DPH).
• Excellent communication skills — you listen deeply, communicate clearly, and build strong relationships.
• Exceptional strategic thinking, problem-solving, and decision-making skills.
• Demonstrated ability to lead high-performing teams.
• Proven experience in financial oversight, including budget management, compliance, and using data to support strategic decision-making and program accountability.
• Master’s degree in a relevant field required.

Why You’ll Love Us

In addition to being a part of a supportive team, we offer amazing employee benefits, including:

• Generous paid time off
• Educational Assistance
• Employer paid Short- & Long-Term Disability
• Retirement Plan with generous employer match

About Diversity, Belonging, Equity, and Inclusion at RFK Community Alliance

RFK Community Alliance is dedicated to a culture where everyone can show up to work as their full authentic selves. Diversity and inclusion don’t happen by accident; it’s by design. RFKCA believes that a diverse and inclusive workplace makes our organization stronger and cares about including diverse perspectives and experiences throughout every level. We are committed to honoring, celebrating, and fostering diversity and inclusion on our team, in our clientele, and within our community. RFKCA values, respects, and supports all types of diversity across all identities including, but not limited to, ethnicity, race, gender, LGBTQIA, age, religion, and abilities. We take responsibility for the community we’re creating and are here to contribute to a more inclusive and equitable society.