Executive COO: Build People-Powered, Scalable Operations

National Council on Aging; Arlington (VA); On-site; USD 200,000 - 280,000; Full time

Job summary

National Council on Aging seeks a Chief Operating Officer to drive enterprise-wide performance, scalability, and disciplined resource management. The role partners with the CEO and Board to translate strategy into budgets, plans, and measurable impact, overseeing IT, finance, people operations, and compliance with a people-centered, mission-driven approach.

The COO will lead planning, risk mitigation, and organizational development, foster innovation, and ensure a high-performing culture aligned

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in business or finance required; MBA highly desirable.
• At least 10 years of progressive executive leadership experience overseeing finance, information technology, compliance, people operations, and administration.

Responsibilities

• Lead and integrate core operational functions including information technology, human resources, compliance, finance and administration.
• Lead organization-wide operational planning, performance management, and risk mitigation.
• Develop and monitor organizational policies, systems, and controls to support compliance, accountability, and sustainability.
• Partner with the CEO and senior leadership to drive the execution of NCOA’s strategic plan.
• Serve as a trusted advisor to the Board of Directors, particularly on financial, operational, and organizational matters.
• Translate NCOA’s strategic priorities into operational plans, budgets, and performance metrics.
• Ensure financial stewardship, long-term sustainability, and alignment of resources with strategic goals.
• Lead enterprise-level planning, including annual operating plans, multi-year financial forecasts, and capacity-building initiatives.
• Identify organizational risks and opportunities and implement strategies to strengthen resilience and scalability.
• Foster a culture of continuous improvement and innovation across operations, people systems, and technology, using data analytics and operational insights to enhance effectiveness and efficiency.
• Leverage data, technology, and process improvements to enhance efficiency and effectiveness.
• Drive AI enablement across the organization.
• Support development of strategic partnerships that advance NCOA’s mission and expand reach and impact.
• Collaborate with external partners, funders, and vendors to strengthen operational capabilities and shared value.
• Lead, mentor, and develop high-performing teams across Finance, Human Resources, Project Management, and IT.
• Promote an inclusive, collaborative, and values-driven organizational culture that reflects NCOA’s mission and commitment to equity.

Skills

Strategic Thinking

Problem Solving

Business Acumen

Ethics

Interpersonal Skills

Judgment

Planning/Organizing

Professionalism

Adaptability

Education

Bachelor's degree in business or finance

MBA

Tools

IT systems

Data analytics

Job description

National Council on Aging seeks a Chief Operating Officer to drive enterprise-wide performance, scalability, and disciplined resource management. The role partners with the CEO and Board to translate strategy into budgets, plans, and measurable impact, overseeing IT, finance, people operations, and compliance with a people-centered, mission-driven approach.

The COO will lead planning, risk mitigation, and organizational development, foster innovation, and ensure a high-performing culture aligned