Interim Chief Operating Officer

RFK Community Alliance; Lancaster (Lancaster County); On-site; USD 80,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

An established industry player is seeking an Interim Chief Operating Officer to lead during a critical transition. This pivotal role involves overseeing program operations, ensuring alignment with strategic goals, and fostering a culture of diversity and inclusion. The ideal candidate will have a strong background in program management and organizational leadership, with a commitment to empowering teams and driving innovation. Join a supportive organization dedicated to making a lasting impact in the community, where your leadership will guide the path to success through collaboration and trust.

Benefits

Health Insurance

Dental Insurance

Vision Insurance

Generous Paid Time Off

Holiday Pay

Educational Assistance

Employer-Paid Life Insurance

Employer-Paid Short- & Long-Term Disability

Retirement Plan with Generous Employer Match

Qualifications

• Proven experience in nonprofit leadership roles, ensuring stability and adaptability.
• Strong commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion in all operations.

Responsibilities

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

Skills

Program Management

Organizational Leadership

Diversity and Inclusion

Strategic Thinking

Communication Skills

Problem-Solving

Financial Oversight

Education

Master's Degree in a Relevant Field

Job description

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:

• Health Insurance
• Dental Insurance
• Vision Insurance
• Generous paid time off
• Holiday Pay
• Educational Assistance
• Employer-paid life insurance
• Employer paid Short- & Long-Term Disability
• Retirement Plan with generous employer match

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.

Together we’re the designers. RFK Community Alliance believes that a diverse and inclusive workplace makes our organization stronger and cares about including diverse perspectives and experiences throughout every level. This is why they are committed to honoring, celebrating, and fostering diversity and inclusion on their team, in their clientele, and within their community. RFK Community Alliance believes that their team must reflect their community and vice versa. They value, respect, and support all types of diversity across all identities including, but not limited to, ethnicity, race, gender, LGBTQIA, age, religion, and abilities. RFK Community Alliance takes responsibility for the community we’re creating here are here to contribute to the progression of our society to a more inclusive and equitable one.