Communities In Schools is the nation's largest and most effective organization dedicated to helping students stay in school and achieve in life. At Communities In Schools (CIS), we believe that every student, regardless of race, gender, ability, zip code, or socioeconomic background has what they need to realize their full potential. CIS of Charlotte, the largest of NC's 20 Affiliates, provides case management services to over 4,000 students, across 56 CMS schools.

We are recruiting for an exceptional nonprofit leader to join our team in the newly created position of Chief Operating Officer (COO) to help standardize and scale internal operations, to meet the growing demand for our services and to support future expansion. The COO will be responsible for maintaining the day to day operations and lead our team of high-performing professionals.

SUMMARY

Reporting to the President & CEO, the Chief Operating Officer (COO) will serve as an integral member of the C-Suite Executive team. Working in collaboration with the President & CEO, the COO will articulate and implement the strategic vision and leadership of the organization, overseeing agency operations including innovation, Programming, and Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI). This position will play a critical role in developing and executing strategies in support of the overall business plan and strategic direction of the organization.

The ideal candidate is deeply passionate about improving our program outcomes and brings expertise to the position to enhance our operations through a variety of strategies. They have excellent communication skills, business acumen, data analytics skills, superior consultative skills, and problem solving skills. They have the ability to collaborate with a wide variety of employees, teams and external stakeholders and are able to cross cultural boundaries to build and maintain strong working relationships for organizational success. This individual nurtures and exemplifies a culture of inclusion, operational excellence, integrity, compassion, teamwork, and a desire to achieve the company mission and objectives.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Collaborate with the President & CEO and Executive team in setting and driving organizational vision, operations strategy, and hiring levels

Translate strategy into actionable steps for growth, implementing organization-wide goal setting, performance management, and annual operations planning

Oversee company operations and employee productivity, building a highly inclusive culture that ensures team members can thrive and organizational goals are met

Ensure compliance with all applicable federal, state and local laws, regulations and best practices

Analyze internal operations and identify areas for process enhancement

Implement business strategies and plans that align with the short and long-term objectives developed in tandem with President/CEO

Oversee Operations and Programming, Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI), and partner with the President/CEO on other programs and projects

Monitor performance with tracking software, take corrective measures when necessary, and prepare detailed updates, reports, and forecasts

Build and maintain relationships with key partners, board members and community leaders

Some travel required

QUALIFICATIONS

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skills, and/or abilities required.

EDUCATION and EXPERIENCE

Bachelor's degree from an accredited institution in education, organizational development, business, social work, mental or behavioral health or other related field (Master's degree preferred)

Eight (8) plus years of progressive professional experience, preferably in education, social work or a non-profit organization

Five (5) plus years of experience in an senior leadership role

Demonstrated experience leading teams with a track record of producing effective results and outcomes

Understanding of advanced business planning and regulatory issues

Experience leading and managing projects across multiple different departments and stakeholders

Demonstrated success in budget oversight and financial management

Solid knowledge of business, operations and programming best practices and trends

Experience with data analysis and performance metrics

Experience working with local government, boards of directors and donors preferred

Ability to perform in both a strategic and tactical manner

Project Management experience preferred

Other duties as assigned

SKILLS REQUIREMENT

Superior leadership, critical thinking, conflict-management, decision-making, interpersonal and strategic thinking skills

Strong problem-solving skills with the ability to work through tough issues quickly and effectively, diagnose problems and foresee potential issues

Must be extremely organized, self-motivated, able to work on multiple priorities both independently and with a team

Excellent verbal, written and interpersonal skills

Must possess outstanding organizational, technical, analytical, and project management skills with a strong business operations focus

Demonstrated computer proficiency in Microsoft Office Word, Excel, Outlook, PowerPoint and experience with Google Suite, Zoom and other virtual meeting platforms

A strong self-starter, pragmatic, enthusiastic toward development and creation of new initiatives and able to drive organizational change and build consensus

An excellent communicator, able to listen for understanding and speak with confidence, diplomacy, and tact

Culturally competent and experienced working with diverse populations and perspectives

Ability to work a flexible schedule

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently required to sit; use hands to handle, feel and keyboard; reach with hands and arms; and talk or hear. The employee is occasionally required to stand; walk; stoop, kneel, or bend. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 25 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close and distance vision.

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

WORK ENVIRONMENT

The position is located within the Charlotte Mecklenburg area. Regular and satisfactory attendance and punctuality are required. Regular and satisfactory performance including meeting all process deadlines and stated deliverables is required.

The statements contained herein describe the scope of the responsibility and essential functions of this position but should not be considered to be an all-inclusive listing of work requirements. Individuals may perform other duties as assigned including work in other areas to cover absences or relief to equalize peak work periods or otherwise balance the workload.

Criminal background check and pre-employment drug test required. Financial credit check and driving record check required, if applicable.

Hybrid remote work available.

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