Chief Operating Officer

CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER  

Kindness Initiative | San Diego, CA 

Full-Time | $90,000 – $95,000 annually + Bonus Eligible  

ABOUT KINDNESS INITIATIVE  

Kindness Initiative is a San Diego-based nonprofit dedicated to alleviating poverty in the local Jewish community. Fully dedicated to our Jewish community, we go far beyond crisis response, we provide customized, wrap-around case management services and operate kindnessG’MACH- our distribution center, distributing clothing, furniture, household goods, and more to families in need, at no cost and with complete dignity. We are a mission-driven team that values dignity, compassion, confidentiality, and belonging within our San Diego Jewish community. 

POSITION SUMMARY  

The Chief Operating Officer (COO) serves as the senior operations leader of Kindness Initiative, overseeing the kindnessG’MACH division along with organization-wide administration, financial management, data systems, infrastructure, compliance, and operational execution. The COO ensures internal systems operate efficiently, compliantly, and sustainably — enabling the Executive Director to focus on fundraising, community leadership, and organizational impact. 

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES  

Organizational Operations  

1. Oversee daily operational, financial and administrative functions across the organization 
2. Supervise administrative personnel and operational systems 
3. Develop, implement, and monitor policies and procedures 
4. Drive organizational efficiency and scalability 

Financial Management & Accounting

• Ensure timely and accurate preparation of monthly, quarterly, and annual financial statements
• Manage budgeting and forecasting processes in partnership with the Executive Director and Treasurer
• Monitor cash flow, reserve levels, and investment accounts to ensure financial health and sustainability
• Establish and maintain robust internal controls and financial policies to safeguard organizational assets
• Coordinate annual audits and serve as primary liaison with external auditors
• Ensure compliance with all regulatory reporting requirements including IRS Form 990, state filings, and grant reporting
• Oversee risk management, including insurance coverage and financial risk mitigation strategies

kindnessG’MACH Division Oversight  

1. Oversee Distribution Center, kindness Boutique, and Thrift Shop operations 
2. Manage the Furniture Online Exchange Program and kindnessMOVES delivery program 
3. Coordinate volunteer program administration 
4. Support integration between kindnessG’MACH and Member Services divisions 

Human Resources & Compliance  

1. Oversee HR administration, onboarding, and personnel policies 
2. Ensure compliance with employment regulations and nonprofit laws 
3. Support staff structure and organizational clarity 
4. Maintain internal controls and governance documentation 

Technology, Systems & Analytics  

1. Oversee operational technology platforms and databases 
2. Develop performance metrics and dashboards to support data-informed decisions 
3. Lead implementation of operational tools and reporting systems 

QUALIFICATIONS  

1. Deep commitment to the mission of Kindness Initiative and the San Diego Jewish community; personal empathy for clients served 
2. 7+ years of senior leadership experience in operations, administration, or finance — nonprofit experience strongly preferred 
3. Demonstrated expertise in financial administration, budgeting, and organizational systems 
4. Strong knowledge of HR practices, compliance, and operational policy development 
5. Experience implementing and scaling operational infrastructure 
6. Excellent analytical, organizational, and problem-solving skills 
7. High integrity, confidentiality, professionalism, and attention to detail 
8. Excellent computer skills (Outlook, Teams, Powerpoint, Word, Excel) and Zoom
9. Collaborative approach with executive leadership, Boards, staff, and clients 
10. San Diego personal and professional network a plus 
11. Bachelor’s degree required; advanced degree, CPA, MBA, or equivalent experience preferred 

COMPENSATION & BENEFITS 

1. Salary: $90,000 – $95,000 annually, commensurate with experience 
2. Bonus eligible 
3. 40-hour full-time position 
4. Medical benefits 
5. Paid Time Off (PTO) 
6. Jewish and Federal holidays observed 
7. Vacation time 
8. Paid sick time 

HOW TO APPLY  

To apply, please submit your resume and a brief cover letter describing your interest in and qualifications for this role. We look forward to hearing from you. 

Kindness Initiative is an equal opportunity employer.