Chief Operating Officer (COO)

Description

The Challenged Athletes Foundation® (CAF) is a world leader in helping individuals with physical challenges get involved and stay involved in sports and fitness. CAF believes that participation in sports at any level increases self-esteem, encourages independence, and enhances quality of life. Since 1994, CAF has provided millions of dollars in grants and resources that empower individuals with physical disabilities to pursue active lifestyles through sport. CAF is headquartered in San Diego, California, with additional regional presence across the United States.

Position overview:

The Chief Operating Officer role is a new role to the organization. CAF is looking for a COO to help lead the organization through its next phase of growth and impact. Reporting directly to the Chief Executive Director, the COO will serve as a key strategic partner, ensuring alignment between vision, operations, people and performance across the organization. This role requires an experienced leader that can maintain and build upon the culture of the organization while simultaneously guiding the organization through the change management necessary to secure the future of the organization.

Who we're looking for

The right person for this role is highly strategic, financially sophisticated, and they thrive at the intersection of leadership, accountability, and execution. This individual will play a critical role in strengthening organizational performance while helping build a culture where leaders think and operating like true owners of their departments.

The ideal candidate

• Possesses exceptional financial acumen and a deep understanding of budgeting, forecasting, resource allocation, performance metrics and financial stewardship.
• Has a proven track record of driving organization-wide financial accountability and helping leadership teams make decisions grounded in data, outcomes, and fiscal responsibilities.
• Can successfully facilitate a strategic shift in leadership focus toward operational excellence, measurable results, and sustainable financial performance.
• Provides support to leaders that allows them to take ownership of their functions, empower department heads to think strategically, manage resources effectively, and operate with an enterprise-wide mindset.
• Brings outstanding communication and relationship-building skills, with the ability to serve as a trusted bridge between the Board of Directors, executive leadership, and operational teams.
• Is comfortable engaging with board members on strategy, organizational performance, financial health, and key business initiatives while translating board priorities into actionable organizational outcomes.
• Balances strategic vision with hands‑on, execution oriented leadership style.
• Is passionate about mission driven work and creating meaningful impact in the community.

Responsibilities

Organizational Leadership and Execution:

• In partnership with the Chief Executive Director, this role will translate organizational strategy into actionable operational plans, priorities and performance objectives.
• This role will directly support the Chief Accounting Officer, Chief Marketing Officer, Chief Programs Officer and the HR function.
• They will assist in establishing department goals that are aligned to the organization priorities.
• The COO will remove roadblocks, assist to establish and operationalize plans, and align departmental projects so the team is able to make an impact.

Financial and Operational Stewardship:

• In partnership with the Chief Accounting Officer, this role will be engaged in the development, implementation and monitoring of annual budgets.
• Maintain accountability for organizational resource allocation, ensuring investments align with strategic priorities and operational requirements.
• Monitor department financial performance and recommend corrective actions when performance deviates from budget or plan.
• Identify and implement cost effective solutions that improve organizational efficiency while maintaining service quality and mission impact.

Process improvement, Data and Reporting:

• Lead organizational process improvement initiatives including workflow redesign, standardization and continuous improvement efforts. Drive technology
• Oversee organizational reporting systems and create performance dashboards to ensure timely, accurate and actionable information is available to leadership.
• Establish and monitor KPI's and organizational metrics that measure operational, programmatic and financial performance.
• Utilize operational and financial data to support strategic planning, decision making, and organizational sustainability.
• Drive technology adoption and process integration initiatives

Total Rewards Strategy at CAF:

CAF offers a competitive compensation package, commensurate with experience. The expected salary range for this position is between $150,000 - $170,000. CAF also offers a complete benefits package including medical, dental, vision, 401k match, generous vacation and holiday schedule, hybrid work schedule, onsite weekly team lunches, an engaging culture, and a dog friendly work place.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree required; Master's degree in Business Administration, Nonprofit Management, Public Administration, or related field preferred.
• Minimum of 7-10 years of progressive nonprofit leadership experience.
• Demonstrated experience leading operational functions within a nonprofit organization.
• Strong financial acumen, including budget development, financial analysis, forecasting, and resource management.
• Experience overseeing multiple departments and leading cross-functional teams.
• Proven ability to develop strategic plans and translate them into measurable operational outcomes.
• Experience utilizing data, reporting, and performance metrics to drive organizational improvement.
• Excellent leadership, communication, interpersonal, and relationship-building skills.
• Strong analytical, organizational, and problem‑solving abilities.
• Demonstrated success managing change and improving organizational processes.
• Ability to work effectively with executive leadership, board members, staff, volunteers, donors, and community stakeholders.
• Commitment to CAF's mission and values.
• Willingness to travel and work occasional evenings and weekends as required