Chief Operating Officer

Chief Operating Officer

The Foundation for Natural Resources and Energy Law

Denver Metro

Organization type: Nonprofit

Type of role: Full-time

Job Category: Executive

Salary: $170,000.00 - $190,000.00

Chief Operating Officer

The Foundation for Natural Resources and Energy Law

Reports to Chief Executive Officer

Supervises Membership & Volunteer Coordinator; Marketing Manager, jointly with the Chief Content Officer (CCO); Controller; office/administrative and other operations staff as assigned

Status Full-time | Exempt | Denver metro area hybrid | Periodic travel

Salary range $170,000–$190,000

Position Overview

The Chief Operating Officer (COO) is FNREL's senior executive responsible for translating strategy into coordinated, reliable, and scalable operations. The COO integrates people, processes, technology, member service, marketing, fundraising, scholar development, administration, and financial management in partnership with the Chief Executive Officer and Controller. The role builds the systems, management discipline, and cross-functional accountability needed for FNREL to grow without sacrificing quality, collegiality, responsiveness, or stewardship. The COO serves as a key advisor to the Chief Executive Officer and as a member of the executive leadership team.

Expected Outcomes

• An integrated operating plan, budget, and performance dashboard tied to strategic priorities.

• Clear roles, efficient workflows, strong internal controls, and dependable execution across functions.

• Modern, secure, and well-adopted technology and data practices.

• Improved member acquisition, retention, service, volunteer participation, fundraising, and scholar-program execution.

• A high-performing, inclusive culture with strong managers and sustainable workloads.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

Enterprise Operations and Governance

• Partner with the Chief Executive Officer to convert Board-approved strategy into annual operating plans, priorities, budgets, milestones, and accountabilities.

• Ensure operations conform to governing documents, policies, legal requirements, ethical standards, and FNREL's mission.

• Design and improve cross-functional processes; establish service standards, internal controls, documentation, and business-continuity practices.

• Provide timely operational reporting and analysis to the Chief Executive Officer and Board and support Board and committee work as requested.

• Lead enterprise risk identification and mitigation in collaboration with appropriate advisors.

Finance People and Administration

• Partner with the Chief Executive Officer and Controller on budgeting, forecasting, cash and reserve planning, audit support, financial reporting, purchasing, and budget accountability.

• Oversee human-resources administration, performance-management systems, workforce planning, compensation practices, policy implementation, and professional development.

• Lead contracting, facilities, insurance, records retention, privacy, and administrative operations within delegated authority.

• Develop and mentor managers; foster collaboration, accountability, inclusion, learning, and exceptional internal service.

Technology Data and Digital Operations

• Own the business strategy and vendor management for the association management system, website, digital library, scholarship tools, career center, collaboration tools, cloud storage, phones, event platforms, and related systems.

• Establish cybersecurity, privacy, access, retention, data-quality, and technology-adoption practices in coordination with vendors and counsel.

• Ensure staff training, documented procedures, system integration, and reliable reporting.

Membership Marketing Development and Scholar Programs

• Set goals and management systems for member value, acquisition, renewal, service, segmentation, and insight.

• Oversee brand, marketing, communications, digital engagement, and market research in partnership with the Marketing Manager and Chief Content Officer.

• Lead fundraising strategy, donor stewardship, sponsorship coordination, legacy giving, and endowment-development operations.

• Provide executive oversight for scholarships, grants, law-student outreach, and related committee processes; ensure fair administration, measurement, and reporting.

• Build an effective volunteer-engagement system in partnership with the CCO and Membership & Volunteer Coordinator.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree required; advanced degree or relevant professional credential preferred.

• At least 10 years of progressively responsible operations experience, including at least five years leading people and multiple organizational functions.

• Demonstrated experience with nonprofit, association, education, professional-services, or similarly stakeholder-intensive operations.

• Strong command of budgeting, financial analysis, HR practices, process design, vendor management, technology implementation, data governance, and organizational change.

• Track record of building systems that improve member/customer experience and staff performance.

• Exceptional judgment, discretion, communication, project leadership, and ability to work effectively with a Board and sophisticated volunteers.

• Ability and willingness to travel as organizational needs require.

Measures of Success

• Achievement of annual operating-plan and budget targets.

• Member retention, service levels, engagement, and net growth.

• Process cycle time, data quality, system reliability, policy compliance, and risk reduction.

• Fundraising, sponsorship, and scholar-program performance.

• Employee engagement, performance, retention, and professional growth.

Work Environment and Physical Demands

This role is performed primarily in a remote or office environment and requires regular computer, telephone, and video-conference use. The employee must be able to communicate effectively, remain stationary for extended periods, move about event venues, and occasionally lift or move materials weighing up to 15 pounds. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. Travel and event work may require extended days, evenings, or weekends.

Benefits

Compensation and Benefits

Base salary range: $170,000–$190,000, with placement based on relevant experience, qualifications, internal equity, and approved budget. Current FNREL benefits are expected to apply, including employer-supported medical, dental and vision coverage; HSA contribution; 403(b) retirement contributions; paid leave and holidays; family and medical leave; life, AD&D and long-term disability coverage; and potential eligibility for a discretionary year-end bonus, subject to the terms in effect at hire.

Equal Opportunity

FNREL is an Equal Opportunity Employer. FNREL is committed to an inclusive workplace and considers qualified applicants without regard to legally protected status. Note: This job description describes the general nature and level of work expected. It is not an exhaustive list of all duties, responsibilities, or qualifications, and FNREL may modify it as organizational needs evolve.

How to Apply

Application Process Applications will be accepted through November 15, 2026. A complete application package consists of a résumé, cover letter, and contact information for three professional references. Please email all application materials as PDF documents to Terri Hamner at View email address on click.appcast.io.