Chief Operating Officer

Reporting to the President/CEO, the Chief Operating Officer (COO) serves as CFLeads’ primary steward of internal operations, ensuring that the organization’s strategy, priorities, and values are translated effectively into day-to-day practice. The COO oversees the systems, processes, and cross-team structures that support high performance, operational alignment, and a healthy organizational culture.

This role strengthens CFLeads’ internal capacity so that the President/CEO can focus on strategic leadership, external relationships, financial health, and long-term vision. The COO oversees day-to-day internal operational alignment, including enterprise risk management, human resources, information technology, legal affairs, and cross-departmental coordination.

The COO ensures operational integrity, fosters organizational effectiveness, and promotes a positive, mission-aligned workplace culture. The COO acts on behalf of the President/CEO in their absence and serves as a trusted partner to the Executive and Leadership Teams, helping to drive accountability and performance across the organization.

Key Responsibilities

Leadership Expectations

• Model integrity, accountability, and inclusivity in all practices
• Serve as a trusted, thought partner to the President, contributing to organizational learning, continuous improvement, and cross-departmental cohesion
• Represent CFLeads internally and externally as delegated, maintaining the highest standards of professionalism and stewardship
• Act on behalf of the President in their absence to ensure organizational continuity
• Ensure cross functional collaboration through communications channels that fosters teamwork and transparency

Operations

• Steward day-to-day internal operations, ensuring operational alignment with strategic priorities
• With the President and CEO, the Senior Director of Programs and Strategy, translate the strategic plan—established by the President and Board—into annual work plans, measurable goals, and performance systems
• Lead enterprise-wide initiatives that improve collaboration, efficiency, and organizational capacity
• Maintain continuous communication with the President on critical operational and risk-related matters
• Develop and improve policies, procedures, and workflows
• Foster a culture of accountability, continuous improvement, and excellence

Governance and Internal Communication

• Lead operational execution of Board approved policies, ensuring organizational compliance and alignment with governance best practices
• Support internal communications and change management processes that promote transparency and collaboration
• Support governance practices and organizational accountability

Talent & Team Development

• Design and implement strategies that foster a positive, values-based organizational culture emphasizing trust, equity, and accountability
• Oversee human resources and talent systems, including recruitment, performance management, professional development, and compliance with employment law
• Support Executive and Leadership Team members in goal setting, performance reviews, and leadership development
• Ensure competitive compensation and benefits practices
• Promote a positive, inclusive, and high-performing organizational culture
• Support leadership development and performance management processes
• Ensure staff are equipped, informed, and supported to perform at their best

Finance & Technology

• In close partnership with the Director of Finance and CEO, provide thought leadership for budgeting, forecasting, and long-range financial planning
• Collaborate with the finance team, ensuring accuracy and timeliness of all financial processes
• Oversee organizational technology systems, cybersecurity, and data management
• Ensure systems support organizational effectiveness and growth
• Lead technology planning and operational modernization efforts
• With the CEO, ensure stewardship of organizational resources

Risk Management & Coordination

• Oversee enterprise risk management, compliance, and legal coordination, engaging outside counsel as needed
• Ensure operational systems, policies, and procedures are current, effective, and consistently applied across departments
• Oversee the development of performance metrics and dashboards to monitor organizational health and impact
• Support and provide leadership to finance, programs, communications and technology, and other areas as needed