Chief Operating Officer - HR Strategy Group, LLC

Chief Operating Officer

The Opportunity
Do you have a passion for developing organizational capacity to support economic and community revitalization in Baltimore City? (NIIF) is a place-based, non-profit investment fund with a mission to mobilize capital and leverage partnerships that support community development, drive economic opportunity, and promote equity in Baltimore’s disinvested neighborhoods. Launched in 2019, NIIF is a Community Development Financial Institution (CDFI) certified by the US Department of Treasury and has committed over $70 million in loans and investments in Baltimore communities.

We are seeking a Chief Operating Officer (COO) to serve as a partner in our executive team. The COO will be responsible for overseeing operations, human resources, IT, facilities, board management and other administrative functions, while ensuring that the day-to-day operations are running efficiently, effectively, transparently, professionally, and ethically to advance the mission. The COO will support the CEO and other members of the team in implementation of the organization’s strategic plan, drive and scale operations, and ensure NIIF achieves measurable impact in Baltimore’s communities.

This role requires an innovative, collaborative, hands-on, and results-driven leader with a passion for community investment and urban development. The COO will champion organizational excellence and will design and implement improvements in a range of protocols and systems (project management, risk analysis and mitigation, etc.) that will benefit the organization and the constituencies we serve. If you love rolling up your sleeves and working with a high-performing team, please keep reading!

Successful candidates for the position will need to demonstrate the following:

• Ability to design, build and support organizational capacity and growth to help NIIF execute and achieve our mission
• Experience working with staff, boards, community leaders, and volunteers.
• Strong communication skills, high integrity and dedication to following through for our organization and our clients.
• Personal commitment to a collaborative and team approach to work.
• Entrepreneurial, innovative and able to work without supervision.
• Demonstrated, senior level experience in nonprofit management.

Responsibilities:

Organizational Operations and Compliance:

• Oversee daily NIIF operations, including human resources, compliance, technology, procurement, and administrative functions.
• Design, implement, and improve operational systems, processes, and policies to maximize efficiency and scalability.
• Coordinate activities with direct vendors, contractors, and consultants to assure performance under their agreements in compliance with budget and operational considerations.
• Ensure the organization’s compliance with all applicable laws and regulations.
• Ensure proper insurance coverage including liability, directors and officers, workers compensation, cyber insurance, and other lines necessary for compliance.
• Ensure that expenses are allocated appropriately for general and administrative expenses, in consultation with the CFO .

Strategic Plan and Program Management:

• Work in partnership with the leadership team to execute the Strategic Plan including tracking progress and developing / implementing new processes and approaches to achieve plan goals and strengthen internal capacity.
• Lead the staff performance management process along with the executive team in such a way that all systems and operations are functioning efficiently and effectively to meet growth and performance goals.
• Support the CEO in creating an organizational staffing growth and succession plan that provides internal infrastructure and develops the capacity to succeed with programs and goals.
• Foster a culture of accountability, transparency, and continuous improvement across the organization.

Human Resources:

• Provide day-to-day human resources and operational leadership presence for all staff
• Develop Staff Employment Handbook that reflects NIIF’s culture, values and operating and financial needs.
• Collaborate with the CEO to design, implement, and manage annual performance reviews and feedback, and related compensation processes.
• Review and manage the annual Benefits offerings and the vendors, providing those benefits in consultation with President & CEO and CFO, to ensure competitive benefits programs.
• Recruit for open positions and ensure a fair, competitive selection and onboarding process.
• Ensure compensation benchmarking of all existing and planned positions to determine salary ranges compared to market.

Information Technology:

• Manage information systems, processes, and technologies for maximum functionality and efficiency, including efforts to improve internal data systems across departments; maintain data security on laptops and across web-enabled solutions.
• Ensure IT system functionality through coordination with external IT consultants and internal staff.
• Research and lead implementation for a CRM platform, in consultation with internal stakeholders and CRM vendors.
• Perform periodic evaluations of current and future IT needs including developing plans to meet future IT demands, and implement those plans ensuring NIIF’s IT systems integrate across all functional areas.
• Ensure maintenance of adequate cybersecurity insurance coverage annually.

Marketing and Communications:

• May be asked to represent NIIF at relevant networking and community events and meetings.
• Manage vendor relationships including website and marketing.
• Assist CEO and Impact Manager in creation of marketing materials including Annual Report, newsletters and other presentations.
• Oversee planning and execution of public events including annual NIIF stakeholder sessions.

Board Governance and Management:

• Communicate with the Board, committees and consultants.
• Manage the Board administrative functions (scheduling meetings, drafting agendas, distributing information, etc.).
• Present at Board meetings as requested.
• Cultivate a strong, transparent working relationship with the Board of Directors and provides accurate, complete, and timely information on the organization’s programs, services, and finances.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:

• Bachelor’s Degree in business, management, or related field required. Master’s or MBA preferred.
• Minimum 8+ years of experience of managing operations and programs in the nonprofit sector preferred, with 5+ years minimum in progressively responsible leadership positions.
• Experience in program management, assessment and improvement, particularly working in low-income communities, including community development financing, product, and new strategic initiative development.
• Proven knowledge of performance evaluation metrics in a business setting.
• Strong and effective communication skills with a strong DEI focus and commitment to advancing racial equity.

Compensation:

• The anticipated annualized salary is $120,000.00 for full time employment*, along with a benefits package, including medical insurance, FSA, and retirement benefits. A generous paid time off program is also available. NOTE: Candidates who are interested in part-time work schedules (3-4 days per week) may be considered.

TO APPLY:

NIIF will begin a review of applications immediately and will continue its work until an appointment of a Chief Operating Officer is made. For full consideration, applicants MUST submit the following in a Word Document:

• Letter of interest: Please address how you can help lead NIIF as Chief Operating Officer in achieving our mission and strategic initiatives.
• Professional Resume.

Who We Are:

NIIF’s vision for Baltimore communities to have the capital and resources to achieve their aspirations. As a CDFI, we seek to foster this vision by mobilizing capital and leverage partnerships that support community development, drive economic opportunity, and promote equity in disinvested neighborhoods.

NIIF is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, veteran status, or other protected class. Applicants of diverse backgrounds are encouraged to apply.

We welcome you to apply today!