Crystal Stairs Inc. is seeking an experienced Chief Operating Officer (COO) for one of the largest nonprofit child development agencies in California. The incoming COO must be passionate about the work of serving low-income communities, mission-driven, and experienced in leading organizational and cultural change and operations. The primary function of the COO is to provide overall vision, leadership and guidance of daily operations and lead business development strategic initiatives. The COO will be a member of the C-suite and take a lead role in developing long-term and short-term corporate strategies, goals, policies/procedures, programs and services, and must be a leader in driving the agency's capacity to maximize overall impact in support of the organizational mission and sustainability.

SUMMARY:

Reporting to the CEO, the Chief Operating Officer (COO) will guide the delivery and implementation of a comprehensive array of programs and services in support of the agency's mission and vision. The COO continuously creates innovation and improvements with actionable processes and tools that drive operating leverage and efficiency. As a member of the Executive Leadership Team, the COO is expected to actively participate and collaborate in establishing corporate objectives and help to strengthen the organization's infrastructure. The COO has overall responsibility for multiple program contract management, compliance, effectiveness, client services, and continual quality review. The COO will play a lead role in business development from concept to implementation.

CAREER PATH LEADING TO THIS POSITION:

Candidates should have a demonstrated success record within a multifaceted nonprofit agency in either the Executive Director position or as the head of a major business unit within a large nonprofit organization. Experience with state funded programs, social service and/or early childhood education is a plus.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

1. Provide strategic direction, lead and support the growth of all programs of the organization to serve the community.
2. Oversee the management of all program related projects to ensure successful delivery by establishing goals and accountabilities; developing project plans; allocating resources; identifying potential issues/risks and developing contingency plans.
3. Monitor and achieve fiscal performance of programs, allowing for the accurate projection of future service, revenue and budget needs, and ensuring that fiscal reporting and audit requirements are met. Actively participate in budget development process.
4. Advise and inform executive leadership team on the implications of short and long term-decisions, strategies, and large scale efforts that will yield sustainable results.
5. Ensure consistency of compliance and provide consistent guidance and direction to the organization with regulations, terms & conditions, policies, procedures and standards.
6. Build value-based relationships with peers and others to exchange feedback for the purpose of accomplishing work objectives, by collaboratively assessing needs and creating action plans that identify and solve problems. Generate alliances internally and externally by continuously identifying and acting on relevant factors that will create success for the agency, clients and the community.
7. Represent the organization to governmental, corporate and other entities including advocacy, reviewing and interpreting state and federal policies, ensuring that programmatic contract requirements are met, and maintaining overall good relations with funders.
8. Make client/customers (external and internal) a primary focus by building a clear understanding of client/customer needs, expectations and excellence in customer service delivery within the organization.
9. Identify new opportunities for developing programs that will serve the community and further the mission of Crystal Stairs through business expansion and social enterprise endeavors.
10. Communicate and educate employees on agency culture and lead by example, demonstrating a commitment to integrity, honesty, and adherence to the highest standards of ethical behavior.
11. Provide direction, leadership and coaching to staff members by conducting periodic staff meeting and frequent check-ins.
12. Select; hire well-qualified, talented staff that reflects labor market diversity.
13. Allocate and request resources that match production needs and adjust as necessary to support corporate and departmental budget and CSI goals/mission.
14. Build strong teams that are technically competent and characterized by a high level of coordination and trust.

LEADERSHIP:

KNOWLEDGE:

Extensive knowledge in program development and implementation. Track record of success in management of multiple programs and functions including finance, budgeting, human resources, strategic planning, and systems development and re-design. Knowledge of funding streams, rules of governance and programmatic requirements associated with managing government contracts. Knowledge of California child care system and processes.

COMPETENCIES:

Strong strategic focus and leadership skills with exposure to different business and/or management models. Must have ability to drive and motivate organizations. Must be a strategic thinker with excellent written, verbal communication and presentation skills. Must have strong multi-tasking and organizational skills. Strong collaborative skills and ability to influence leaders and people movers. Ability to facilitate and maintain communication with diverse staffs and communities. Ability to be flexible and adapt to change. Must be an administrative effectiveness and process improvement expert with strong skills in judgment, integrity and ethics. Ability to provide strong leadership to effectively manage budgets, practice sound fiscal management and report accurately on progress made and challenges encountered.

COMPLEXITY:

Ability to analyze complex situations and develop creative, effective, efficient solutions. Provides expert counsel and exercises sound judgment in handling various complex contracts, regulations and compliance issues. Interactions across all levels within the agency, as well as other organizations.

ACCOUNTABILITY:

Works closely with executive management team as a partner to ensure the overall success of the organization. Has considerable discretion and independence in determining corporate program priorities. Must have excellent leadership and human relations abilities with ability to plan, organize, coordinate, and direct projects.

EDUCATION:

BS/BA degree in Business, Education, Public Administration, Child Development, Organizational Development or equivalent. Advanced degree, MBA or Project Management certification preferred.

EXPERIENCE:

Requires a minimum of 5 years of senior level management experience playing a strategic leadership role in a corporate or a non-profit agency. Must have experience managing seasoned professionals with high degrees of expertise. Requires experience providing creative leadership and excellent mentoring, coaching and training skills. Must be familiar with nonprofit finance and accounting regulations.