Title: Chief Operations Officer
Reports to: CEO
Location: Newark
Posted: February 16, 2021
Overview of Responsibilities:
Reporting to the CEO, the COO will define the process and implement the infrastructure/systems needed to support substantial growth over the next five years. She or he will continue to build and manage effective and streamlined administrative/financial systems, including financial, accounting, legal, information technology (IT), human resources (HR), grant support, and physical infrastructure.
The position reports to the CEO with strategic oversight from the COS. This position will be based in the Newark area.
RESPONSIBILITIES:
Strategy
- Partner with the CEO on all operational and strategic issues as they arise; provide strategic recommendations to the CEO based on financial analysis and projections, cost identification and allocation, and revenue/expense analysis
- Participate in the ongoing strategic planning process as an integral member of the senior management team
- Oversee long-term budgetary planning and cost management in alignment with Project Ready’s strategic plan
- Engage the board finance committee around issues, trends, and changes in the operating model and operational delivery
Financial Management & Purchasing
- Review and approve preparation and finalization of monthly and annual financial reporting materials and metrics for Project Ready Board of Directors
- Oversee budgeting, financial forecasting, and cash flow for administration and existing programs
- Manage financial consulting support staff as needed in the future
- Coordinate all audit activities
- Implement appropriate purchasing process
- Partner with the CEO and key to staff build and create systems for tracking impact and producing high-quality reports for charitable supporters of the organization and our programs
- Work with team to ensure grants process is seamless, meets organizational goals, and is compliant with IRS Reporting guidelines
Administrative Leadership and Development
- Create and oversee the financial, budgeting, and administrative processes—including HR- employee handbook, healthcare- payroll, and benefits functions—with an eye to continuously developing and improving systems
- Lead Project Ready’s IT plan for the future and implement it successfully to meet IT needs (hardware and software) as the organization grows
- Manage day-to-day operations of the organization’s office and system maintenance (phone system, security, cleaning, supplies, etc.)
Team Leadership
- Provide leadership in strengthening internal communications with staff at all levels throughout the organization; create and promote a positive and supportive work environment
Required Capabilities:
- Keen analytic, organization, and problem-solving skills which allow for strategic data interpretation versus. simple reporting
- Excellent communication and relationship-building skills; experience in effectively communicating key data, including presentations to senior management, board, or other outside partners
- Ability and desire to translate complex financial concepts to individuals at all levels
- Technology savvy with experience selecting and overseeing software installations and managing relationships with software vendors; advanced knowledge of accounting and reporting software
- Ability to translate financial concepts to – and to effectively collaborate with — programmatic colleagues who do not necessarily have finance backgrounds
- Experience managing multiple, simultaneous work efforts and a strong ability to plan strategically and marshal resources toward implementing that plan while staying on top of specific tasks and consistently meeting deadlines.
- The ideal candidate has experience of final responsibility for the quality and content of all financial data, reporting, and audit coordination, and has preferably overseen a human resources function previously
- High demonstration of integrity, credibility, and dedication to the mission of Project Ready
Preferred Capabilities:
- Bachelor’s degree
- Spanish speaking
- 3-5 years of professional work experience
- A track record in grants management as it relates to compliance and reporting of government, corporate, and foundation grants
- At least 3-5 years experience as a Director of Operations, Director of Finance. CFO or equivalent, preferably in a nonprofit organization with a budget of at least $2 million or more
- Experience in a senior financial-management role, partnering with executive staff, resulting in the development and implementation of creative financial management strategies