CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER

Essential Duties and Responsibilities: The position of Chief Operating Officer (COO) enables Housing Forward to pursue our mission by creating the conditions for great programs to flourish. The COO focuses on operational excellence, resource management, and cross-functional collaboration to drive the organization's success. The COO is responsible for the strategy and day-to-day business operation functions including facilities, IT and business systems, and training to ensure the conditions for effective programming and a healthy organizational infrastructure. The COO serves as part of the executive leadership team which provides strategic and day-to-day direction for the organization.

JOB RESPONSIBILITIES:

Strategy, Vision & Leadership

• Serve as a strategic thought partner to the CEO, supporting strategic planning, organizational dashboards, and reporting in areas of responsibility.
• Collaborate closely with Chief Finance Officer, Chief Development Officer, Chief Program Officer, on cross departmental strategy and implementation.
• Guide operational strategy including business system management, organizational scaling and sustainability plans.
• Develop annual goals for the operations department as it relates to the strategic plan or other internal plans.
• Integrate new projects and initiatives into the organization.
• Build internal relationships with staff to develop an understanding of strategic resource allocation to meet programmatic needs.
• Represent Housing Forward to internal and external stakeholders including the board, community partners, donors, funders/grant-makers, auditors, and public officials.
• Together with CFO and CPO identify and mitigating risks across the organizational including insurance coverage, process changes, and policies.
• Other projects and duties as assigned to assist the CEO and broader organizational initiatives.

Operations and IT

• Lead organization-wide operational upgrades to systems and equipment.
• Propose IT upgrades and equipment purchases during annual budget process; oversee resource allocation and budgeting (i.e. office equipment, supplies, technology resources, etc.).
• Lead the agency’s Data Governance Committee to advance the agency’s SharePoint and Salesforce implementation to improve data management and data output.
• Manage the procurement, maintenance and vendor contracting processes.
• Initiate new ideas for systems and software to increase efficiency and enhance the use of technology for the staff and organization.
• Oversee the agency’s Emergency Preparedness Plan and initiate facility protocols (safety and fire).
• Recommend changes, implement operating policies and procedures as required to maintain the organization's operational health.

Real Estate Development, Property Management & Facilities

• Assist CEO in advancing and developing new fixed-site temporary (i.e. interim and transitional) and permanent housing solutions.
• Manage lease negotiations and operational responsibilities for the administrative offices and program buildings.
• Oversee management of facilities and maintenance of properties, vehicle(s), and OSHA compliance.

Team Development & Leadership

• Oversee, direct, and organize the work of the Operations team.
• Promote a culture of inclusivity, high performance, and continuous improvement that values learning and a commitment to quality.
• Ensure that administrative functions are sufficiently organized and staffed to meet the growing needs of the Organization.
• Ensure staff members receive timely and appropriate training and development.
• Establish and monitor staff performance for direct reports; Including professional development goals, assign accountabilities, set objectives, establish priorities, conduct annual performance appraisals, and administer salary adjustments.
• Mentor and develop staff using a supportive and collaborative approach: assign accountabilities; set objectives; establish priorities; and monitor and evaluate results.

QUALIFICATIONS:

• Commitment to and passion for the mission of Housing Forward.
• Master's degree in nonprofit management, business management or related field.
• 10+ years of experience in technology management, operations, or business development.
• Experience with project management and ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously.
• Think strategically, anticipate future consequences and trends and incorporate them into organizational planning.
• Demonstrate strong management and leadership skills; build relationships and connect with people both individually and in groups.
• Communicate clearly and effectively with the CEO, Board of Directors, staff and vendors.
• Ensure compliance with Federal, State and Local laws and regulations.
• Ability to work effectively in a fast-paced dynamic environment.

KEY COMPETENCIES:

• High standards for accountability, controls, timeliness, reporting and accuracy.
• Strong organizational skills.
• Strong project management skills.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Competency in Microsoft Office 365, SharePoint and Salesforce.
• Strong relationship building skills and ability to communicate well with diverse teams both internally and externally.
• Demonstrated focus on excellence; has experience leading others to new levels of effectiveness.
• Ability to use technology effectively for professional communication and external presentations.
• Cross-cultural experience to work effectively within diverse communities.
• Model utmost integrity; ethical behavior and appropriate business practices.
• Ability to work in an interdisciplinary team approach model, taking individual responsibility and autonomy while also working well in roles leading and serving as part of a team.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:

The physical requirements described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 30 pounds. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to use hands and talk or hear. The employee is frequently required to drive a vehicle, stand; walk; sit; use stairs; reach with hands and arms balance, stoop, kneel or crouch.

Job descriptions are not intended and should not be construed to be all-inclusive lists of all responsibilities, skills, efforts or working conditions associated with a job. While this job description is intended to be an accurate reflection of the job requirements, management reserves the right to modify, add or remove duties from particular jobs and to assign other duties as necessary. This job description does not constitute a written or implied contract of employment.

HOUSING FORWARD is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, ethnicity, religion, sexual orientation, veteran status, national origin, or disability.