Chief Operations Officer (Coo)

BACKGROUND:

In 1999, founder Debbi and Paul Brainerd created IslandWood from a parcel of land originally slated for development. IslandWood began as a singular, unique place created to help students and teachers see themselves – and their world – differently. In over two decades since, IslandWood has grown to become a bold leader in innovative, inclusive education for the planet. Whether our work happens on Bainbridge Island or in City neighborhoods, we take urgent issues and make them relevant to young people, shedding light on the power we all have to change the world for good. This approach prepares the next generation of inspired environmental problem solvers to work together to make an exponential impact on the planet – now and in the future.

KEY ISLANDWOOD FACTS

• We reach 50 School Districts, 200 schools, and over 25,000 students each
• 81% of children participating do so free of charge or at a significantly reduced rate due to donor, partner, or grant support.
• Our 455 graduate program students and alumni are reaching an estimated 4000+ kids annually.
• We operate out of our 255-acre main campus on Bainbridge Island, Brightwater Education Center in Woodinville, WA, Renton South Plant, and in the field at Public Schools, the Duwamish River and Public Parks.

FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS

• Operates with an annual budget of $10.8M generated from 57% earned revenue (educational program fees, conference, retreats, and events); 30% philanthropic contributions; 9% endowment earnings, and 4% government.
• Generates over 3M in sales through hosting weddings, conferences and retreats.

For more information about IslandWood, please visit www.islandwood.org.

THE OPPORTUNITY:

IslandWood is looking for a mission-focused, seasoned, operational and financial leader with experience working in organizations of 100+ employees. The COO will act as a strategic partner with the CEO, focusing on the internal operations of IslandWood. The COO must be a leader who desires to build and grow the organization's programs and sustainability, while partnering and mentoring with the leadership team in strategy development, planning and execution. Importantly, the successful COO will have the sensitivity, and personal confidence to tap into the power that each member of the team brings to the mission.

KEY RELATIONSHIPS

• Reports to CEO
• Direct reports: Director of Finance, Director of People and Culture, Director of Food and Beverage, Director of Operations, and the Event Sales team.
• Provides staff leadership to the Board Finance Committee, and Investment Committee in partnership with the Treasurer of the Board.
• Other Key Relationships: Leadership Team, Board of Directors, vendors, banking and investments. 

The Chief Operating Officer will proactively build the operational and financial foundations for the organization to allow the organization to achieve its strategic objectives.

The ideal candidate will thrive in the following areas of responsibility:

• Supporting and partnering with the Chief Executive Officer on the strategic direction of the organization.
• Developing cross-functional operational business plans that support the long-term strategy of the organization.
• Facilitating ongoing analysis and development of best practices to ensure operational efficiency throughout the organization.
• Improving existing processes and procedures throughout the organization.
• Coaching and mentoring staff, acting as a business partner in their annual planning & execution.
• Partnering with all levels of IslandWood in active brainstorming, thought leadership and authentic real-time discussions which promote positive change.
• Nurturing and growing a culture of Justice, Equity, Diversity and Inclusion. 
• Perpetuating a culture of curiosity, reflection, collaboration and accountability. 

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

LEADERSHIP

• In partnership with the leadership team, share responsibility for promoting and maintaining a positive organizational culture.
• Align business practices and operations with overall strategy.
• Lead the annual priority, planning and monitoring process with the management team.
• Provide day to day operational leadership, building upon a structure of accountability & proactive decision making.
• Directly oversee the following teams: Finance, Hospitality, Operations, Facilities, People & Culture, Food & Beverage, and Events. 
• Provide leadership and guidance to a cross departmental leadership team including all directors & senior leadership members responsible for day-to-day operations of IslandWood.
• Provide coaching and mentoring to leadership team members.
• Partner with the leadership team in strategy development, planning, and execution within their departments.

 OPERATIONS, ADMINISTRATION & FACILITIES

• Develop and/or improve business systems, processes, and procedures that improve the overall efficiency of the organization.
• Oversee all areas of Operations, including administration, IT, and facilities.

FINANCIAL & LEGAL

• Lead all financial and legal aspects of the organization including reporting, analysis, risk management and compliance.
• Provide oversight and guidance to the Director of Finance 
• In partnership with Director of Finance, lead the annual budget process.
• Partner with the CEO & Board in building a long-term sustainable business model for the organization.
• Act as the staff liaison to the Finance Committee.
• Act as the staff liaison to the Investment Committee.

ORGANIZATIONAL CULTURE & HUMAN RELATIONS

• In partnership with the Director of People & Culture, lead the people strategy instilingl a “coaching and mentor” culture within IslandWood.
• Provide oversight and guidance to develop sustainable and robust  organizational systems for performance management.
• Partner with the Director of People & Culture to develop sustainable professional development systems to support the growth of staff at all levels. 
• Nurture and strengthen a strong culture of Justice, Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion (JEDI) within the organization.
• Nurture and strengthen intentional inclusivity, active engagement, conscious curiosity, unwavering accountability and an adventurous mindset.

SOCIAL ENTERPRISE

• Oversee a 3M+ enterprise that provides on campus events, conferences, and retreats. 
• Lead strategy, growth and efficiency for social enterprise.
• Partner with the CEO & leadership team on developing additional revenue generating programs aligned with our mission.

CRITICAL SKILLS & CAPABILITIES:
§  Strategic Thinking & Business Analysis

With a passion for IslandWood’s mission and vision, the COO will be innovative and entrepreneurial and able to think creatively and strategically. The COO will embrace problem solving using a lens of mission impact and financial sustainability.

§  Collaborating and Influencing

The COO will possess exceptional stakeholder management skills and will be able to communicate across the organization including the staff, board, founders and external partners. The COO will have good delegation skills, enabling others to move projects forward.

§  Organizational Systems:

The COO will possess skills in developing and implementing strong business and operating systems. The COO will enjoy integrating the work of systems, data, and people.

§  Coaching & Mentoring:

The COO will possess exceptional coaching skills and thrive in mentoring current and future leaders within the organization.

§  Cultural Capacity:

The COO will show an authentic interest in continual cultural capacity growth on both a personal and organizational level and will lead in a way that honors IslandWood’s commitment to Justice, Equity, Diversity and Equity (JEDI).

OTHER PERSONAL CHARACTERISTICS:

• Passionate advocate for children, education, and the environment. 
• Strong Commitment to racial equity.
• Engaging and warm personally.
• Skilled listener with a collaborative approach.
• Unassailable ethics and integrity.
• Must be fully vaccinated against COVID-19, including Booster, post offer

IslandWood is an Equal Opportunity Employer and welcomes applications from qualified individuals without regard to race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, age, disability, pregnancy, genetic information, marital status, amnesty, or status as a covered veteran in accordance with applicable federal, state, and local laws.  We encourage diverse applicants because we believe having a staff that authentically reflects the community, we serve is critical to our ability to be culturally responsive.