Chief Operating Officer

$202,968 - $233,158/Yr

Center For Constitutional Rights (Ccr) - New York, NY

Full-time - Senior

New York, NY

51-100 employees

Religious, Grantmaking, Civic, Professional, and Similar Organizations

About the position

The Chief Operating Officer (COO) at the Center for Constitutional Rights is a newly created role that provides strategic leadership and oversight of the organization's Finance, IT, Human Resources, and Facilities functions. Reporting directly to the Executive Director, the COO will play a pivotal role in aligning the Center's internal operations with its external values of justice, equity, and inclusion, which are fundamental to the organization's mission. This position is designed for a seasoned operations leader with extensive experience in nonprofit management, financial strategy, technology, human resources, and talent management, particularly in unionized environments. The COO will collaborate closely with the Leadership Team, which includes the Executive Director and the Associate Executive Director, as well as the Management Team, which consists of the Director of Development, Communications Director, Advocacy Director, Legal Director, and Deputy Legal Director. Together, they will work on organization-wide strategy, culture, and performance. The COO will also manage, empower, and inspire a team of direct reports, ensuring that key functions meet and exceed organizational standards. The ideal candidate will be adept at optimizing organizational infrastructure to support staff responsibilities and will be responsible for developing policies and procedures that facilitate effective communication across the organization. The COO will oversee significant projects, including the renovation of the organization's newly acquired office space, and will be expected to embody the Center's progressive values in daily operations. This role requires a collaborative, flexible, and empathetic leader who can foster a culture of inclusion and navigate union relations effectively.

Responsibilities

• Partner with the Executive Director, Associate Executive Director, and Management Team to cultivate a culture of transparency, equity, and inclusion across the Center for Constitutional Rights.
• Lead inclusive processes ensuring the Center for Constitutional Rights' culture is named, normed, managed, and evaluated across the organization.
• Lead the development and implementation of internal policies that align with the organization's commitment to social justice, fostering organization-wide inclusion at all levels.
• Serve on the Leadership and Management teams, providing strategic input on the organization's direction and priorities.
• Collaborate with the Leadership Team, incorporating staff input while building on the Center for Constitutional Rights' strategy and serving as a thought partner in their current strategic planning process.
• Oversee the organization's operations and ensure policies, processes, and protocols that support the organization's workflows and support CCR's mission.
• Continuously assess and optimize operational systems to enhance collaboration and efficiency across the organization.
• Ensure the organization has the necessary infrastructure, including technology and facilities, to operate effectively and scale as needed.
• Work closely with the IT team to maintain, update, and secure the organization's digital infrastructure, ensuring robust data security and the use of technology to support operational and programmatic goals.
• Identify and mitigate operational risks, ensuring compliance with relevant regulations and safeguarding the organization's assets.
• Work closely with the Finance Director and Finance team to develop and implement financial strategies that support the Center for Constitutional Rights' growth and sustainability.
• Provide oversight of the organization's budgeting, financial reporting, and compliance with nonprofit regulations.
• Collaborate with the Finance Committee and Board on investment policies and financial planning, attending all quarterly board meetings, overseeing investment portfolios, and guiding the Board Finance Committee on strategic movements.
• Lead the development and implementation of inclusive and equitable human resources policies and practices, focusing on racial and social justice and employee well-being.
• Oversee union contract negotiations and implementation, ensuring compliance with the Collective Bargaining Agreement.
• Support the recruitment, development, and retention of diverse talent across the organization.
• Oversee the organization's IT strategy, ensuring digital security and the effective use of technology to achieve organizational goals.
• Provide guidance to the IT team on maintaining and improving technology infrastructure.
• Lead and manage the renovation of the newly acquired 9th floor space, collaborating with existing external consultants, architects, and construction teams.
• Assess the need to hire additional leadership roles, such as a Technology Director or Facilities Director, as required.

Requirements

• 13+ years of experience in nonprofit operations and financial management or a related field, with a minimum of 5 years in a senior leadership role.
• Proven success in fostering inclusive organizational cultures and leading change to align culture with communication, actions, and policies.
• Solid background in financial strategy and management, including budgeting, forecasting, and strategic financial and operations planning.
• Significant experience in human resources management, particularly within unionized environments, with a focus on organizational culture development.
• Experience in managing large-scale projects, particularly in facilities renovation.
• Demonstrated ability to lead and develop diverse teams in a collaborative and inclusive manner.
• Strategic thinker with a track record of driving organizational change and innovation.
• Solid communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to engage effectively with staff, board members, and external stakeholders.
• Tech-savvy, with a solid understanding of IT infrastructure and digital security best practices.
• Ability to align operational practices with the Center for Constitutional Rights' mission and values.
• Sense of humor and self-awareness.

Benefits

• 100 percent employer-paid health benefit premiums
• Medical and dental insurance
• Life and short- and long-term disability insurance
• Employer contribution to retirement plan
• Flexible spending account
• Vacation and sick leave
• All federal holidays