COO

A bilingual candidate is required for this role - English and Spanish speaker

About the Company:

Our client is a rapidly growing non-for-profit organization who are looking to add a COO (Chief Operating Officer) to their team. They have enjoyed incredible growth in the last few years' and are seeking a candidate with a strong non-profit or healthcare senior leadership background to join their team as they continue their expansion.

Reasons to Work Here:

• Health insurance
• Dental & Vision insurance
• Life insurance
• Short- and Long-Term Disability Insurance
• 403(b) Retirement Plan
• Generous PTO (Paid time off)- Accrue up to 21 days in Year 1, some PTO carryover allowable.
• Employee Assistance Program
• Professional Development Opportunities
• Employment may qualify for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program (PSLF)
• Certain employees may qualify for City of Chicago commuter transit benefit.

Position Description – What the Role Entails:

The Chief Operating Officer (COO) is a pivotal member of the Executive Leadership Team, responsible for turning the strategic vision of the President & CEO into operational reality across all departments and affiliates.

Under the visionary leadership and direction of the President & CEO, the COO ensures that all programs and services are delivered efficiently, equitably, and with lasting impact across all departments and affiliates.

The COO translates strategic priorities into actionable outcomes, drives accountability systems across departments, and ensures that every operational decision strengthens the mission, integrity, and legacy of the organization.

Areas of Accountability - What you will be doing:

1. Operational and Executive Leadership

• Operationalize and execute the President & CEO’s organizational vision.
• Convert the CEO’s strategic priorities into clear, actionable operational goals.
• Develop outcome driven annual and quarterly action plans to advance operational goals.
• Drive the day-to-day execution of programs and operations of RFS to ensure unified performance and alignment.
• Convene and facilitate cross-agency meetings, including RFS departments and affiliates.
• Represent the Office of the President & CEO in assigned internal and external forums to advance mission outcomes, partnerships, and organizational visibility.

2. Operational Excellence Across Departments & Affiliates

• Oversee daily operations across multiple service lines and affiliated entities.
• Standardize systems, processes, and policies to ensure efficiency, quality, and consistency.
• Lead infrastructure expansion and integration efforts supporting organizational growth.
• Advance technology, performance, and facilities strategies to sustain excellence at scale.

3. Accountability, Mission and Governance Alignment

• Ensure that operational decisions align with Board-approved strategic goals, policies and directives from the President & CEO.
• Integrate mission principles, diversity, and equity frameworks across all service areas.
• Develop and maintain accountability tools and reports that clearly identify responsible leads, measurable goals, and timelines for all departments, e.g., Departmental Accountability Matrices, etc.
• Collaborate with compliance department to implement compliance, accreditation, and quality improvement systems that sustain organizational credibility and excellence.

4. Financial Stewardship & Resource Optimization

• Partner with the Chief Financial Officer (CFO) to align financial stewardship with programmatic decision making and outcomes.
• Work closely with program directors to ensure financial accountability in budget projections, planning and expenditures.
• Oversee day to day operational efficiency, cost controls, resource allocation, and budget performance across departments.
• Lead annual resource allocation reviews to ensure the optimal use of funds, personnel, and assets, including space.

5. Leadership & Culture Development

• Foster an ethical, service-oriented culture reflective of the mission, values, and vision of the President & CEO, where innovation and excellence thrive.
• Supervise and build the leadership capacity of senior directors and managers through coaching and structured performance management.
• Implement individual Leadership Development Plans (LDPs) that promote advancement, innovation, and retention.
• Lead a strong management team that exemplifies shared leadership, collaboration, inclusion, and accountability.

6. Data, Evaluation, and Impact Measurement

• Oversee the integration and uploading of data into the unified Data and Performance Dashboard, linking finance, programs, and operations.
• Ensure accurate, consistent, and timely data reporting to support KPI deliverables and informed decision-making.
• Use analytics to identify organizational strengths, gaps, and opportunities for innovation and improvement.
• Prepare Quarterly Performance Accountability Reports (QPRs) with actionable recommendations for President & CEO review.

7. Risk Management and Organizational Integrity

• Proactively identify operational and strategic risks and develop mitigation strategies.
• Maintain strong financial, operational, and reputational safeguards across all divisions.
• Partner with compliance, legal, and HR departments to uphold all ethical, professional, and regulatory standards.
• Ensure successful completion of audits, accreditation reviews, and regulatory compliance measures.
• All duties as assigned.

8. Executive Reporting and Evaluation Protocol

• To ensure full accountability under the stewardship of the President & CEO, the COO will adhere to a structured performance reporting cadence.

Ideal Candidate Profile

1. The ideal candidate is an operations and values-driven leader who blends nonprofit management expertise with business acumen. You bring a record of scaling impact, integrating systems, meeting financial targets, and fostering excellence across complex organizations. You thrive in fast-paced, mission-focused environments and are skilled at balancing visionary strategy with disciplined execute

The Knowledge and Expertise that Matters Most - What you bring to the Role:

• Operational Stewardship
• Accountability and Transparency
• Operational Excellence
• Ethical and Servant Leadership
• Data-Driven Decision Making
• Mission Alignment and Execution
• Collaborative Vision Implementation

Executive Reporting and Evaluation Protocol

To ensure full accountability under the stewardship of the President CEO, the COO will adhere to the following reporting cadence and performance structure:

1. Weekly KPI Review

• Conduct weekly KPI reviews with the President & CEO focusing on progress toward financial, programmatic, and strategic targets.
• ·Identify immediate operational adjustments or corrective measures to sustain alignment with executive directives.

2. Monthly Monitoring and Executive Reporting

• Submit a comprehensive Monthly Operations Report detailing:
• Positive performance trends.
• Areas requiring focused intervention or resource realignment.
• Updated KPI outcomes and department progress metrics.
• Present highlights, challenges, and forward-looking projections during monthly Executive Team meetings.

3.Quarterly Performance Accountability Report (PAR)

• Provide an integrated summary of all departmental performance outcomes for CEO and Board review.
• Include data-driven analysis demonstrating alignment with financial goals, program benchmarks, and strategic milestones.

4.Annual Evaluation

• Participate in an annual performance evaluation conducted by the President & CEO assessing overall operational impact and achievement of established KPIs.
• Results will be tied to performance-based compensation incentives.

Key Performance Indicators (KPIs)

• Documented growth in access to services and number of clients served.
• Achievement of financial performance targets and operational efficiency benchmarks.
• Fulfillment of programmatic goals reflecting mission-driven outcomes.
• Successful compliance and audit results meeting or exceeding all standards.
• High employee retention, engagement, and leadership development rates.
• Timely submission and implementation of accountability reports, dashboards, and executive directives.

Position Qualifications – What is required to Perform the Role:

• Minimum of 5 years of progressive executive leadership experience in operations, program administration, or nonprofit management.
• Master’s Degree in Public Administration, Business Administration, Education, Behavioral Health, or a related field required.
• Licensed Clinical Professional (LCSW, LCPC) preferred, but not required.
• Demonstrated success in implementing accountability frameworks and performance-based management systems.
• Proven success leading cross-functional teams in a complex or affiliate-based environment, and meeting or exceeding financial targets.
• Deep understanding of organizational finance, budget management, program design, compliance, and regulatory oversight.
• Exceptional communication, leadership, team building, and analytical skills.
• Demonstrated commitment to the mission, vision, and executive leadership of the President & CEO.
• Bilingual (English/Spanish) preferred.

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