Title:  Chief Operating Officer  

Reports to:  President  

FLSA Status:  Exempt  

Salary Range:  $214,667 - $239,825  

Location:  Remote  

Tentative Start Date:  As soon as possible 

About Race Forward

Race Forward's mission is to catalyze movement building for racial justice. In partnership with communities, organizations, and sectors, we build strategies to advance racial justice in our policies, institutions, and culture. Race Forward imagines a just, multiracial democratic society free from oppression and exploitation, in which people of color thrive with power and purpose.

Since 1981, Race Forward has brought a systemic analysis and an innovative approach to complex race issues to help people take effective action toward racial equity.  In 2017 Race Forward united with the Center for Social Inclusion to become the new Race Forward.  

Employment at Race Forward is contingent upon a new employee submitting on their start date: (1) proof they are up-to-date on their vaccinations; or (2) an application for an approved exemption as an accommodation due to:  (i) a medical reason; (ii)  a sincerely held religious belief; or (iii) other exemption recognized by applicable state law. Up-to-date means a person has received all recommended COVID-19 vaccines. Employees may request an accommodation in good faith without fear of retaliation.  Accommodations will be granted where they do not cause Race Forward an undue hardship, pose a direct threat to the health and safety of others, or prevent an employee from performing the essential functions of the employee’s job. Exemption application forms are available from Human Resources at [email protected].

Position Summary

The Chief Operating Officer (COO) is a member of the Executive and Senior Leadership Teams and provides leadership to ensure effective stewardship of Race Forwards fiscal and physical resources. Reporting directly to the President, they oversee all finance - budgeting, accounting, financial reporting, financial planning and strategy, asset management, and risk and liability management - and operations functions - information technology, human resources, physical offices - and will supervise the VP of Finance, VP of Technology, and VP of Human Resources. This person is an experienced and strategic leader with a strong record of progressively responsible leadership as well as superior analytical and technical abilities. The successful candidate will be an experienced financial executive with a successful record of managing diverse operations and demonstrated expertise in strategic asset/liability management, financial planning and management, strategic planning, accounting, and budgetary and regulatory compliance.

Duties and Responsibilities

• Serve as an integral member of the Executive and Senior Leadership Teams;
• Define and implement operations strategy, structure, and processes;
• Collaborate with President and other Senior Leaders to align financial management, short- and long-term fiscal and operational planning, and projections with overall operational goals;
• Provide strategic leadership and direction to Finance, Human Resources, Information Technology, and Operations departments and assure that all policies and procedures are in accordance with state and federal laws;
• Oversee the planning, preparation, and presentation of multi-year budget to various stakeholders;
• Develop, execute, and maintain long-term financial and operational strategies and policies;
• Promote service excellence for the Office of Finance and Operations;
• Ensure compliance with appropriate regulatory agencies by continually monitoring operations, programs, and physical resources;
• Advise the President, the Senior Leadership Team on the impact of long range financial and organizational planning;
• Provide leadership and guidance regarding the development and implementation of capital planning and operations projects as well as the maintenance of the NYC and Oakland Offices;
• Oversee the handling of discipline and termination of employees in accordance with organization policy;
• Oversee management and handling of organizational mail, and main phone line/voice mail; and
• Serve as the management and liaison to the board and various committees; effectively communicates and presents critical matters at board and committee meetings; and
• Aligns with the daily operations of the General Counsel to ensure legislative and regulatory framework specific to and potentially impacting the organization. Coordinate advice/recommendations regarding advisable actions.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

To perform successfully in this role, incumbent should possess skills identified below:

• A strategic and innovative leader with strong business, financial, and operations acumen;
• Able to make sound decisions, logical interpretations, and to review and interpret financial statements and budgets;
• An exceptional communicator capable of working with diverse internal and external stakeholders;
• Solutions-oriented with a pragmatic and positive outlook;
• Able to translate complex financial and business information and promote financial understanding with leadership, board, and other stakeholders;
• A strategic and innovative leader with strong business and financial acumen;
• A proactive and strategic partner to leadership teams and boards;
• Adept interpersonally, with an accessible and approachable manner;
• Experienced with the workings of physical resources and capital planning processes;
• Deep experience in essential business support functions such as Human Resources, Finance, Information Technology, and Operations;
• An affirming team builder who will empower others and optimize the effectiveness of talented and seasoned teams;
• Demonstrated commitment to social justice and antiracism work;
• Committed to supporting a range of initiatives related to well-being, equity, and belonging, and cultural competency; and
• An energetic, relational, and optimistic senior leader.

Qualifications and Experience 

• Demonstrated skills in financial management for nonprofit organizations;
• Degree or relevant training in fiscal management; and
• At least five years relevant work experience.

Additional Information

• Prolonged periods of sitting at a desk and working on a computer.
• Must be able to lift 15 pounds at times.
• Must be able to access and navigate the organization’s facilities.
• Travel anticipated several times per year

How to Apply

External Applicants: To apply for this position, please click the link below. To ensure full consideration, please be sure to include both a cover letter and resume with your application.

https://raceforward.isolvedhire.com/jobs/ 

Reasonable Accommodation Statement

Race Forward is committed to the full inclusion of all qualified individuals.  In keeping with our commitment, Race Forward will take the steps to assure that people with disabilities are provided reasonable accommodations.  Accordingly, if reasonable accommodation is required to fully participate in the job application or interview process, to perform the essential functions of the position, and/or to receive all other benefits and privileges of employment, please contact Human Resources at [email protected].

EEO Statement

Race Forward provides equal employment opportunities (EEO) to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws.