The chief operating officer role described in this sample job description is primarily responsible for leading strategic planning and ensuring effective execution of the organization’s program services. In addition, the COO provides supporting operational oversight of Human Resources and Finance as key enablers of program excellence. Feel free to use and modify this sample job description to help you create one for your organization.

Sample Position Description

Job title: Chief Operating Officer
Reports to: Executive Director

ABC Nonprofit seeks a mission-driven, strategic, and execution-oriented leader to join our team as Chief Operating Officer (COO). The COO will lead strategic planning and ensure the effective delivery of the organization’s program services, supported by operational oversight of Human Resources and Finance as key enablers of program success. We are looking for a leader who thrives at the intersection of strategy, operations, and impact—and who fosters strong relationships with staff and partners. This is an extraordinary opportunity for an individual with deep experience in program strategy and implementation to advance and strengthen a proven model that is making significant impact.

Organization

Founded in [YYYY], ABC Nonprofit’s mission is...

We do this by...

For more information, please visit www.ABCnonprofit.org

Position

Reporting to the Executive Director (ED), the COO will have overall strategic and operational responsibility for all ABC Nonprofit programs and will manage a team of program directors. The COO will lead the organization’s strategic planning efforts, advance new programmatic initiatives, and implement key operational supports including talent management and all aspects of the annual budget. They will also provide coordination for the senior management team and work with the Board of Directors to keep them abreast of programmatic strategies and challenges.

Core Competencies

• Strategic thinking and change leadership: Ability to design and implement program strategies, lead organizational transformation, and maintain focus amid complexity and shifting conditions
• Team development and motivation: Ability to coach senior-level staff, build and lead high-performing teams, and foster an inclusive, values-based organizational culture
• Decision making: Ability to analyze information, make sound and decisive decisions, and clearly communicate priorities and tactics to achieve organizational goals
• Data-driven management: Ability to champion quality programs, utilize data for evaluation and continuous improvement, and drive accountability for results
• Communication and influence: Ability to communicate persuasively in writing and in public forums, inspire diverse stakeholders, and build excitement for the mission

Core Responsibilities

Program Operational Leadership

• Provide effective and inspiring leadership across all programs and services, developing a broad and deep knowledge of all programs and identifying opportunities to leverage cross-program strengths.
• Lead, coach, develop, and retain the senior management team; strengthen staff capacity in strategic analysis and planning and program budgeting.
• Prepare and manage an annual operational budget, monitor financial performance, and ensure long-term viability through sound fiscal management.
• Publicly represent ABC Nonprofit with the media and external constituency groups including community, governmental, and private organizations and build excitement for ABC Nonprofit’s mission.

Key Operational Supports

• Talent: Oversee talent strategy as a core enabler of program success, aligning recruitment, development, and performance management with organizational goals and fostering a culture of collaboration, learning, and accountability.
• Finance: Provide strategic oversight of financial planning and management to ensure resources, budgeting, and fiscal systems effectively support program priorities and organizational sustainability.

Strategic Plan Implementation

• Provide programmatic leadership and input for all strategic plan implementation processes with the ED and staff.
• Coach program directors as they implement the strategic plan and transition program operations.
• Develop and implement a system for tracking and reporting on the progress of the strategic plan implementation.

Key Qualifications

• At least 10 years of experience and a track record in senior program management
• Experience leading a direct service organization, particularly one with a complex array of programs
• Demonstrated expertise in program budgeting and fiscal management
• Experience managing human resources function including personnel, compensation, and recruiting
• Successful track record engaging a wide range of stakeholders and partners
• Strong commitment to ABC’s mission and core values

Location and Remote Work Flexibility

This is a hybrid position, requiring travel in the United States up to two times a quarter.

Compensation

ABC offers a generous salary and benefits package which include:

• $XX-YY annual base salary
• [health, 401(k), and vacation benefits]

[Insert Equal Employment Opportunity statement and organizational values]