Chief Operating Officer

This position is listed on behalf of a partner company, who manages all applications and next steps. Our partner is looking for a Chief Operating Officer based in the United States.

This executive leadership role offers the opportunity to shape and scale the operational backbone of a mission-driven organization dedicated to advancing impactful legal advocacy. As Chief Operating Officer, you will oversee core internal functions including Human Resources, Technology, and Operations, ensuring they operate efficiently, cohesively, and in alignment with strategic organizational goals. You will work closely with the Executive Director and Senior Leadership Team to strengthen infrastructure, optimize resources, and foster a high-performing and inclusive culture. The role requires a balance of strategic vision and hands-on leadership, with responsibility for driving operational excellence, managing cross-functional teams, and supporting organizational growth. You will play a key role in aligning internal systems with mission priorities while ensuring strong governance, compliance, and sustainability. This is a high-impact opportunity for an experienced leader passionate about building strong teams and enabling organizational effectiveness in a purpose-driven environment.

 

• Oversee Human Resources, Technology, and Operations functions, providing strategic direction, leadership, and coordination across all three departments.
• Lead, mentor, and develop Directors and functional leaders, ensuring strong team performance, collaboration, and accountability.
• Define and implement operational strategies, policies, and frameworks that enhance efficiency, alignment, and organizational effectiveness.
• Partner with senior leadership to align operational objectives with organizational mission, strategy, and long-term goals.
• Direct internal business processes and initiatives to improve productivity, optimize resource allocation, and strengthen cross-department collaboration.
• Collaborate with Finance leadership on shared services, including payroll, budgeting, and financial operations support.
• Oversee annual budgeting processes for operational teams and monitor financial performance throughout the year.
• Support the Executive Director and Board of Directors by preparing reports, insights, and strategic recommendations.
• Lead organizational risk assessment, compliance initiatives, and internal controls to ensure operational integrity and accountability.
• Drive organizational culture initiatives, internal communications strategies, and change management efforts.
• Ensure consistent implementation of HR, technology, and operational policies across the organization.
• Serve as a key advisor to executive leadership on operational sustainability, infrastructure development, and organizational scaling.
• Foster strong cross-functional collaboration across departments to support mission-driven outcomes and continuous improvement.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration, Management, or a related field (or equivalent experience); advanced degrees such as MBA, MA, or JD preferred.
• 10+ years of progressively responsible leadership experience, including senior operational, HR, or technology management roles.
• At least 5 years of formal people management experience leading high-performing, cross-functional teams.
• Strong experience in nonprofit leadership preferred, with exposure to legal, law firm, or mission-driven environments considered an asset.
• Proven ability to define organizational strategy, translate vision into execution, and lead large-scale operational functions.
• Strong background in Human Resources, Operations, and/or Technology leadership.
• Excellent communication skills, with the ability to engage effectively with executive leadership, boards, and diverse stakeholders.
• Strong strategic thinking, problem-solving, and decision-making abilities in complex organizational environments.
• Demonstrated ability to build inclusive, high-performance cultures and lead through change.
• Strong interpersonal skills, including conflict resolution, collaboration, and relationship-building capabilities.
• High level of integrity, professionalism, and commitment to organizational mission and values.
• Familiarity with standard business tools such as Microsoft Office and experience with platforms such as Salesforce is preferred.
• Ability to travel periodically for leadership meetings, board engagements, and organizational events.

Benefits

• Competitive annual salary ranging from approximately $203,838 to $225,295, depending on geographic location.
• Fully employer-paid medical, dental, vision, and life insurance coverage.
• Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA) and Dependent Care Accounts (DCA) available.
• 401(k) retirement plan with up to 5% employer match after one year.
• Generous paid time off, including approximately 192 hours annually and 19 paid holidays.
• 16 weeks of paid parental leave.
• One-month paid sabbatical after five years of service.
• Annual professional development reimbursement up to $1,000.
• One-time remote work allowance of $750.
• Alternative work schedule flexibility (subject to approval).
• Strong emphasis on work-life balance and employee well-being.
• Opportunity to lead operations within a mission-driven, impact-focused organization.
• Exposure to senior leadership and board-level strategic decision-making.