Chief Operating Officer

The Role

Location: Seattle, Washington (Seattle-based position with a hybrid model)

Reports to: President & CEO

Direct Report: Direct reports including: Director of Finance; Director of IT, Building Operations, & Community Security; Legacy Development Manager

Position Summary

Why We Want to Work with You:

At the Jewish Federation of Greater Seattle, we are at a pivotal moment of change and growth. Jewish communal institutions are more important now than they have been in a generation as the Jewish community navigates a rampant rise in antisemitism and the ongoing repercussions of the October 7, 2024 attacks in Israel. Jewish organizations - and specifically the Federation - must continue to adapt to meet this moment and strive to have a greater impact on the Jewish community. As we continue in this work, we are seeking a COO who brings exceptional operational and strategic expertise.

Your leadership experience will be crucial in shaping the future of our organization. We value your ability to inspire and mentor a diverse team, your strategic vision, and your dedication to continuous improvement. By joining us, you will have the unique opportunity to play a key role in transforming our organization and making a lasting impact on the community. We are excited about the opportunity to work with someone who is eager to be part of this transformative era at the Federation, and who is motivated by the ideas of continual improvement and greater impact.

Why You Want to Work with Us:

Joining the Jewish Federation of Greater Seattle means becoming part of a dedicated team committed to making a profound impact on the Jewish community. Our organization is at a juncture of transformation and growth, offering you the unique opportunity to help shape our future and drive meaningful change. This role will be the internal facing partner of the CEO; that sort of partnership should excite you. At the Federation, your expertise and vision will be instrumental in creating a vibrant, thriving community for generations to come, and a more impactful organization leading that work.

Key Responsibilities:

Strategic Leadership

• Collaborate with the CEO, and partner with Board members as appropriate, to develop and implement organizational strategies and operational vision of the Federation.
• Lead the execution of strategic initiatives and ensure alignment with the Federation's mission and values.
• Partner with the CEO and Board Finance Committee on various matters including the audit and investment decisions.
• Build organizational and staff capacity, develop processes that ensure the Federation runs smoothly, establishes a best practice environment, and promotes teamwork across the organization.
• Partner with the CEO, and utilize data, in the ongoing evaluation of the Federation’s work to meet community needs and organizational goals.
• Drive operational excellence and continuous improvement across all functions of the organization.

Operational Management

• Oversee daily operations of the Federation, supervising senior staff responsible for finance, IT, data management and analysis, and the community foundation.
• Support as appropriate the Director of Finance in maintaining the Federation’s short and long-term budgets, forecasts, and financial controls.
• Ensure effective and efficient systems and processes are in place to support the organization’s activities and goals.
• Monitor and evaluate operational performance, making data-driven decisions to enhance productivity and outcomes.
• Provide executive leadership and support to SAFE Washington - the Jewish communal security program housed at the Federation.

Risk Management

• Identify and mitigate operational risks to ensure the safety and security of the Federation’s assets and reputation.
• Develop and implement policies and procedures to manage risks effectively.
• Negotiate and review high-value contracts and manage the process of contract review across the organization.

Human Resources Leadership

• Develop and implement HR policies and procedures that foster a positive and inclusive work culture that aligns with the Federation’s values.
• Lead and manage the HR function, including recruitment, retention, onboarding, development, performance management, and employee relations.
• Implement professional development programs to enhance staff skills and capabilities.
• Develops clear roles, responsibilities, and reporting structures for staff to maintain a strong, high performing organizational culture.
• Ensure HR policies and procedures are regularly updated and implemented to ensure equity and compliance; serve as a go-to resource for employee relations challenges and opportunities.
• Ensure compliance with employment laws and regulations.

Community Foundation

• Supervise staff and systems of the Jewish Community Foundation of Greater Seattle, which has approximately $75M in various funds.
• Ensure smooth operations, excellent customer service, and strong relationships with vendors and donor advisors.
• Partner with the Development Director to create and implement a growth plan for the Foundation.

Governance

• Partner with CEO and Development Director to identify, onboard, and develop lay leaders to support the Federation’s mission.
• Collaborate with the CEO and Board Chair to develop and implement governance best practices.
• Ensure governance protocols are adhered to and that the Board of Directors is well-supported in its governance role.
• Optimize governance processes to enhance organizational effectiveness and accountability.

The Leader:

The role has a broad range of responsibilities and qualifications. Strong candidates for this role will possess a majority of the following professional and personal attributes and competencies.

Qualifications & Experience:

• 10+ years of senior-level financial, operations, HR, systems and project management experience.
• Deep professional experience in business administration, nonprofit management, human resources, or a related field.
• Proactive leader and a true thought partner to the CEO. A champion of senior leadership teams in program and administration.
• Extensive management experience, and the ability to provide advice on strategic HR decisions, especially in a time of transition or organizational growth.
• Proven financial management skills; experience creating annual operating plans and budgets that support strategic objectives.
• Demonstrated working knowledge of data analysis and decision-support metrics resulting in strategies/activities that lead to desired outcomes.
• Proven ability to translate operational issues and strategies in actionable plans, including process change and technology solutions.

Desired Competencies:

• Passion for the Federation’s greater mission.
• Excellent strategic, organizational, and project management skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities, short-term needs, and long-term planning.
• Approachable and effective manager with ability to lead and inspire a diverse senior team.
• Able to effectively set and manage priorities and deadlines and to coach others to do the same.
• Self-starter who is proactive, and eager to both make decisions and act as a decision-making sounding board, where needed.
• Strong financial acumen and experience in budget management.
• Knowledge of HR best practices and experience in HR leadership.
• Exceptional interpersonal and communication skills.
• Strong attention to detail, intellectual curiosity, and receptivity to feedback.
• Understanding of Jewish culture, values, and community dynamics is a plus.

Education

• Advanced degree preferred.

Compensation

• Salary Range: $175,000-$195,000; commensurate with experience.
• Paid time off and holidays are as follows: twenty (20) vacation days (with increasing vacation days over time), five (5) sick days annually, nine (9) national holidays and Jewish holidays which vary year to year.
• Benefits available include medical, dental, vision, short-term and long-term disability, life insurance, and retirement plan.