Outdoor Afro - Chief Operating Officer (Remote/Hybrid)

Who We Are

Outdoor Afro celebrates and inspires Black connections and leadership in nature. Our network also connects Black people with our lands, water, and wildlife through outdoor education, recreation, and conservation. Some examples of Outdoor Afro’s year-round activities range from fishing, hiking, biking, kayaking, gardening, skiing and more! Visit: http://outdoorafro.org or @outdoorafro across all social media platforms to learn more.

Who You Are

You are a strategic, innovative, and servant leader with a passion for operational efficiency and the ability to inspire and motivate a diverse team. You thrive in dynamic, fast-paced environments and have a proven track record of optimizing organizational tools and processes. Experienced in all aspects of nonprofit operations including finance, governance, fundraising operations and partnerships, you can provide strategic oversight to ensure alignment of these functional areas with the organization's goals.

As a problem-solver who finds ways to say "yes", you’re excited to bring your experience optimizing and scaling a fast growing team to drive continuous improvement and impactful outcomes for the organization. You are particularly skilled in development operations, partnership management, and have a deep understanding of the unique needs of small nonprofits.

What You’ll Do

Reporting to the CEO, the Chief Operating Officer (COO) is a strategic nonprofit executive leader and a skilled, savvy organizational manager who will lead the Outdoor Afro’s day-to-day business operations. The COO will bring a strong internal presence of leadership and management to the organization’s exceptional team in the following ways:

• Lead and Inspire: Manage day-to-day operations, offering cross-functional leadership, strategic guidance, and general oversight to ensure all staff are aligned with the organization's strategic goals. Empower and support staff, providing the tools and guidance they need to succeed and evolve.
• Optimize Processes: Streamline operations and implement innovative solutions, ensuring the effective use of organizational tools like Salesforce.
• Financial Oversight: Ensure that strategic financial planning and the economic health of the organization is both robust and directly aligned with the organization's mission
• Development Operations: Lead development operations initiatives, including funder tracking and donor engagement, ensuring the organization is engaging donors and managing relationships effectively.
• Partnership Management: Oversee partner relations and related systems and processes, ensuring all partnerships are seamlessly managed and strategically aligned with organizational goals.
• Board Engagement: Serve as a key advisor to the CEO, representing the operational perspective in board meetings and ensuring effective staff participation.
• Drive Innovation: Leverage creativity, technology, and communication to navigate challenges and drive organizational growth.
  
  

What You’ll Deliver

• Operational Efficiency: A fully optimized Salesforce system and streamlined processes that enhance overarching organizational effectiveness.
• Strategic Alignment: Clear alignment of staff roles and responsibilities with the organization's strategic goals, ensuring everyone is working towards the same mission.
• Financial Vitality: Strong financial practices that enhance operational efficiency, ensuring the organization's stability and growth.
• Effective Board Relations: Improved operational storytelling and strategic engagement with the board, enhancing their support and guidance.
• High-Performing Team: An inspired and motivated team, performing at high levels and achieving strategic goals.
• Domain Expertise & Thought Leadership: A deep understanding of the functions and operational needs of fundraising and the programmatic importance of partnerships.
  
  

RequirementsWHAT YOU’LL BRING

• 7 to 10 years of experience with a minimum of 5 years in a senior operational role, preferably in a nonprofit or related capacity.
• Proven ability to manage and lead a team effectively.
• Experience in optimizing cross-functional organizational tools and processes for nonprofit operations, fundraising, programs and Board or volunteer engagement.
• Strong understanding of nonprofit governance, board management, and financial practices.
• Strong leadership and motivational skills, with the ability to inspire and guide a diverse team.
• Proven ability to streamline operations and drive continuous improvement.
• Ability to provide strategic oversight and ensure alignment with the organization's goals.
• Robust understanding of nonprofit financial management systems and practices.
• Proactive approach to solving problems and driving innovation.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, capable of engaging effectively with staff, board members, and stakeholders
  
  

Benefits

Starting base salary range of $145,000 to $165,000 annually + competitive benefits:

• 401k with a safe harbor match;
• 75% employee/50% dependent employer paid medical, dental and vision insurance available the first of the month after hire;
• Annual mental health stipend, gym membership reimbursement, and $1,500 professional development investement;
• 100% employer paid life, short-term, and long-term disability;
• Access to healthcare FSA;
• 12 paid holidays + paid office closure between December 26 and December 31
• 10 days of accrued paid time off annually
• 10 days of accrued sick-time annually
• 3 days of time off for volunteering
• Summer Fridays (½ day Fridays between Memorial Day and Labor Day)