Chief Operating Officer (Gaithersburg, MD)
The Humane Society of The United States (HSUS), the nation’s most effective animal advocacy organization is seeking a Chief Operating Officer for the Executive Office. This position is responsible for risk management, resource allocation, helping to develop the organization’s business strategy, and ensuring that the operations of the organization run smoothly and efficiently and are aligned with all organizational policies and procedures. The COO is responsible for integrating the strategy, planning, and goal setting of the organization within operations. The COO is expected to act in the absence of the President and CEO. On an interim assignment, this position is also responsible for developing strategic marketing and communications that promote, enhance and protect the organization’s brand and reputation, reinforce the organization’s position with constituents, and drive broader awareness, engagement, and donor support for the organization.
This position will be responsible for:
Collaborating with the executive team to develop and execute HSUS’s business strategy; driving the long term strategic vision and future direction of the organization ensuring that the operations of the organization remain aligned;
Establishing and directing strategic long-term goals, policies and procedures for the information systems and technology for the organization as well as determining any long-term systems needs and any hardware acquisitions needed to accomplish business objectives;
Providing technical guidance on high priority projects and orients the company to trends in the information technology industry;
Directing and managing the administrative/facilities functions of the offices;
Assuring integrity of donor data, proprietary information, and related intellectual property through information security and access management;
Partnering with the executive team to develop and establish philosophical norms and a strong culture of ethics for the organization;
Ensuring that business strategies and policies meet the philosophical, cultural, and business objectives for the organization;
Driving sustainable financial results and operational performance of the operations departments;
Establishing and directing strategic long-term goals, policies and procedures for the information systems and technology for the organization;
Determining any long-term systems needs and any hardware acquisitions needed to accomplish the business objectives as well as giving technical guidance on high priority projects;
Assuring integrity of Advancement donor data, proprietary information, and related intellectual property through information security and access management;
Promoting and reinforcing a culture of performance and the attainment of goals within the operations function by communicating and building commitment to strategic direction and ensuring clarity around performance targets and expectations;
Developing and managing the operations budget with full accountability;
Managing the development and implementation of processes and policies to ensure clarity, consistency, and effectiveness in support of the organization’s performance, operational excellence, and customer services;
Removing roadblocks to success at the team level, including resource allocation, priority setting, and ensuring the necessary skillsets are available;
Investigating and being abreast of all external opportunities for collaboration and leverage of the work being done by other comparable institutions and organizations.
Qualifications and Requirements:
Bachelor’s degree in related field required; Advanced degree (Master’s, PhD) in a related field or equivalent knowledge in information systems/technology preferred;
Minimum of fourteen years of progressive functional experience required;
Minimum of eight years of management experience in a related field, which has included management and leadership responsibilities for staff, strategy development and execution, and fiscal and budget accountabilities, preferably in a non-profit organization;
Exceptional knowledge and understanding of business functions such as information systems and technology, and marketing and communications, preferably in a non-profit organization;
Exceptional knowledge of data analysis and related performance metrics, as well as market best practices and trends;
Superior, courageous leadership skills with knowledge and understanding of staff management practices and processes and the ability to establish accountabilities and expectations and manage performance to achieve results;
Strong business acumen, negotiation and mediation skills, as well as attention to detail and a focus on achieving quality outcomes;
Strong knowledge of business operations, including effective budget development and management processes, as well as the ability to translate strategic thinking into action plans and related outcomes;
Highest levels of integrity and ethics together with outstanding personal credibility required;
Superior communication skills with the ability to translate information into a meaningful, understandable context and message, regardless of the format;
Ability to interact successfully with all levels of the organization as well as the Board of Directors;
A high level of confidence, integrity, interpersonal skills, and a professional executive presence for interacting with and influencing others, as well as for facilitating meetings and conducting public speaking/presentations;
A superior ability to build/foster relationships by reinforcing trust and respect, and demonstrating high standards of tact, diplomacy and discretion;
Ability to develop and encourage individuals and teams to perform at a higher level and to embrace change; negotiates skillfully to achieve a fair outcome or promote a common cause; communicates a compelling vision and is committed to what needs to be done; inspires others; builds motivated, high-performing teams; understands what motivates different people;
Critical thinking and analytical skills, as well as the ability to handle complex situations and demonstrate sound judgment and problem-solving;
Excellent organizational, planning, and time management skills with flexibility and the ability to manage multiple and often changing priorities and issues of varying complexity, while meeting time sensitive deadlines and deliverables;
Demonstrated propensity to be creative, collaborative, proactive, and self-motivated in the execution and completion of assigned accountabilities;
Technical proficiency in the use of Microsoft Office (i.e., WORD, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook).
Willing and able to travel as necessary.
Qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, age national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability, marital or parental status or protected veteran status. EOE