Chief Operating Officer - ZERO Prostate Cancer

Siafa Tolbert

Organization Overview:

ZERO Prostate Cancer is a leading national nonprofit with the mission to end prostate cancer and help all who are impacted. ZERO is the primary destination for all impacted by the disease to convene, get support and education, and come together as one united voice to create a better future for the prostate cancer community. The organization has identified key impact areas it will be working towards in the next five years: Driving appropriate awareness for screening leading to early detection, working to decrease the number of patients diagnosed with metastatic disease, improving quality and quantity of life for patients and survivors, and decreasing mortality from the disease.

Under the leadership of a new President & CEO with almost 20 years of breast cancer advocacy, ZERO is tasked with growing its reach, modeling best practices, and ensuring inclusion is actionable and intentional. Additionally, ZERO is at an exciting pivotal point as an organization that welcomes transformational growth internally and externally to serve patients and communities better.

ZERO has recently been recognized again as one of the “Best Nonprofits to Work For” by The NonProfit Times (nine out of the last ten years). It makes supporting its team and community a top priority. The organization is taking strides internally to evolve to more reflect the community it’s serving today and in the future.

Position Location: Remote (with 10% travel throughout the year)
Reports To: Courtney Bugler, President & CEO
Direct Reports: Vice President, Operations; Director, Finance; Director, HR (vacant)

Peers To This Role: Chief Marketing Officer, Chief Mission Officer, Chief Development Officer

Position Summary:

ZERO is actively seeking a seasoned and transformative Chief Operating Officer (COO) to join its Executive Leadership Team. Reporting directly to the CEO, the ideal candidate is an individual with extensive operational expertise, a proven track record in driving operational efficiency, and experience in managing nonprofit IT, finance, HR, and risk management functions. This successful individual would be excited to have the opportunity to build and enhance the infrastructure across operations, IT, finance, and HR departments, driving organizational transformation within a framework for mission and internal equity. With excellent team management skills, the COO will lead strategies involving internal teams, technology partners, financial stakeholders, and human resources. The COO will be instrumental in developing and implementing scalable processes and systems that support the organization's growth and long-term success. They will collaborate closely with the CEO and other executive team members to develop, execute, and evaluate the organization's strategic vision. The COO's leadership will be crucial in building an agile and resilient organization that can effectively adapt to the evolving landscape of prostate cancer advocacy and support.

Responsibilities:

Finance:

• Work with the Director of Finance to oversee the organization's financial operations, including budgeting, forecasting, and financial reporting
• Ensure compliance with financial regulations and maintain strong internal controls

Risk Management:

• Working with the VP of Operations, develop and implement a comprehensive risk management framework, identifying potential risks and implementing mitigation strategies
• Regularly assess and monitor operational, financial, and reputational risks, and report findings to the CEO and Board

Operations:

• Streamline and optimize operational processes to improve efficiency and effectiveness
• Oversee the development and implementation of standard operating procedures (SOPs) across the organization
• Foster a culture of continuous improvement, encouraging innovation and data-driven decision-making

Human Resources:

• Work with HR leader to drive the organization's people strategy
• Oversee the development and implementation of HR policies, procedures, and programs that support employee engagement, development, and retention within an evolving culture that is prioritizing equity and belonging
• Ensure compliance with employment laws and regulations
• Foster a positive, inclusive, and high-performance culture aligned with the organization's values

Technology, Business Intelligence, and Reporting:

• Analyze the organization's current technology infrastructure and develop a systems roadmap to support future growth and scalability
• Build out an IT and business intelligence team to support the organization's technology needs
• Oversee the implementation and management of technology platforms that enhance operational efficiency, data security, and user experience
• Develop the organization's first dashboard to provide real-time insights into key performance indicators
• Leverage data analytics to inform decision-making and drive continuous improvement
• Prepare and present regular reports to the Board on financial and operational performance, risk management, and strategic initiatives

Strategic Planning:

• Partner with the CEO and executive team to develop and execute the organization's strategic plan
• Translate strategic objectives into actionable plans and metrics for each department
• Monitor progress against strategic goals and adjust plans as needed to ensure alignment with the organization's mission

Compliance and Legal:

• Ensure the organization complies with all relevant laws, regulations, and industry standards
• Collaborate with internal stakeholders and outside counsel to manage legal matters and mitigate potential risks

Qualifications:

• At least 10 years of nonprofit operations and financial leadership
• 5 years of executive leadership experience is highly preferred
• Demonstrated experience leading operations in a remote work environment
• Experience driving and scaling infrastructure through organizational growth and change
• Strong background in risk management, including identifying, assessing, and mitigating operational, financial, and reputational risks
• Solid understanding of legal and compliance issues relevant to nonprofit organizations
• Experience in developing, implementing, and maintaining comprehensive policies and procedures that promote organizational efficiency, mitigate risk, and support compliance
• Strong HR management skills, with experience in HR best practices, compliance, talent acquisition, employee development, performance management, and fostering a positive organizational culture
• Strong financial acumen, with experience in budgeting, forecasting, financial analysis, and annual audits
• Proven ability to effectively communicate with and report to the Board of Directors, including financials, performance metrics, and risk assessments
• Deep understanding of business intelligence and data analytics, with the ability to leverage insights to drive performance improvements
• Expertise in evaluating, selecting, implementing, and migrating technology platforms that enhance operational efficiency, data security, and user experience
• Exceptional strategic planning skills, with the ability to develop and execute long-term plans that align with the organization's mission and goals
• Demonstrated success in building and leading high-performing teams across multiple functions, including operations, IT, finance, and HR
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to build strong relationships with internal and external stakeholders
• Bachelor’s degree or the equivalent combination of education and relevant experience, Master’s degree in nonprofit management or MBA a plus
• High comfort level and proficiency with business intelligence and dashboard tools, project management models, and nonprofit financial software (Blackbaud, Sage, etc.) Proficiency with Google and Microsoft suites, accounting, human resources, and video conferencing software

Personal Characteristics Desired:

• Change agent and status quo challenger
• Big, bold thinker and strategist with the skills and experience to then execute the plan
• Possesses a high level of personal accountability for achieving ambitious results
• Meticulous attention to detail
• Strong interpersonal skills, visionary leadership, and a commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion
• Courageous and determined with the ability to take charge in a complex environment
• Continuous quality improvement mindset
• Skilled in collaboration and consensus-building
• Innovative with a commitment to a mission-driven environment and culture
• Strong analytical skills, communication and interpersonal skills, problem identification and resolution skills, and decision-making ability
• Ability to work collaboratively with diverse individuals and situations and build a cohesive consensus
• Is a motivational and accountable leader who also enjoys being part of a team and overcoming obstacles as a team

Physical Requirements:

• Constant use of a computer and other office productivity equipment, such as computer printer, calculator, and copier
• Prolonged periods of a stationary position at least 50% of the time
• The ability to recognize details at close range for extended periods of time
• The ability to communicate information and ideas so others will understand. Must be able to exchange accurate information in these situations

ZERO Offers Top Tier Benefits:

• Unlimited PTO
• 403(b) retirement plan matching
• Employer paid benefits include: Medical, Dental, Vision, Short-Term Disability, & Long-Term Disability insurance, Life/AD&D insurance
• FSA/HSA

This position is based remotely, and candidates may live in any area within the United States. This role may require nationwide travel approximately 10% of the time.

How to Apply:

Interested candidates should submit a resume, cover letter, and salary requirements. For more information, please contact Anne-Marie Forbes.

ZERO Prostate Cancer is an equal-opportunity employer and is committed to creating an inclusive work environment for all employees. We encourage BIPOC, Veterans, individuals with Disabilities, and those affected by prostate cancer to apply. Applicants must be authorized to work in the United States.