Chief Operating Officer (COO)

Easterseals empowers people to live independent, full lives. We make a lasting difference in the lives of 1.5 million people each year by providing essential services to children and adults with disabilities, older adults, veterans, and their families. Our national network of 70 Affiliates is trusted to provide programs customized to meet the needs of each community we serve from coast-to-coast—trust earned for more than 100 years. We positively shape perceptions and address the evolving needs of more than one in four Americans with disabilities through public education, policy, and advocacy. That’s our impact. In thousands of communities across America.

At Easterseals, we are committed to diversity and are proud to be a disability-friendly employer. We are an inclusive and accessible workplace where all individuals can thrive and contribute their skillsets.

We actively support employees with disabilities, ensuring they have the tools, resources, and accommodations they need to excel in their roles. Our culture is one of belonging where everyone can feel valued, empowered, and respected.

If you're passionate about working in an inclusive and supportive environment that values diversity, we encourage you to apply and join our team to positively impact the communities we serve. Your talents are welcome here, and we look forward to how we can grow and succeed together.

The Chief Operating Officer (COO) will report to the CEO and work in concert with the CEO to manage the National Office. They will play a critically important leadership role on the executive leadership team and serve as a primary point of contact with CEOs and leadership of Easterseals Network of Affiliates. Internally, the COO will develop and implement goals, objectives, and performance metrics prioritizing Network growth among all departments within the National Office.

The COO will foster innovation and continuous improvement operationally to enhance the National Office’s impact and improve organizational efficiency. The COO will be responsible for managing the day-to-day operations of the National Office as well, leading the executive management team,
developing a performance-oriented culture among a group of diverse, talented individuals, and to ensure that all operational functions are aligned with the organization’s strategic goals and support desired outcomes

• Management of systems, processes, and controls to ensure all departments are meeting KPIs while maintaining budget efficiency.
• Cultivation of collaboration among all National Office departments/teams to achieve independent and collective organizational goals.
• Drive the implementation of the National Office Strategic Plan, monitoring KPIs, tracking progress and regularly evaluating all components of the Strategic Plan to ensure it is on track, in close cooperation with the Affiliate Network and head of Network Advancement.
• Lead, coach, and motivate all departments including Network Advancement, Information Technology, Fundraising, Communications and Corporate Relations, Brand/Marketing, Development Operations and Government Relations, to achieve department and universal goals and objectives.
• Enforce policies and procedures adhering to HR and legal best practices while maintaining Easterseals’ National Office culture and values.
• Working closely with the Chief Financial Officer to ensure financial sustainability and efficient allocation of resources is consistently prioritized.
• Working closely with the Chief Administration Office and Counsel to ensure compliance with non-profit regulations, grant requirements and industry best practices.
• Mentoring managers to sustain the current high-performing, diverse team of senior leaders and staff and continue fostering a culture of collaboration, accountability, and professional growth at all levels.
• Driving the development and implementation of new programs and initiatives that advance Easterseals’ mission and deepen its impact.
• Stay abreast of philanthropic, nonprofit management and leadership trends while seeking to imbue innovative tactics when prudent and possible to maintain an organizational growth mindset.

Easterseals seeks a mission-driven leader who is positive, entrepreneurial, collaborative, and has a passion for Easterseals’ work and the constituencies we serve – people with disabilities, older Americans and veterans. The successful candidate will possess demonstrated competence in nonprofit management and ideally, experience working in a federated model. This individual will be a seasoned professional with significant personal poise and confidence. A passion for mentoring younger staff, encouraging, and supporting staff at all levels and working in concert with the CEO, and Senior Leadership team to help take Easterseals National Office to new heights, will distinguish successful candidates. The ideal candidate will possess a combination of the following experience:

• Proven experience (10+ years) in a senior leadership role, within the nonprofit sector, with a track record of success in operational management and strategic planning. Operating experience in a nonprofit federated model will be highly desirable.
• Comprehensive working knowledge of organizational planning, budgeting and financial management, administrative operations, fundraising, and government relations.
• Thorough understanding of the management of operational performance metrics and financial reporting.
• Demonstrated ability to lead, inspire, motivate, and mentor diverse teams and a commitment to fostering a diverse, equitable, inclusive, and accessible workplace.
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to find common ground, build consensus/compromise, and strengthen collaboration among a wide range of diverse stakeholders.
• Strategic thinker with a track record of driving innovation and organizational growth.
• Strong analytical skills that reflect ability to perform and prioritize multiple tasks.
• Ability to consistently and effectively manage, competing priorities and deadlines.
• Exceptional multi-tasker who is self-motivated and driven.
• Ability to take initiative to identify and work quickly to solve problems while leading by example.
• Capable of shifting between a visionary and tactical leader as needed.
• Willing to travel domestically up to 30% of the time.
• Deep commitment to Easterseals mission and a passion for advocating on behalf of people with disabilities, older adults and veterans is essential.
• Must possess a good sense of humor and the confidence to manage feedback from a diverse array of stakeholders, while maintaining a positive outlook.

EDUCATION AND CREDENTIALS
• Bachelor's degree required.
• Advanced degree in Nonprofit Management, Business Administration, or related field is strongly preferred.

We offer a competitive compensation and benefits package!

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