Chief Operating Officer - Foundation for a Just Society : Job Details

The Role

Location: New York, NY

Reports to: Chief Executive Officer

Direct Reports: Controller, Head of Grants Management; Head of Facilities; Head of Information Technology

Position Summary:

Reporting to the CEO, the Chief Operating Officer (COO) oversees the Finance and Operations team and serves, along with the CEO and Vice President of Programs and Strategy, on FJSs leadership team. The COO:

• Oversees and ensures the fiscal and operational integrity of the Foundation, working closely and directly with the Board of Directors, especially the Board Finance & Audit Committee.
• Is a strong people manager who provides strategic leadership for, and management of, the Operations team - which consists of sub-teams of Finance, Facilities, IT, and Grants Management.
• Maintains the highest quality standards in the areas of Finance,Grants Management, Risk Management, Governance, Office Management, Information Systems Technology, and Facilities & Property Maintenance.
• In the context of a private family foundation, works closely with the family office and the directors of the family's other foundations, and oversees the provision of information technology and facilities management to two of those foundations through service agreements.
• Takes on special projects as may be delegated.

Key Responsibilities:

Key responsibilities include, but are not limited to:

General Responsibilities

• Direct all aspects of financial management and reporting, administration, compliance, governance, grants management, information technology and facilities maintenance.
• Act as a key liaison with the Board of Directors, especially the Board Finance &Audit Committee, including attending all Board meetings and engaging Board members around issues, trends, and changes in the internal and external operating environment.
• Participate as a member of the Foundations management team, and engage in work related to organizational planning, setting goals, monitoring progress, and evaluating results to ensure achievement of organization and project objectives and operating requirements.
• Ensure work and policies align with the organization's mission, goals, and values (i.e., in creation of strategies and work plans).
• Directly supervise four staff members who serve as operational team leads (Controller, Head of Grantmaking, Head of IT, Head of Facilities).
• Serve as an ongoing strategic advisor to the operational team leads to help evolve and implement the vision for their areas.
• Perform any other duties or tasks as assigned or required.

Finance

• Implement, enforce, and maintain internal controls, policies, and procedures to protect the
• Foundations assets.
• Manage the companys financial operations, including preparation of monthly financial reports and cash flow management. Oversee preparation of accurate financial reports including monthly reports to the CEO and semi-annual reports and analysis to the Finance & Audit Committee of the Board.
• Oversee the annual external audit and preparation of CHAR 500 and Form 990-PF.
• Report on portfolio performance to the Board of Directors. Manage relationships with the outside
• investment managers and represent the Foundation at investors meetings.
• In collaboration with the CEO and VP of Program and Strategy, lead preparation of the annual budgets. Present annual budgets to the Board of Directors for approval.
• Lead the annual risk assessment process and the implementation of risk mitigating solutions to address new or increased risks.Manage the administration of all insurance policies.
• Lead preparation and review of all formal finance, IT, grants and facilities management related procedures, processes and administration, recommending improvements to systems as needed.
• Oversee and manage all contracts, leases, and service agreements, including third parties, and vendors.

Facilities and Property Maintenance

• Oversee the facilities of FJS and two other family foundations, and ensure the safe and efficient operations of the leased building.
• Draft and update all building related policies and procedures including, safety and security, building use and business continuity plan.
• Oversee all construction and maintenance projects in the building.

Information Technology

• Provide administrative direction and support for the operational activities of the IT team. Make sure FJS has clear and robust IT related policiesand procedures.
• Oversee IT needsand operational planningincluding, innovation, projects, and system updates,with the goal of ensuring the system is in-sync with the overall strategic plan of the organization and acceptable IT standards.
• Ensure the continuity and security of the IT network and systems through careful monitoring of the IT staff and oversee IT facility security, including audits and risk assessments. Stay current on issues and implement procedures related to cybersecurity.

Grants Management

• Oversees all aspects of grants management with about $62 million in funding annually.
• Ensure there are strong systems and processes in place to comply with IRS rules and regulations for international and domestic funding.

The Person:

• Commitment to the ideals,philosophies, and goals of FJS.
• Minimum of ten years of management experience in finance and operations, with direct experience in private philanthropy, social justice and/or the nonprofit sector.
• Demonstrated excellence in effectively managing finance, accounting, budgeting, control and reporting.
• Ability to analyze, interpret and communicate financial statements, budgets and forecasts to diverse audiences including the Board of Directors.
• Strong knowledge of GAAP standards and hands-on experience with investment accounting is a plus.
• Working knowledge of US and international grantmaking practices and requirements including compliance with expenditure responsibility regulations.
• High level of technical proficiency in information technology solutions including an understanding of accounting systems, grants management systems, operating systems, cybersecurity and networking.
• Prior experience of leading organizational change management will be highly beneficial.
• Excellent experience in leading and developing diverse teams in a collaborative environment.
• Strong acumen for Board relations and engagement.
• Demonstrated ability to collaborate with colleagues around tasks, priorities, deadlines, and idea generation.
• Strong problem-solving and communications skills.
• Demonstrated track record of combining strategic perspective with high quality delivery in project management, and analytical thinking and planning.
• Comfort with a dynamic workplace that may require periodic extended work or nonstandard hours.
• Eligibility to work in the United States.

Education:

• MBA and/or CPA strongly preferred.

Compensation:

• Foundation for a Just Society offers competitive compensation, excellent benefits, and a supportive working environment.
• For this position, the base salary range is $273,442 - $308,000. Internal equity considerations and the average salary of the peer range will be reviewed before making a final offer.