Chief Operating Officer

About Blue Forest

Founded in 2015, Blue Forest is a nonprofit organization dedicated to advancing ecosystem restoration through a combination of scientific research, financial innovation, and collaborative partnerships. Starting in 2018, the organization has managed investor capital via its Forest Resilience Bond (FRB), a financial instrument aimed at financing forest restoration projects that mitigate catastrophic wildfire risks. More recently, Blue Forest created Blue Forest Asset Management (BFAM), which connects investors to mission-aligned opportunities across asset classes including private equity and private credit.

The team comprises experts from diverse backgrounds including science, engineering, forestry, finance, and communications, all united by a mission to accelerate ecological restoration through conservation finance to enhance climate resilience in ecosystems and communities. Employees embody core values such as continuous learning, collaboration, innovative impact, scientific grounding, and a passion for ecosystem restoration.

Position Overview

The Chief Operating Officer (COO) is the senior operational leader, reporting directly to the CEO and serving on the Executive Leadership Team alongside the CFO and Chief Program Officer. The role is pivotal in ensuring organizational effectiveness, internal operational infrastructure, and enterprise execution for mission fulfillment and growth.

Responsibilities

• Lead operations including Human Resources, Information Technology, legal operations, and event logistics to ensure organizational systems and infrastructure support program and investment activities.
• Design and align staffing models, organizational structure, and resources in accordance with strategic goals.
• Clarify decision-making authorities, accountability frameworks, and governance across teams and departments.
• Manage enterprise systems, IT infrastructure, cybersecurity, and knowledge management practices, spearheading initiatives to advance operational maturity and scalability.
• Ensure compliance with multi-state nonprofit laws and federal requirements such as 2 CFR 200.
• Collaborate with CFO on financial governance, budgeting, controls, policy development, and risk management including insurance to ensure organizational resilience.
• Support Board governance through preparation of operational reports and participation in discussions on organizational health and performance.
• Oversee negotiation and approval of key organizational agreements in partnership with legal counsel and CFO.
• Participate in executive leadership team activities, shaping strategic direction and organizational decision-making processes.
• Facilitate senior leadership meetings, oversee strategic planning, and translate strategic plans into actionable goals and KPIs; monitor organizational performance and manage operational risks.
• Enhance cross-functional integration to align efforts and resolve operational challenges.
• Assist CEO and CFO with operational readiness for investor, funder, and partner due diligence processes.
• Manage procurement and vendor relationships to maximize operational efficiency and fiscal responsibility.
• Represent operational matters externally with investors and stakeholders as appropriate.
• Evaluate strategic partnership opportunities including funding collaborations, co-branding, joint ventures, and mergers or acquisitions.
• Lead enterprise HR strategy including workforce and succession planning, talent acquisition, performance management, leadership development, and fostering a compliant, collaborative culture aligned with organizational values and equity commitments.
• Provide direct supervision and mentorship to operations leaders, offering clear guidance, feedback, and professional development.

Qualifications

• Extensive leadership experience with at least 10 years in executive operations, HR, or organizational leadership within nonprofit or small-to-mid-sized settings.
• Proven ability managing distributed teams and cross-functional projects.
• Expertise in HR systems, IT infrastructure, and organizational system management.
• Strong strategic planning, project management, operational design, and execution skills.
• Knowledgeable about employment law, nonprofit compliance, contract management, and experience working with legal counsel.
• Demonstrated experience managing relationships with funders, investors, or institutional donors to support fundraising goals.
• Background in financial operations, budgeting, controls, and familiarity with various financial or legal agreements.
• Understanding of federal grants compliance and multi-state nonprofit regulatory frameworks.
• Excellent analytical and decision-making skills enhanced by effective written and verbal communication capabilities.
• Passionate about conservation, climate resilience, and innovative finance solutions.
• Professional certifications in HR (e.g., SHRM) or project management (e.g., PMP) are advantageous.

Benefits

• Full employer-covered health, dental, and vision insurance with subsidized dependent coverage.
• 401(k) plan with employer matching of 5%.
• Four weeks paid vacation plus 17 paid holidays, including paid sick and volunteer days.
• Three months paid family leave.
• Employer-sponsored life and long-term disability insurance.
• Access to Dependent Care and Health Flexible Spending Accounts.
• Public lands exploration stipend for visits to national forests and parks.
• Monthly allowance for home office expenses or coworking spaces.
• Subsidies available for dependent care during business travel.
• Additional stipends for wellness, home internet, and mobile phone services.
• Financial support for continuing professional development.

Additional Information

Blue Forest operates entirely remotely with team members across all continental U.S. time zones. Employees are expected to coordinate during Pacific Standard Time for collaboration. The organization hosts an annual in-person retreat. Interview candidates can request reimbursement of up to $30/hour for reasonable expenses related to interview participation, such as childcare costs.