Chief Operating Officer

About the Role

The Goodwin Group is conducting a confidential executive search for a Chief Operating Officer (COO) to lead a public-sector organization focused on affordable housing, community development, and expanding economic opportunities. This executive role involves overseeing enterprise-wide operational strategy and ensuring excellence in service delivery across a complex and multifaceted organization.

Key Responsibilities

• Act as a strategic advisor to the CEO and executive leadership team, guiding organizational priorities and strategy execution.
• Drive operational excellence, continuous improvement, and align day-to-day activities with long-term goals.
• Manage core operational areas including housing programs, resident services, facilities, procurement, HR, IT, and other functions.
• Enhance customer service quality, operational consistency, and efficiency through improved processes and innovation.
• Ensure compliance with all federal, state, and local regulations, funding requirements, and internal policies.
• Oversee audits, risk management, quality controls, and corrective action planning.
• Collaborate with the CFO on budgeting, grant management, resource allocation, and financial stewardship.
• Support the CEO in board relations, providing reports and strategic advice, and engage with community partners and government agencies.
• Develop and mentor leadership teams, fostering a culture of collaboration, accountability, innovation, and professional growth.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Public Administration, Business Administration, Management, Finance, Urban Planning, Real Estate, or related field; Master's degree is strongly preferred.
• At least 15 years of progressive executive leadership experience, including roles such as COO, Executive Vice President, Deputy Executive Director, Assistant City Manager, or similar.
• Proven track record managing complex, multi-functional organizations with a focus on operational excellence and strategic transformation.
• Expertise in governance, compliance, risk management, budgeting, and enterprise performance.
• Experienced in building high-performing teams and implementing scalable operating models and accountability frameworks.
• Ability to develop KPIs, operational dashboards, and decision-support tools for executives.
• Experience preferred in affordable/public housing, community development, real estate, property management, or related highly regulated mission-driven organizations; familiarity with federally funded programs is a plus.
• Strong executive presence and communication skills for engaging boards, elected officials, and stakeholders.
• Collaborative, strategic, and practical leadership approach coupled with integrity and sound judgment.

Additional Information

This job description outlines the general scope of the role but is not exhaustive. The organization is committed to equal opportunity and will consider all qualified candidates without discrimination. Only selected applicants will be contacted for interviews.