Chief Operating Officer

About GrowNYC

GrowNYC is a long-established environmental nonprofit serving more than 3 million New Yorkers. Its mission is to help create a healthier, more sustainable city by delivering practical programs and services. Current initiatives include a network of Greenmarkets, Farmstands, and GrowNYC Wholesale to improve access to fresh local food; community and school garden support through volunteer events, technical help, training, and grants; and environmental education programs that reach 70,000 children each year.

Role Overview

The Chief Operating Officer will direct operations across GrowNYC’s core program areas, including Education, Recycling and Waste Reduction, Food Access and Agriculture, and Green Space. This leader will guide strategic and ongoing planning, turn plans into execution, and strengthen management systems so teams work together effectively and the organization achieves strong results. The COO partners with senior leadership to support smooth and successful operations.

Key Responsibilities

The role covers people leadership, financial oversight, day-to-day operations, organizational planning, and support for fundraising and cross-functional coordination. The COO will supervise program and operations teams, help build budgets and improve reporting, maintain operational policies, monitor performance data, and ensure the organization stays aligned with its mission and goals. The position also includes site visits, weekly operational coordination, and close collaboration with development and risk management teams.

Schedule and Work Arrangement

This is a full-time, exempt role requiring approximately 35–40 hours per week. Work is primarily Monday through Friday, 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM. The job is based onsite at GrowNYC’s downtown Manhattan office, with at least three days in the office and mandatory presence every Wednesday. Field visits are part of the role, including periodic trips to the Hub, and participation in other employee-related events is required.

Compensation and Benefits

The annual salary is $200,000 to $225,000 on a salaried, DOE basis. The position comes with full benefits, including medical, dental, vision, life insurance, pet insurance, long-term disability, an Incentive Savings Plan, paid holidays, sick leave, PTO, commute benefits, and FSA programs. Parental leave is available for full-time regular employees after 175 days of employment. GrowNYC is also eligible for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program. This is a managerial position and is not part of the bargaining unit.

Required Qualifications

Candidates should bring 8–10 years of proven experience in a Chief Operating Officer role or a closely related leadership position. A bachelor’s degree in business administration or a relevant field is required, and a master’s degree or MBA is also acceptable. Strong knowledge of business functions such as HR, finance, and marketing is expected, along with demonstrated success in strategic planning, business development, operational metrics, and data analysis. Applicants should be highly organized leaders with excellent communication, public speaking, and problem-solving skills, plus working knowledge of IT/business infrastructure and Google Suite. A valid New York driver’s license is necessary.

Preferred Background

Experience in fundraising is considered an advantage. Familiarity with sustainable local agriculture, farming, food systems, food access, or food justice is also preferred.

Additional Details

The role requires the ability to stay current with operational trends and benchmarking. Location details include GrowNYC’s main office at 100 Gold Street, New York, NY, and the Hub at 298 Halleck St, Bronx, NY 10474.