Chief Operating Officer

About the Opportunity

This opportunity sits within a mission-led organization dedicated to helping every eligible child have the chance to receive a wish. The work is centered on bringing communities together to create life-changing moments for wish families, volunteers, and team members, all within a culture that values belonging, compassion, and purpose.

Role Overview

The Chief Operating Officer will act as the CEO’s key strategic partner, providing leadership across the organization’s operating model. This role is responsible for strengthening controls, improving administrative systems, and ensuring reporting and processes are built to support long-term growth and mission delivery.

Location and Work Authorization

Applicants must be legally authorized to work for any employer in the United States. Employment sponsorship for visas or other immigration matters is not provided.

This position is remote and open to candidates located anywhere in the continental United States.

Key Responsibilities

The COO will oversee enterprise-wide operations and help translate strategy into execution across major functional areas. The role requires close partnership with the CEO and executive team, as well as ongoing collaboration with the Board of Directors and other stakeholders.

• Direct the organization’s daily operations so that they remain aligned with mission priorities, strategic goals, and long-term vision.
• Guide and coordinate core functions such as finance, human resources, technology, legal, compliance, and administration.
• Create and refine operating strategies, policies, and systems that improve efficiency, scalability, and overall organizational performance.
• Work with the CEO and senior leadership team to shape strategic plans and ensure strong execution.
• Champion AI adoption across the organization, partnering with the CIO to advance technology-driven transformation at a level beyond typical nonprofit standards.
• Lead financial planning activities including budgets, forecasts, and allocation of resources, while maintaining fiscal discipline.
• Define success measures and track performance against goals tied to mission impact, financial stability, compliance, and stakeholder experience.
• Coach and hold senior leaders accountable, encouraging transparency, teamwork, and strong performance.
• Maintain compliance with laws, regulations, and internal policies, while reinforcing sound controls and risk management practices.
• Use data, analysis, and operational insight to identify and lead continuous improvement opportunities.
• Build effective working relationships with internal and external partners, including the Board, vendors, and collaborators, to support organizational priorities.
• Represent the organization externally with credibility and presence, including media appearances, joint presentations with CEOs or public figures, and relationship-building with chapters, donors, and the broader community.
• Support fundraising and development efforts by ensuring operational capacity aligns with revenue goals and donor commitments.
• Sponsor and guide change management and transformation initiatives when needed.
• Strengthen and model the organizational culture, emphasizing that how work is done matters as much as what is achieved.

Professional Qualifications

• Proven success leading complex, cross-functional operations and improving organizational effectiveness through transformation initiatives.
• Strong command of financial management, including budgeting, forecasting, and resource planning in a nonprofit setting.
• Experience managing experienced executives across human resources, organizational development, and talent functions.
• Working knowledge of legal and regulatory obligations relevant to nonprofit organizations.
• Familiarity with strategic planning methods and performance measurement systems.
• Understanding of information systems, data analytics, and technology infrastructure that support operational decisions.
• History of building, guiding, and motivating high-performing teams while promoting accountability and collaboration.
• Nonprofit management knowledge, including governance, compliance, funding structures, and mission-driven program delivery, is strongly preferred.

Personal Traits

• Mission-focused and outcome-oriented, with equal respect for results and the principles behind them.
• Comfortable serving as a trusted, charismatic presence with chapters, employees, executives, board members, and public figures.
• Fast-paced and ambitious, yet emotionally intelligent enough to bring people along through change.
• Analytical and solutions-oriented, with the ability to use data to guide decisions.
• Big-picture strategic thinker who can help shape direction and clarify priorities.
• Humble, confident, and collaborative, with the ability to influence through relationships and deliver through others.
• Motivated to build strong teams and a culture where accountability and collaboration go hand in hand.
• Genuinely inspired by the mission and energized by the chance to do deeply meaningful work.

Compensation

The hiring range for this role is USD 295,000 to USD 320,000.

Benefits and Perks

• Comprehensive benefits available from day one, including medical, vision, dental, and wellness coverage.
• Annual incentive opportunity in addition to base compensation.
• Health Savings Account and Flexible Spending Account options.
• Employer-funded Health Reimbursement Account.
• Short-term disability, long-term disability, and life insurance coverage.
• Additional coverage options such as accident, critical illness, hospital indemnity, and pet insurance through Figo.
• 401(k) retirement plan with a 5% employer match after one year of service.
• Eligibility for student loan forgiveness through the Public Service Loan Forgiveness program.
• Company-provided equipment including a laptop, 24-inch monitor, and docking station/adaptor.
• Competitive paid time off starting at 15 days, with more generous time off for senior roles.
• 10 sick days, 11 paid holidays, 2 personal days accrued annually, and 2 volunteer days after one year of service.
• Parental leave.
• Employee awards and recognition programs.
• Learning and leadership development opportunities.
• Discounts and special offers for theme parks, events, hotels, concerts, and movie tickets.

Additional Terms

Vision, dental, and short- and long-term disability premiums are paid monthly for the employee.

This posting is presented through a talent platform that is not the hiring employer and does not make hiring decisions.

Reviewing the role may route applicants to the talent platform to view role and employer details.