Chief Operating Officer

About the Organization

Africatown Community Land Trust (ACLT) works to expand community ownership of land in Seattle’s Central District and support the cultural and economic well-being of people in the African diaspora across Greater Seattle. The board includes real estate professionals, business leaders, entrepreneurs, and long-standing Central District community members. ACLT’s mission is to acquire, develop, and steward land in Greater Seattle to empower and preserve the Black community, with a vision of vibrant and thriving Black communities through land ownership.

Role Overview

ACLT is hiring a highly capable Chief Operating Officer to bring together and lead internal operations as one integrated function covering HR, Finance, Facilities, Operations, and IT. This senior leader will align systems, policies, contracting, workflows, compliance, and risk controls to improve organizational execution and reduce operational silos. Because of a recent reorganization, the role will begin with significant hands-on responsibility while the team is being built out. The COO reports to the CEO and is a core member of the leadership team, enabling the CEO to concentrate on fundraising, partnerships, and community engagement.

Leadership and Organizational Management

The COO will help guide strategy, strengthen cross-department coordination, and ensure operational discipline across the organization.

• Join ACLT’s senior leadership group and participate in key administrative decisions.
• Create a three-year operating plan spanning HR, Finance, Facilities, IT, and Operations.
• Work with the CEO and Board on annual budgeting and recommend changes when needed.
• Represent the organization positively to staff, community members, partners, and other stakeholders.
• Demonstrate the organization’s values, standards, and compliance expectations across all teams.
• Work with managers to identify and deliver administrative support needs.
• Roll out new policies, directives, and procedures, including organization-wide change efforts.
• Prepare reports, analyses, and presentation materials for funders, partners, and stakeholders.
• Maintain the administrative policies and procedures manual.
• Keep the organization compliant with health, building, zoning, safety, licensing, and certification rules.
• Identify areas for organizational growth and priority focus.
• Serve as an external representative when required.

People Management

• Directly manage the Finance Manager, Ops Project Manager, IT Manager, HR Manager, and Facility Manager.
• Support hiring and onboarding across operations teams.
• Coordinate the workload and schedules of department managers.
• Carry out timely, constructive employee performance reviews.
• Address discipline and termination matters in line with ACLT policy when necessary.
• Provide consistent day-to-day leadership and maintain an accessible, open-door management style.
• Coach and develop staff in a collaborative and supportive manner.

Finance Administration

• Plan, implement, monitor, evaluate, and forecast budgets and costs across divisions to meet financial targets.
• Work with the Accounting Consultant and Finance Manager on internal controls for finance and budgeting.
• Support the accounting function by ensuring timely access to financial data for strategic planning.
• Update the Financial Policies and Procedures manual as needed.
• Oversee approval of payroll, accounts payable, and financial reporting processes.
• Carry out other assigned duties.

Human Resources

• Act as the lead compliance officer for equal employment opportunity and applicable employment laws.
• Ensure ACLT stays aligned with state and federal employment requirements.
• Protect the confidentiality of all personnel matters and internal organizational information.
• Serve as a point of guidance for staff and managers on policy interpretation and application.
• Direct the HR Generalist in administering benefits, recruitment and retention, the full hiring cycle, personnel policy updates, employee handbook revisions, employee relations, and performance management.

Information Technology and Business Administration

• Oversee facilities, equipment, and supplies to maintain a safe and productive workplace.
• Coordinate with the IT Manager to align technology, operations, and service functions for better workflow.
• Manage IT infrastructure needs and serve as administrator for the organization’s server/private cloud.
• Maintain records retention standards, including scheduled destruction of files and secure storage of retained documents.
• Resolve technology questions and issues, and help staff with device use, learning, and training.
• Partner with consultants to ensure the technology environment can support organizational growth.

Operations and Vendor Oversight

• Build an annual operations work plan focused on efficiency, cost reduction, and stronger organizational performance.
• Lead RFP and contracting processes, vendor and consultant agreements, purchasing, and event-related oversight to ensure deliverables are met.
• Manage delegated partnerships, both internal and external, on behalf of the CEO.
• Improve coordination and workflow across all operational areas.
• Regularly review systems and processes and implement improvements where needed.
• Contribute to ACLT’s strategic goals and broader organizational management.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

The role calls for a mission-aligned leader with strong operational depth, broad functional knowledge, and the ability to manage multiple departments in a nonprofit setting.

• A bachelor’s degree in Business Administration, Finance, Nonprofit Management, or a related area, or an equivalent mix of education and experience.
• 5 to 7 years of experience in operations management, nonprofit administration, or a similar leadership role.
• At least 2 years of supervisory experience overseeing multiple departments or functions.
• Commitment to the mission, with understanding of oppression systems and the historical and current barriers affecting Black communities due to government policy and legislation.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, including presentation ability, plus a high degree of emotional intelligence.
• Solid knowledge of best practices, theories, and policies in human resources, business administration, information technology, finance, and facilities management.
• Experience leading or managing HR functions.
• Experience working with finance consultants on financial data and process development.
• Strong judgment, diplomacy, and problem-solving ability.
• Excellent organization and attention to detail.
• Advanced project management, data management, and dashboard-building skills.
• Proven ability to prioritize and execute several complex projects at once.
• Coaching and leadership strength for motivating direct reports and matrix teams.
• Comfort using Google Docs, Microsoft Office Suite, especially Excel, and systems such as Gusto, Bill.com, QuickBooks, Dropbox, and Zoom.
• Reliable transportation, with some driving required.

Preferred Qualifications

• A master’s degree in Public Administration, Business Administration, or a similar advanced field.
• Project Management certification such as PMP or an equivalent credential.
• Background as a Chief of Staff or in a senior operational leadership role.
• Experience in a nonprofit or community-based organization serving communities of color.

Physical Requirements

• Long periods of sitting and computer use are expected.
• The role may occasionally require lifting up to 25 pounds.

Benefits

• Annual salary between $90,000 and $120,000, depending on experience.
• Employer-paid medical, dental, and vision coverage at 100%.
• Generous vacation PTO and sick leave.
• 11 paid holidays plus 2 personal holidays.
• 401(k) matching up to 4%.
• $1,000 annual Health Reimbursement Account (HRA).
• Flexible Spending Account (FSA).
• Employer-paid life insurance and AD&D coverage.
• Employer-paid short-term and long-term disability insurance.
• Professional development stipends.
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP).
• Opportunity to contribute to a meaningful mission and have a positive impact in Seattle.

Application Requirements

• Applicants must be authorized to work in the United States and must not need visa sponsorship.
• Submission requires an ACLT job application, a resume showing relevant experience, and a cover letter explaining qualifications and interest in the organization.
• Applications without a cover letter will not be reviewed.

Equal Opportunity Statement

ACLT is an affirmative action employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, creed, religion, sex, sexual orientation, color, national origin, ancestry, familial status, age, disability, marital status, or public assistance status.