New York, New York

The Organization
Step Up is a national nonprofit membership organization whose mission it is to propel girls from under-resourced communities to fulfill their potential by empowering them to become confident, college-bound, career-focused, and ready to join the next generation of professional women. Step up leverages our professional women members who give back as donors, mentors and volunteers to make our local communities and the Step Up programs a success. We believe all girls should have the opportunity to fulfill their potential and do so by inspiring women to inspire girls through programs that engage and connect.

Organization’s Values

Take Pride in Involvement. Be Inspired by and for Each Other. Take the Long View. Celebrate Success. Innovate. Take Action. Trust Teamwork. Amplify our Message.

Position Overview
The COO position provides the leadership, management and vision necessary to ensure that the company has the proper operational controls, administrative and reporting procedures, and people systems in place to effectively grow the organization and to ensure financial strength and operating efficiency. The COO manages what’s in front of us but also plans for what’s next.

Position Outcomes

A successful COO will achieve the following outcomes over the next two years:

• Launch Step Up into 2 new cities, one in 2017 and one in 2018
• Contribute thought leadership to the creation of next Strategic Plan (2020+)
• Lead the significant change created by accelerated growth in the next 3 years through systematically upgrading Step Up’s financial, operational, IT and talent management infrastructure

Responsibilities

Strategy, Vision and Leadership:

1. Serve as a thought leader to the CEO on future visioning for Step Up: contribute heavily to the next Strategic Plan (2020+) by recommending alternatives and evaluating ideas such as mergers & acquisitions, licensing and delivery of programming via technology.
2. Advise the CEO and other key members of senior management on financial planning, budgeting, cash flow, investment priorities, and policy matters.
3. Serve as the management liaison to the board and audit committee; effectively communicate and present critical financial matters at select board of directors and committee meetings.
4. Design and implement a system for tracking and reporting on progress of the strategic plan
5. Represent the organization externally, as necessary, particularly in banking and lease negotiations.

Team Development/Leadership:

• Oversee, direct, and organize the work of the finance and operations staff.
• Promote a culture of high performance and continuous improvement that values learning and a commitment to quality.
• Ensure staff members receive timely and appropriate training and development.
• Establish and monitor staff performance and development goals, assign accountabilities, set objectives, establish priorities, oversee annual performance appraisals, and administer salary adjustments.
• Lead, mentor and develop staff using a supportive and collaborative approach: assign accountabilities; set objectives; establish priorities; and monitor and evaluate results.

Operations:

• Upgrade and implement an appropriate system of policies, internal controls, accounting standards, and procedures.
• Plan, coordinate, and execute the annual budget process.
• Ensure the adherence to and execution of the strategic plan, delivering status reports to the board and staff.
• Provide analytical support to Step Up’s internal management team including development of internal management reporting capabilities.
• Improve administrative and operational services (included but not limited to: timekeeping/HR management, 401K plan, grants tracking, payroll, accounts payable, and IT infrastructure)
• Bridge national and regional operations, ensuring accomplishment of annual goals

Qualifications:

• Proven experience as COO or relevant role
• Bachelor’s mandatory, a master’s in business administration is preferred
• Minimum 15 years of experience in a senior management role ideally with both external audit and in-house financial management experience gained in a high-growth organization
• Experience either as an employee or board member of a nonprofit organization; must be familiar with nonprofit finance and accounting regulations
• Proven track record of success facilitating progressive organizational change and development within a growing organization
• Excellent judgment and creative problem solving skills including negotiation and conflict resolution skills
• Interest in and ability to contribute to an environment of inclusion and belonging through experience, knowledge, and skills
• Strong mentoring, coaching experience to a team with diverse levels of expertise
• Entrepreneurial team player who can multitask
• Superior management skills; ability to influence and engage direct and indirect reports and peers
• Self-reliant, good problem solver, results oriented
• Energetic, flexible, collaborative, and proactive; a team leader who can positively and productively impact both strategic and tactical finance and administration initiatives.
• Exceptional written, oral, interpersonal, and presentation skills and the ability to effectively interface with senior management, Step Up’s board of directors, and staff
• Ability to operate as an effective tactical as well as strategic thinker
• Committed to improving the life experiences and outcomes for all women and teen girls

Salary:

This is a full-time salaried position with medical, dental and vision insurance benefits. Step Up also offers a 401k. Salary commensurate with experience. All full-time employees qualify for paid time off including vacation, sick and all national holidays.