Chief Operating Officer
Make-A-Wish® Illinois, United States
Job Description
Organizational Overview:
Since being founded locally in 1985, Make-A-Wish Illinois has granted more than 15,000 wishes and continues its mission to share the power of a wish with children in all 102 counties across the state.
A wish experience can be a game-changer for a child with a critical illness. This belief guides us in everything we do at Make-A-Wish. It inspires us to grant life-changing wishes for children going through so much.
Life-changing wish journeys are made possible by dedicated staff and volunteers who fulfill the work of our mission, helping children discover, create, fulfill, and experience the lasting impact of their most heartfelt wish.
Job Summary:
Reporting to the CEO, the Chief Operating Officer serves as an integral member of the leadership team and leads a team of professionals across a diverse array of functions.
S/he is responsible for the development and execution of the Foundation’s strategies, policies, and procedures in all central operations areas including finance, accounting, technology, human resources, volunteer management, legal, and workplace administration. S/he optimizes the performance of operational areas to collaboratively support the dynamic needs of a growing organization.
Requirements
Major Responsibilities:
Strategy/Leadership
· Manages the Foundation in the development of its overall strategic, financial, and project management planning.
· Establishes organizational policies, practices and procedures that promote a diverse and inclusive culture focused on high performance, collaboration, and continuous improvement
· Executes CFO activities, including leading all aspects of financial planning, budgeting and forecasting, internal and external reporting, and audit oversight
Team and Operational Management
· Leads the Operations team, coaching and developing them in the attainment of organizational and professional development goals
· Responsible for strategy development, annual plans and goals for the Operations team
· Engages at various levels with the Foundation’s broad and diverse constituent base, working closely with the Board of Directors
· Serves as the staff liaison for the Board Finance Committee facilitating finance policies, monitoring, and investment strategies with the external advisors
· Incorporates and influences development of national support services and policies by Make-A-Wish America
· Develops, manages, and cultivates vendor partnerships
· Maximizes utilization of financial resources, ensuring the efficiency and integrity of accounting functions and internal controls
· Optimizes the use of data and technology in supporting business needs, leveraging resources and platforms from Make-A-Wish America and providing additional technology to meet the Foundation’s needs
· Oversees the human resource function, developing a high-performance workforce of 45+ staff and 1700+ volunteers through consistent and effective
recruitment and hiring practices, development and training, and strong engagement of our team.
· Develops the organization’s workplace model, including its business continuity plans, remote work structure, and oversight of office management and administration for offices in Chicago and Peoria.
· Handles all legal matters for the Foundation, seeking external support as needed
· Performs other duties as required
Required Skills amp; Competencies:
· Proven track record of team leadership and capacity building, and ability to work in a collaborative environment
· Strong analytical and problem-solving ability
· Demonstrated competency with strategic plan development and frameworks
· Strong financial acumen and skills in budgeting, financial analysis and modeling
· Excellent verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to translate complex concepts in easy to understand and transparent ways
· Excellent organizational, time and project management skills
· Solid understanding of business functions including human resources, finance, and technology
· Proficiency with Microsoft Office 365, financial accounting software, and CRM databases
Preferred Education amp; Experience:
· 10 or more years of experience in operational leadership
· 3+ years experience as a Chief Operating Officer or similar role
· Bachelors degree (masters preferred) in business related discipline
· Not-for-profit experience preferred
Benefits
Make-A-Wish Illinois offers full-time employees comprehensive medical and dental benefits along with excellent time off, a 403(b) retirement plan, life and disability insurance and outstanding professional development opportunities.