Chief Operating Officer

The Opportunity
Do you have a passion for developing organizational infrastructure for continued success?  Do you resonate with an organizational mission which supports environmental sustainability? Howard EcoWorks empowers communities and diverse workforces to respect and restore our natural systems for future generations. Howard EcoWorks in Columbia, Maryland is seeking a Chief Operating Officer to enhance the organizational sustainability of our mission. The Board of Directors is seeking a Chief Operating Officer to work with the Founder and Board to lead, plan, implement, and manage all operations, programs, and activities of Howard EcoWorks. The COO will manage the annual  budget, supervise a diverse staff of employees, and serve as a non-voting member of the Board of Directors. The COO is appointed by the Board of Directors, serves as a non-voting member of the Board of Directors, and ensures that the organization is run with integrity and transparency.

Successful candidates for the position will need to demonstrate the following:

• Ability to build organizational and management capacity to help Howard EcoWorks achieve our mission.
• Ability to articulate the vision for Howard EcoWorks and create strategies and tactics to achieve this vision.
• Experience working with staff, boards, community leaders, and volunteers.
• Superb communication skills.
• Personal commitment to a collaborative and team approach to work.
• Innovative approaches to Howard EcoWorks’ mission and programs, with financial sustainability in mind.
• Commitment to building management and operational infrastructure programs to further support environmental sustainability.
• Distinguished and appropriate credentials and experience in nonprofit management.

Responsibilities:

Operations:

• Directs and manages all Howard EcoWorks functions with a focus on efficiency to enhance and sustain the organization’s capacity building.
• Maintains business systems to ensure effective and efficient operation of the organization.
• Coordinates activities with and directs vendors, contractors, and consultants to assure performance under their agreements in compliance with budget and operational considerations.
• Ensures the organization’s compliance with all applicable laws and regulations. 

• Aligns project proposals with the mission of the organization.
• Develops, implements, and maintains quality assurance protocols.
• Supports client satisfaction monitoring and designs systems to gather relevant data.
• Ensures sound program management and recommends improvements.
• Supports and implements community events in collaboration with the Founder.

Staff Management:

• Mentors, hires, supervises, and develops Howard EcoWorks staff and volunteers.
• Develops and implements policies that promote the organization’s culture and vision.
• Performs supervisory administrative tasks, including weekly scheduling, time sheets, petty cash, expense reports, payroll processing, benefits management, etc.

Financial and Budget Management:

• Ensures overall financial viability through strong fiscal management of and accountability for Howard EcoWorks resources.
• Tracks contractual deliverables, management obligations, and processes for reporting results to funding organizations and the Board of Directors.
• Provides financial reports and forecasts to the Board Finance Committee in collaboration with the Founder.
• Monitors the annual budget and submits periodic financial reports to the Board of Directors.
• Approves all invoices, signs checks, and approves purchases within the limits of the approved budget.
• Oversees accounting activities in partnership with bookkeeper, outside accounting firm, and external auditors.

Marketing, Community, and Public Relations:

• May be asked to represent Howard EcoWorks at relevant events and meetings.
• Implements the marketing strategies to promote Howard EcoWorks and its programs and services in the region through web, print, video, email, and social media.
• Actively participates in the development of partnerships and projects that support the mission and enhance relationships with relevant stakeholders.
• Assures that Howard EcoWorks and its mission, programs, and services are consistently presenting a strong, positive image to relevant stakeholders, including funders, clients, government, business, civic groups, the community, and the media.

Fundraising, Grant Management, and Business Development:

• Collaborates with the Founder and Chief of Sustainability and Partnerships to identify fundraising and business development activities to further the mission of Howard EcoWorks.
• Participates in the development of new and diverse sources of funding for program development and management, including fee-for-service work. 

Governance:

• Reports to Howard EcoWorks’ Board of Directors and implements its policies.
• Cultivates a strong, transparent working relationship with the Board of Directors and provides accurate, complete, and timely information on the organization’s programs, services, and finances.
• Guides strategic planning with the Board of Directors, staff, and stakeholders and oversees effective design, implementation, and evaluation of programs and initiatives.
• Informs and advises the Board regarding current trends, problems, and opportunities that are important to the organization’s mission and operations.
• Serves as a non-voting member of the Board of Directors.

IS THIS YOU?

• The anticipated annual salary begins at $83,000.00 (commensurate with experience), along with a benefits package, including medical insurance, FSA, and retirement benefits. A generous paid time off program is also available.  

TO APPLY:

The Search Committee, under the direction of the Co-Chairs of the Board of Directors, will begin review of applications immediately and will continue its work until an appointment of a Chief Operating Officer is made. For full consideration, applicants MUST submit the following in a Word Document:

• Letter of interest: Please address how you can help lead Howard EcoWorks as Chief Operating Officer in achieving our mission and strategic initiatives.
• Professional Resume.

Who We Are:

Howard EcoWorks’ vision is to create innovative solutions, partnerships, and a skilled workforce to support resilient communities. It leads the region as a model for social and environmental change to make Howard County a better place.
 

Howard EcoWorks is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, veteran status, or other protected class. Applicants of diverse backgrounds are encouraged to apply.

We welcome you to apply today!