Job Description

Chief Operating Officer

Jacksonville, FL * Relocation package available

About the Organization

The Community Foundation for Northeast Florida is the region’s largest and oldest community foundation, connecting people, ideas, and resources to inspire philanthropy and strengthen our community. Its people are united by purpose, grounded in integrity, and motivated by the belief that smart giving can transform lives.

About the Role

Reporting to the President, the Chief Operating Officer (COO) serves as the organization’s primary steward of internal operations, ensuring that the Foundation’s strategy, priorities, and values—set by the President in partnership with the Board—are translated effectively into day-to-day practice. The COO oversees the systems, processes, and cross-team structures that support high performance, operational alignment, and a healthy organizational culture. This role strengthens the Foundation’s internal capacity so that the President can focus on strategic leadership, external relationships, and long-term vision.

The COO oversees day-to-day internal operational alignment, including enterprise risk management, human resources, information technology, legal affairs, and cross-departmental coordination. This role ensures operational integrity, fosters organizational effectiveness, and promotes a positive, mission-aligned workplace culture. The COO acts on behalf of the President in their absence and serves as a trusted partner to the Executive Team, helping to drive accountability and performance across the organization.

Detailed Responsibilities

Listed below are major duties and responsibilities of this position. It is not designed or intended to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of the activities, duties, or responsibilities of the employee.

Organizational Leadership & Alignment

• Steward day-to-day internal operations, ensuring operational alignment with strategic priorities.
• Translate the Foundation’s strategic plan—established by the President and Board—into annual work plans, measurable goals, and performance systems.
• Lead enterprise-wide initiatives that improve collaboration, efficiency, and organizational capacity.
• Maintain continuous communication with the President on critical operational and risk-related matters.

Operations, Risk, and Compliance

• Oversee enterprise risk management, compliance, and legal coordination, engaging outside counsel as needed.
• Ensure operational systems, policies, and procedures are current, effective, and consistently applied across departments.
• Oversee the development of performance metrics and dashboards to monitor organizational health and impact.
• Support and provide supervision to finance, communications and technology department leaders, and others as assigned

Culture, Talent, and Team Development

• Design and implement strategies that foster a positive, values-based organizational culture emphasizing trust, equity, and accountability.
• Oversee human resources and talent systems, including recruitment, performance management, professional development, and compliance with local, State, and Federal employment law.
• Support Executive Team members in goal setting, performance reviews, and leadership development.
• Ensure staff are equipped, informed, and supported to perform at their best.

Governance and Internal Communication

• Lead operational execution of Board policies, ensuring organizational compliance and alignment with governance best practices.
• Oversee preparation and follow-up for Board and committee meetings, ensuring timely and accurate communication.
• Support internal communication and change management processes that promote transparency and collaboration.

Leadership Expectations

• Model integrity, accountability, and inclusivity in all practices.
• Serve as a thought partner to the President, contributing to organizational learning, continuous improvement, and cross-departmental cohesion.
• Represent the Foundation internally and externally as delegated, maintaining the highest standards of professionalism and stewardship.
• Act on behalf of the President in their absence to ensure organizational continuity.

Qualifications and Experience

• Minimum 10 years of senior management experience, preferably in philanthropy, nonprofit management, or a related field.
• Proven ability to lead cross-functional teams and build organizational systems that support growth and excellence.
• Demonstrated expertise in operational planning, HR/talent development, compliance, and risk management.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to build trust and lead collaboratively across all levels of an organization.
• Commitment to the Foundation’s mission and values, with a deep appreciation for community impact and equity.
• Bachelor’s degree; Juris Doctor or master’s degree in relevant field highly desired
• Proven experience in senior leadership role and exceptional capacity for managing and leading staff required; significant community foundation experience in leadership role preferred
• A valid State of Florida Driver’s license will be required (prior to start date) and access to a motor vehicle. Local and some long-distance travel required
• Ability to think and act independently with good judgement and minimal supervision
• Superior inter-personal skills with experience and comfort in working with and relating to individuals of diverse views and backgrounds
• Excellent written and oral communication skills; ability to communicate clearly, diplomatically, and persuasively, and to facilitate meetings. Writing skills must include the ability to prepare written communications of the highest professional quality
• Strong computer skills including Office365 and the ability to learn and utilize the Foundation’s grant management database and contact management software
• Ability to manage multiple assignments while meeting deadlines and adapt easily to emergent requests; strong organizational skills and attention to detail in all work products
• Intellectual curiosity and desire to engage in ongoing, lifelong learning
• Must demonstrate integrity and excellent professional judgment
• Ability to lead other staff in an effective, positive, and organized manner

Working Conditions

Living in the Jacksonville, Florida metropolitan area is required and relocation assistance is provided. Working full-time from the Foundation’s physical office is required for this position, with allowance for occasional remote work in accordance with the Foundation’s Remote Work Policy.

Compensation & Benefits

• Excellent salary commensurate with your experience
• 15 days of PTO, 13 Paid Holidays, and 12 sick days per year
• Employer paid Medical coverage and optional Vision and Dental plans
• Flexible Spending Account (FSA)
• 403(b) Retirement Plan with up to 11% match

The Community Foundation maintains a policy of nondiscrimination in all conditions of employment, and commits itself to providing equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment regardless of race, color, religion, sex, age, disability, handicap, veteran status, marital status, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, and any other status protected by law.

For immediate consideration submit your current resume. WORD or pdf format preferred; all resumes must include your email address and phone number. Alternatively, feel free to contact us by phone at 904.685.9313.

All communications will be treated confidentially to protect your current employment

Job Tags

Full time, Casual work, Work at office, Local area, Immediate start, Remote work, Relocation package, Long distance, Flexible hours,

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