Chief Operating Officer

Summary

Join The Appellate Project (TAP) as their Chief Operating Officer (COO) and lead all operational aspects, ensuring seamless execution across various departments. As a core member of the leadership team, you will report to the Executive Director and collaborate closely to implement the organization's vision and strategy. This role is crucial in building and professionalizing internal systems, streamlining workflows, and expanding TAP's staff and capacity. You will manage the communications team, accountant, and HR consultants, while also serving as a thought partner to the Program Director and development team. The ideal candidate possesses at least 10 years of experience in operations, nonprofit management, and people management, demonstrating a commitment to equity and a proactive, entrepreneurial approach. This is a remote position with occasional travel to Washington, DC.

Requirements

• A minimum of 10 years of substantive leadership experience
• A demonstrated commitment to equity and dismantling systemic barriers for underrepresented groups, which is the heart of our work, as well as cultural competency when working with our diverse group of staff, donors, and program participants
• Comfort with change and adaptable with creative and efficient processing of scenarios
• Proven ability to implement strategic plans
• Familiarity and experience with the legal system, and in particular the appellate system, including the systemic barriers to entry
• Eagerness to learn, take initiative, anticipate problems, and develop creative solutions as a vital member of a small but powerful team
• Exceptional communication skills, both written and oral, with the ability to build relationships and represent TAP to funders, external partners, and the general public
• Excellent organizational and time management skills; demonstrated attention to detail, including financial oversight and strategic planning capabilities
• Experience managing and growing a team with a focus on maintaining a supportive, collaborative, and inclusive work environment
• Strong technical skills, including experience with database/CRM tools (e.g., Bloomerang), website editors (e.g., Squarespace or WordPress), email communication platforms (e.g., MailChimp), and design platforms (e.g., Canva, Adobe Creative Suite)
• A commitment to amplifying and centering the voices and experiences of our community, particularly our students
• Effective management skills, including recruitment, hiring, supervision, evaluation, and conflict resolution

Responsibilities

• Serve as a thought partner to the Executive Director, including providing strategic support for successful execution of goals and strategy
• Serve as a representative, effectively communicating TAP's vision, mission, and values
• Regularly review the organization’s strategic plan to ensure that organizational activities and initiatives align with the overarching mission and vision, including regularly reporting on progress towards goals and milestones
• Define and track organizational success with measurable outcomes, encompassing both quantitative and qualitative measures, utilizing actionable work plans for TAP staff
• Lead daily operations, ensuring effective and efficient internal processes
• Develop and oversee operational policies, procedures, and systems to support growth and sustainability
• Monitor organizational performance and recommend improvements
• Define roles and required skills for each staff member who reports to you
• Lead, inspire, and motivate a diverse team to achieve strategic goals
• Collaborate to identify professional growth opportunities for staff
• Identify and eliminate barriers to individual and organizational success
• Develop, maintain, and support a strong staff while advising on continuous areas of organizational improvement, efficiency, and growth
• Lead HR functions, including recruitment, onboarding, performance management, and professional development
• Develop and implement strategies for recruiting, hiring, and retaining a diverse workforce
• Professionalize HR practices, including roles and expectations, establishing a compensation structure, performance review process, and developing onboarding and training materials
• Ensure compliance with labor laws and HR best practices
• Foster a positive, innovative, inclusive, and mission-driven workplace culture
• Develop and manage organizational budgets, ensuring alignment with strategic objectives and grant requirements
• Establish and maintain financial controls, policies, and procedures to ensure compliance and transparency
• Oversee accounts payable/receivable, payroll processing, and financial reporting systems
• Monitor cash flow and maintain relationships with financial services providers
• Implement strong budget tracking and effective expense management practices
• Prepare financial reports and analyses for the Board of Directors and funding partners in collaboration with the Treasurer and accountant
• Ensure organization has proper systems, and technology necessary to achieve goals
• Implement efficient operational workflows and standard operating procedures
• Select, implement, and manage technology solutions for organizational needs (donor management, accounting, project management)
• Ensure data security and privacy compliance across all systems and platforms
• Develop and maintain documentation for all operational processes and procedures
• Create contingency plans and disaster recovery protocols for critical systems
• Maintain organizational insurance policies and manage relationships with providers
• Ensure compliance with federal, state, and local regulations governing nonprofit operations
• Oversee contract management and vendor relationships
• Develop and implement risk assessment and mitigation strategies
• Maintain necessary licenses, certifications, and registrations for nonprofit operations
• Support the implementation of a fundraising plan aimed at expanding revenue to support organizational growth
• Support the execution of both new and ongoing fundraising campaigns
• Build trust and form partnerships with diverse interested parties and funders, strengthening donor, funder, and community relationships
• Serve as a compelling and authentic spokesperson for the mission, including the cultivation and presentation of development pitches, and other events and meetings
• Oversee communications strategy, including public relations, branding, and digital presence, working closely with TAP’s communications consultant
• The COO will be a thought partner to the Program Director and help ensure the programmatic goals are furthering the strategic goals of the organization
• Assist Executive Director with Board management, governance, and meeting preparation
• Support Board committees and ensure effective communication between Board and staff

Preferred Qualifications

• An entrepreneurial mindset with the ability to work within a nonprofit startup environment focused on growth
• A proactive and creative problem-solver that embraces change and new challenges
• Someone passionate about the mission that operates with tact, diplomacy, and integrity
• An emotionally intelligent leader who can build a wide variety of relationships

Benefits

• Paid vacation
• A retirement account
• Health benefits
• Paid sick leave
• Paid holidays
• Generous stipends for technology and a home office
• Robust professional development resources