Chief Operating Officer
United WE
Kansas City, MO - United States
WittKieffer is proud to partner with United Women’s Empowerment (United WE) to conduct the national search for its inaugural Chief Operating Officer (COO). This unique position is critical to a growing national nonprofit organization committed to breaking down systemic barriers in women’s economic development and civic leadership.
United WE offers a unique ecosystem to build a highly functioning model to empower women around the country. The organization unites with appointees, elected officials, community leaders, supporters, and everyday women to positively impact hundreds of thousands of women. Their impact includes fielding research studies and briefs on the economic development of women, contributing to policy reforms that advanced equal pay efforts, increased paid family leave, removing barriers to women’s professional licensing and entrepreneurship, and aiding in fighting against sexual harassment.
The COO will complement the skillsets of the CEO and the Chief Development Officer, focusing primarily on enhancing internal processes and systems to ensure operational excellence. This collaboration enables the CEO and other senior leaders to concentrate on expanding partnerships and external relationships.
The successful COO candidate will:
- Collaborate closely with the CEO and senior leadership to develop and execute plans for operational infrastructure, process improvements, and team development. This includes translating the vision and strategies developed by the board and the CEO into actionable steps to enhance organizational efficiency and align with the nonprofit’s mission and goals.
- Partner with the CEO and the CFO and finance team to ensure the organization’s financial health through budget oversight, forecasting, and resource management. Contribute to governance and operational standards by developing and implementing risk management practices and aligning financial strategies with organizational goals.
- Initially lead collaborative efforts with external partners, vendors, and contractors, setting the stage for future internal team leadership as the organization expands. This role involves negotiating contracts and managing partnerships to support organizational objectives while preparing to build an internal team culture of accountability, excellence, and innovation.
- Establish and maintain relationships with external stakeholders, negotiating contracts and managing collaborations to support the organization’s goals. Represent the organization in external forums to enhance its profile and impact.
- Enhance organizational processes and systems for improved efficiency. Strategically delegate administrative tasks to maintain progress and operational continuity.
The preferred candidate will possess a Bachelor’s degree and at least ten years of professional experience, including at least five years in leadership roles within a nonprofit or similar organization. Additionally, the candidate should have strong business and financial acumen.
This is a remote position with semi-regular travel to Kansas City, Missouri. The starting salary range for this position is $150,000, with benefits.
Please direct all applications, inquiries, and nominations to Ashley Buderus, Roxana Woudstra, and Ethan Robles by clicking the buttons below or via email, at: UnitedWE_COO@wittkieffer.com.