About the job

FUNCTION: The Chief Operations Officer (COO) is a strategic partner to the Chief Executive Officer, playing a pivotal role in translating the Jewish Federation of Greater Dallas’ (JFGD) vision into day-to-day execution, ensuring that operations and culture align with long-term goals. The COO is expected to oversee and guide department heads, foster collaboration, and ensure that communication flows effectively across the organization.

The position requires a strategic and dynamic leader with keen interpersonal skills, a strong background in process optimization, operational management, and efficiency improvements, and experience in integrating technology solutions to enhance operational performance and service delivery.

REPORTS TO: CEO

SUPERVISES: Six direct reports

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS:

General

● Support the CEO in setting and maintaining an organizational culture committed to high performance, efficiency, optimism and growth

● Serve as a thought partner in support of the CEO in decision making, goal setting, and evaluation of organizational progress

● Provide leadership throughout the organization in the absence of the CEO

● Provide excellent customer service to all stakeholders

● Develop and maintain a deep and broad knowledge of all Jewish Federation of Greater Dallas programs

● Represent JFGD at community events, meetings, and other public facing occasions as requested

● Support the CEO in providing appropriate staffing of committees and task forces led by Board members and volunteers, ensuring best practices for communication and collaboration with the Board of Directors

● Sensitivity to and ability to deal with volunteer leadership and community interrelationships

● Perform all other duties and responsibilities as assigned by the CEO

Human Resources

● Support the Human Resources team in managing employee relations and staff performance matters as necessary

● Develop and implement job performance objectives and regular staff evaluations, in coordination with the CEO and Director of Human Resources

Operations

● Collaborate with the entire C-Suite to manage and execute the organization’s visions and roadmap, while maintaining ongoing strategic dialogue and collaboration with both executive leadership and the Board of Directors through regular data sharing and reporting

● Act as a bridge between departments, ensuring that communication flows effectively, teams are aligned, and all departments are well coordinated

● Supervise the HR, IT, Finance, Security and Data teams

● Initiate and implement process improvement strategies relating to workflow, quality of programming, safety, and member experience

● Define and implement organizational technology strategy in all areas

Finance

● Analyze growth and profitability of core programs and recommend plans to improve existing profitability and identify new programs to increase profitability

● Review and approve preparation and finalization of monthly and annual financial reporting materials including cash flow forecasts and metrics for finance committees and boards of directors.

● Meet on a regular basis with Finance & Investment Committees.

● Oversee annual budgeting, financial forecasting, and cash flow for the organization.

● Meet with department heads to provide guidance and assist in evaluating monthly results.

● Drive annual budget cycles for the organization.

● Oversee/Manage cash flow driving collections for Federation pledge process.

Behavioral Expectations

● Clearly communicate the mission of JFGD, ensuring everyone works toward the same goals

● Create a positive environment where two-way communication, accountability, and strong trust are established

● Promote teamwork and respect, both internally between staff as well as in community-facing contexts with donors, volunteers, members, and other stakeholders

● Demonstrate the ability to respond with a high degree of sensitivity to the needs and requests of others, both internally and externally, and understand the impact of their work on others

● Model a solution-oriented approach to conflict, focusing on the situation, matter or behavior and not on the person, by diffusing situations before conflicts arise, resolving conflicts directly, and actively promoting and gaining cooperation from others

● Accurately provide and receive information in oral and written communications

● Consistently provide ideas, opinions, or information in an articulate, professional way

● Actively listen to others and demonstrate understanding of other points of view

● Demonstrate willingness and ability to adjust to changing conditions or priorities

● Take the initiative to identify and act on problems, and lead by example. Consistently make decisions that resolve problems and act decisively when necessary

Qualifications

● A bachelor's degree in a relevant field

● A minimum of four years of experience as a COO in the nonprofit sector

● Effective leadership, team management, and organizational skills

● Strong operational expertise and experience in overseeing internal functions and program implementation

● Proven ability to oversee the development of program plans and coordinate between them

● Proficiency in financial management, including working with the Sr. Director of Finance on budgeting and financial reporting

● Excellent verbal and written communication skills

● Experience in data-driven decision-making

● Preferred Qualifications

● Advanced degrees such as an MBA, MPA, or other relevant graduate degrees. Degrees in law, social work, or related fields are also considered

● Knowledge of Jewish history, culture, values, and contemporary challenges facing the Jewish community

Personal Attributes

● Commitment to Jewish Values: Deep respect for Jewish traditions, values, and culture, with a strong commitment to advancing the Jewish community’s welfare

● Strategic Thinker: Capable of thinking critically, anticipating challenges, and devising creative solutions to complex community and policy issues

● Relationship Builder: Skilled at building and nurturing relationships across diverse communities, fostering collaboration and mutual understanding

● Proactive & Results-Oriented: Self-driven with a strong ability to set goals, take initiative, and achieve results in a timely manner

● Tact & Diplomacy: Ability to handle sensitive issues with discretion and professionalism, particularly when dealing with contentious or complex matters