Description

ABOUT US

Sanctuary for Families is New York’s leading service provider and advocate for survivors of domestic violence, sex trafficking and related forms of gender violence. Every year, Sanctuary empowers thousands of adults and children to move from fear and abuse to safety and stability, transforming lives through a comprehensive range of services. We provide a range of wrap-around services to help survivors rebuild their lives in the aftermath of abuse, and work to end gender violence through three key strategies: direct services, outreach and training, and systems-change advocacy. Our services are available in 11 locations throughout New York City.

POSITION OVERVIEW

The Chief Operating Officer (COO) will be a key member of the senior team and will serve as an advisor to the Executive Director, overseeing operations and finance, including strategic planning, operations of shelters, data and evaluation, information technology, insurance, audit, management of incoming philanthropic dollars and government grants, management of expenses and overall cash flow in an inherently dynamic and fluid environment, compliance, and risk management. 

Working closely with the Executive Director, colleagues and the Board of Directors, the COO will work to streamline and optimize the way in which Sanctuary leverages its operations, administrative, financial, and IT resources to meet current goals and objectives, and also to anticipate the organization’s future needs and resources.

The overall goal of this newly created role is to ensure the effective and strategic use of resources so that Sanctuary has a robust and sustainable future and continues to anticipate and address community needs in the most impactful way. It is anticipated that the individual in this role will support implementation of the newly created organization-wide strategic plan.

Reporting Relationships

The COO reports to the Executive Director, Hon. Judy Harris Kluger. They will provide leadership to and oversight for a team that currently includes the Director of Finance, and Director of Operations and Administration and their respective staff.

The individual in this role will also work closely with fellow executive team members and with board-level committees (Finance, Audit, and the Executive Committee).

The Opportunity

The COO will join a committed and passionate team to deliver essential services and will have the opportunity to ensure the strategic, efficient, and streamlined delivery of programs and services to adults and children and to advocate for an end to gender violence.

RESPONSIBILITIES

Overall COO Function and Deliverables

• Create a climate of accountability, setting clear, ambitious, attainable goals and objectives.
• Foster a culture that encourages both growth and innovation and supports diversity, equity and inclusion throughout the organization and the work.
• Establish clear performance goals and measures and track accountability and outcomes.
• Ensure that the agency functions in a legal and ethical manner while fulfilling its vision, mission, and strategic direction.
• Identify, analyze, and interpret trends or patterns in complex data sets.
• Working with all programs and departments across the agency (including General Counsel), ensure compliance of active city, state, and federal grants and contracts and 501(c) (3) reporting requirements.
• Working across all disciplines of the organization, help ensure compliance on all private funding contracts.

Team Management

• Oversee the functions of the Operations and Administration and Finance teams.
• Provide leadership, strategic guidance, mentoring and professional development opportunities for the Operations and Administration team and the Finance team.

Strategy/Leadership

• Serve as a resource and advisor to the Executive Director and board on operational, financial, technology, and administrative matters.
• Foster a culture of support and collaboration among all departments and functions.
• Participate in the short- and long-term goal setting of the organization as well as the strategic planning process and quality improvement process.
• Ensure optimal structure, staffing, and skill sets throughout all departments and functions.
• Serve as a central resource and “go to” source organization-wide on business procedures and policies, best practice in administration, finance, technology, operations, facilities, and compliance.

Finance

• Work with the Executive Director, Director of Finance, and program and executive team members to establish short- and long-term financial goals.
• Recognize and anticipate opportunities and challenges related to financial systems and processes.
• Work with the Director of Finance to:

Board Relations

• Establish collaborative relationships with Board leadership. Prepare and present reports to the Board on financial, operational and technology matters (among others).
• Staff the Finance, Audit, and Executive Committees of the Board of Directors. Prepare presentations for and attend scheduled meetings of the Finance, Audit, and Executive Committees; meet regularly with committee chairs.

Risk Management

• Working with the General Counsel, identify the most significant risks to the organization and advice the Executive Director and Board of Directors.
• Perform risk assessment: analyze current risks and identify potential risks that may affect Sanctuary.
• Design and implement an overall risk management process for the organization, including analysis of the financial impact on Sanctuary when risk occurs.
• Develop/enhance protocols to reduce risk.
• Prepare risk management and insurance budgets.
• Ensure that the organization has adequate insurance coverage and records, insurance policies and claims are accurately maintained.
• Build risk awareness among staff by providing support and training.

Information Technology/Operations/Facilities

• Work with the Director of Operations and Administration to review the management, support, and enhancement of information technology, security, program data, evaluation and impact, purchasing and facilities management.
• Ensure and/or institute best current practice in these areas.
• Assess Sanctuary’s information technology needs and prepare and propose a technology plan consistent with those needs and available funding. Sanctuary has engaged an outside consultant to assess the organization’s technological needs and gaps. The COO will oversee actions in connection with their report.

External Relations

• Cultivate and maintain positive relationships with agency partners, including funders, vendors, industry-related groups, auditors, banking institutions, actuaries, and financial executives at peer organizations.
• Participate in relevant working groups, conferences, and training opportunities to maintain visible presence and awareness of key trends and developments.
• As appropriate, serve as an ambassador for the agency.

Requirements

The ideal candidate COO will have the following experience, qualifications, and abilities:

Experience

• Significant leadership experience (minimum ten years) in strategic planning, administration, business and finance operations in a complex, multi-site not-for-profit organization (or relevant government or private sector setting).
• Ideally, an understanding of public grants and contracts administration.
• Credibility to serve as a trusted advisor to the Executive Director and other members of the senior leadership team.
• Experience working with an engaged and committed board of directors.
• Strong grounding in not-for-profit finance.
• Analytical ability to gather and interpret financial information and make recommendations to senior leadership on actions to improve efficiency and effectiveness.
• Ability to oversee day-to-day operations and to provide direction on policy and strategic matters in a fast-paced environment.
• Demonstrated commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion, and access in all facets of work.
• Ability to institute current best business practices.
• Technologically savvy and data driven; analytical.
• Direct experience in facilities, risk management, and compliance.
• Skilled manager, mentor, and team leader.
• Strong commitment to client service.
• Knowledgeable about New York City, its communities and neighborhoods, and some familiarity with the New York City government and legal communities.
• The highest commitment to professionalism, integrity, and confidentiality.

Professional Qualities

• An advocate for ending gender violence.
• Genuine interest in/understanding of the Sanctuary mission.
• Well-developed listening and communication skills (verbal and written).
• Solution oriented.
• Creative problem solver.
• A calm, even-tempered disposition.
• A collaborative team player.
• Flexibility: the ability to pivot when priorities shift.
• Respectful and open to different points of view.
• Committed to engaging with culturally and ethnically diverse staff, clients, stakeholders, and other constituents.
• Able to lead with humility and respect.
• Strength and confidence. 

Other

• Ability and willingness to attend Sanctuary events and activities after business hours, as needed.

Education

• Bachelor’s degree is required; an MBA or other relevant graduate degree is desirable.

Budgeted Salary: $200,000 - $220,000

Work position is hybrid.

Vaccination Policy: Proof of vaccination or proof of first dose with scheduled 2nd dose within 30 days is required.

Benefits:

• Health, Dental and Vision Insurance
• Employer-paid life insurance
• Employer retirement contribution
• Paid time off
• Flex spending account
• Student loan assistance
• Tuition reimbursement program
• Gym reimbursement program

All qualified applicants will be afforded equal employment opportunities without discrimination because of race, creed (religion), color, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, military status, age, disability, predisposing genetic characteristic, marital status or domestic violence victim status, and shall also follow the requirements of the Human Rights Law with regard to non-discrimination on the basis of prior criminal conviction and prior arrest.

D.E.I Commitment: Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion are core values at Sanctuary for Families that represent our dedication to fostering a safe, respectful, responsive, and fair work environment. We recognize the value diversity holds in embracing all employees, clients, and volunteers regardless of gender, race, ethnicity, national origin, age, sexual orientation, disability, or professional level.