What are the responsibilities and job description for the Chief Operating Officer position at Bonton Farms?
Benefits:
- 401(k)
- Competitive salary
- Dental insurance
- Health insurance
- Paid time off
- Vision insurance
Chief Operating Officer
Employer Details: Chief Operating Officer COO to support operation strategy and strategic planning efforts for mission based programming. The Non-Profit Partners focuses in on their commitment to equality, inclusiveness, and mission to fight poverty in low socioeconomic communities. If you have a passion to serve and support an organization that is the at the cornerstone of building economic equality we would love to talk with you.
Employer Details: Chief Operating Officer COO to support operation strategy and strategic planning efforts for mission based programming. The Non-Profit Partners focuses in on their commitment to equality, inclusiveness, and mission to fight poverty in low socioeconomic communities. If you have a passion to serve and support an organization that is the at the cornerstone of building economic equality we would love to talk with you.
Overview of Role:
The Chief Operating Officer (COO) serves as a key member of Bonton Farms’ Executive Leadership Team, responsible for translating strategic priorities into actionable operations that advance the organization’s mission of transforming lives through community, food, and economic opportunity. The COO oversees day-to-day operations across all departments, including Farm Operations, Social Enterprises, Facilities, and People Development, to ensure organizational alignment, operational efficiency, and sustainable growth.
The Chief Operating Officer (COO) serves as a key member of Bonton Farms’ Executive Leadership Team, responsible for translating strategic priorities into actionable operations that advance the organization’s mission of transforming lives through community, food, and economic opportunity. The COO oversees day-to-day operations across all departments, including Farm Operations, Social Enterprises, Facilities, and People Development, to ensure organizational alignment, operational efficiency, and sustainable growth.
The ideal candidate is a mission-driven, hands-on leader who thrives in a complex, evolving nonprofit and social enterprise environment. This individual will bring operational excellence, team development, and systems thinking to support both the people and the mission of Bonton Farms.
Key Responsibilities:
Organizational Leadership & Strategy
- Partner with the CEO and Executive Leadership Team to implement organizational strategy, ensuring cross-departmental alignment and accountability for results.
- Translate Board and CEO priorities into operational goals, metrics, and performance systems.
- Lead, coach, and develop department heads to strengthen leadership capacity and operational excellence across the organization.
- Participate in strategic planning and decision-making processes, contributing data-informed insight and operational perspective.
- Serve as acting CEO when delegated or in the CEO’s absence.
Operational Oversight
- Oversee and integrate all aspects of operations, including Farm, Facilities, Social Enterprises (Market Café, Coffeehouse, Grocery Connect, Preservatory), and Support Services.
- Develop and manage operating budgets in partnership with the CFO, ensuring financial sustainability and efficient resource allocation.
- Establish and maintain policies, processes, and internal controls that drive accountability and support organizational compliance.
- Ensure proper coordination of facilities, farm production, food service operations, and community programs to maximize mission impact.
- Lead the implementation and continuous improvement of systems, technologies, and performance tracking tools (e.g., HRIS, project management systems, financial dashboards).
People, Culture, and Development
- Partner with HR and People Development teams to promote a culture rooted in Bonton Farms’ Seven Human Essentials framework.
- Support workforce development initiatives, including staff and apprentice training, leadership development, and succession planning.
- Champion equity, inclusion, and psychological safety throughout the organization.
- Ensure consistent application of performance management, onboarding, and staff recognition systems.
Partnerships, Compliance & Risk Management
- Collaborate with community partners, funders, vendors, and external stakeholders to strengthen operational partnerships and community engagement.
- Ensure operational compliance with all applicable federal, state, and local regulations.
- Oversee safety, risk management, and emergency preparedness across all properties.
- Represent Bonton Farms externally as needed to advance the mission and strengthen organizational reputation.
Qualifications
- Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration, Nonprofit Management, or related field required; Master’s degree preferred.
- Minimum of 10 years of progressive leadership experience, including at least 5 years in senior operations or executive management in a nonprofit or social enterprise environment.
- Demonstrated success leading diverse teams, managing complex budgets, and improving systems and processes in a mission-driven setting.
- Strong understanding of nonprofit financial management, human resources, and compliance practices.
- Exceptional leadership, communication, and interpersonal skills, with the ability to foster trust and collaboration.
- Passion for the mission of Bonton Farms and deep commitment to community transformation and sustainable impact.
Core Competencies
- Strategic and Systems Thinking
- Organizational Development and Team Leadership
- Operational and Financial Acumen
- Change Management
- Cross-Functional Collaboration
- Community Engagement and Mission Alignment
Work Environment
- This position operates primarily in an office environment with frequent site visits to Bonton Farms’ operations and social enterprises.
- Occasional evening or weekend work may be required to support organizational events or initiatives.