Chief Operating Officer

The Organization

Mount Tamalpais College (MTC) provides a high-quality, inclusive Associate of Arts degree and college preparatory program—free of charge—to people at San Quentin Rehabilitation Center. We believe every person deserves dignity, opportunity, and access to education. A national leader in higher education in prison, MTC received the 2015 National Humanities Medal and became an independent, accredited liberal arts college in 2020. MTC currently has 24 employees and a $5M annual budget.

The Position

The Chief Operating Officer (COO) reports to the President and oversees MTC’s financial, human resources, administrative, operational, technology, and data infrastructure. The COO ensures smooth, effective operations and helps build systems that support MTC’s mission and long-term sustainability.

Key priorities include:

• Ensuring responsive, reliable organizational operations
• Leading planning for capacity and long-term growth
• Strengthening finance, HR, and technology systems
• Building strong working relationships across teams and partners

This role is both strategic and hands-on, ideal for a leader experienced in finance, HR, and operations with a deep commitment to educational equity.

Responsibilities

Strategy & Leadership

• Partner with the executive team on strategic and financial planning
• Lead mission-critical initiatives and organizational projects
• Oversee Finance, HR, and administrative operations, including supervision of the Finance and HR Manager

Finance

• Lead budgeting, forecasting, and financial planning
• Oversee A/P, A/R, payroll, reconciliations, cash management, and month- and year-end close
• Manage financial audits and improve internal controls and processes
• Support revenue forecasting and grant-related financial reporting
• Advise the President and executive team on budgeting, cash flow, and financial policy
• Serve as liaison to Board finance, investment, and audit committees

Human Resources

• Oversee payroll and benefits administration (via HR consultant)
• Manage recruiting, onboarding, off-boarding, performance management, training, and compliance
• Coordinate professional development planning and implementation
• Review and refine benefits offerings to ensure competitiveness
• Develop and implement a compensation philosophy and salary structure

Technology & Data Systems

• Oversee outsourced IT, accounting services, HR consulting, and Salesforce administration
• Manage technology infrastructure, ensuring reliable software, systems, and hardware
• Align technology solutions with programmatic and administrative needs
• Support seamless data integration across Programs, Advancement, Alumni Affairs, and Research & Evaluation

Candidate Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree required; MBA, MPA, or CPA preferred
• Minimum of eight years of experience in finance, HR, and operations, including at least three years in a senior leadership role (nonprofit experience preferred)
• Strong knowledge of nonprofit accounting
• Proven ability to build systems, processes, and cross-departmental collaboration
• Ability to build trust across diverse internal and external stakeholders
• High proficiency with accounting software (such as FundEZ), Google Drive, and Excel
• Experience with a board of trustees and finance committee preferred
• Higher education experience a plus, but not required
• Candidates do not need to meet every listed qualification to apply

Competencies & Attributes

The ideal candidate is:

• Deeply committed to MTC’s mission and to serving diverse and marginalized communities
• Collaborative, approachable, results-oriented, and calm under pressure
• Trustworthy, curious, open-minded, and humble
• A strong leader and manager, able to oversee budgeting and operations effectively
• Proactive and self-directed, while highly team-oriented
• Motivated by organizational growth and continuous improvement
• A clear, transparent communicator with a “roll up your sleeves” approach
• Skilled in independent, critical thinking with appreciation for nuance

Compensation

• Salary range: $200,000–$220,000, commensurate with experience
• Full-time, salaried position
• Medical, dental, and vision insurance fully covered by MTC
• Vacation, holiday pay, and professional development opportunities
• Hybrid work model; on-site work required in San Rafael and at San Quentin Rehabilitation Center
• Occasional evenings and weekends required

How to Apply

Submit a resume and cover letter to:

• Sally Carlson, Managing Partner – sally@carlsonbeck.com – 415.203.5259
• Dustin Bradley, Senior Associate – dustin@carlsonbeck.com – 608.346.8864