Chief Operating Officer

CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER

Who We Are:

CareerWise is a nationally-recognized nonprofit organization that creates life-changing opportunities for the youngest generation of America’s workforce. We build industry-led, student-centered, modern youth apprenticeships through classroom and on-the-job learning providing flexible, alternative pathways to economic mobility. We have hundreds of CareerWise apprentices in the workplace, charting new paths to academic and career success. In addition, workforce and education leaders from across the country have visited CareerWise to learn about our youth apprenticeship model. As a result, our programs have launched in multiple states, leveraging our institutional knowledge, technology, and infrastructure.

Who We’re Looking For:

We’re looking for an experienced executive who can build and lead a world-class team that delivers exceptional services both internally and externally.

The Chief Operating Officer will be responsible for aligning decision-making and operating processes across our entire program, which includes the Colorado market, the New York City market and a set of central teams (example: Technology, Learning Solutions, Human Resources) that support program delivery teams in both markets.

These teams were all formally unified into one organization within the last year, so we’re looking for someone who is exceptional at strategic thinking, intentional change management and operational excellence. The ideal candidate can ensure that high-quality program delivery continues, while also identifying and implementing the necessary shifts to team structure and operating cadence to ensure effectiveness and sustainability in the long-term.

Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion are core to who you are and you are intentional about embodying these values daily and embedding them in your work. We have an awesome team of smart, fun people who roll up our sleeves and get stuff done! You thrive in a high energy, dynamic team like ours. And we mean TEAM. We collaborate, engage in healthy debate, pivot quickly based on real-time learning, and jump in wherever our skills are needed.

What You’ll Be Doing:

• STRATEGIC PLANNING & EXECUTION | You will oversee internal organizational operations, set strategic initiatives, and develop and implement new processes to help meet organization-wide goals. As part of the Executive Leadership Team (ELT), you focus primarily on internal processes and systems to ensure operational excellence. You will collaborate with the ELT to concentrate on expanding capacity through strategic planning and streamlining processes.
• ORGANIZATIONAL LEADERSHIP | Work with the President and Executive Leadership Team to set performance goals for the organization with metrics and measurements to allow visibility into the status of the organization. Develop strategies, procedures, and business plans to enhance the growth and effectiveness of the organization, and work closely with the President and ELT to handle all matters related to the organization. You will help direct team priorities and work plans and ensure they align with the organization’s strategic initiatives and priorities.
• OPERATIONAL EXCELLENCE | Drive effective program delivery by creating and implementing processes for decision-making, project management and reporting that generate alignment, transparency and impact across the organization. You will be an active participant in various team projects and will help drive internal performance and efficiency.
• STAFF DEVELOPMENT | Partner with the Human Resources team to cultivate and provide opportunities for rising talent in the organization to grow and expand their capabilities by creating a robust culture of training and development and advancement in their positions.
• EXPERT COLLABORATOR | You will collaborate closely with the CEO, President, and Executive Director to develop operational infrastructure, make process improvements, and oversee team development. You will also work closely with the VP of Finance and Accounting to ensure organization-wide financial health through budget planning, forecasting, and resource management. You will also develop and implement risk management practices that align with financial strategies and organizational goals. You will promote a collaborative culture and model the organizational values in all interactions, both internally and externally.
• STAKEHOLDER RELATIONS | You will foster and maintain relationships with key stakeholders, including the board, donors, education and business partners, and community organizations. You translate the vision and strategies developed by the board and the ELT into actionable steps to enhance organizational efficiency and alignment with the mission of CW. You will negotiate contracts and manage collaborations that support the organization-wide objectives. You will partner with HR to build a team culture of accountability, excellence, and innovation.
• THOUGHT PARTNERSHIP | You share knowledge and expertise when working through complex problems or challenges and you are able to collaborate across functions to address large, complex and often ambiguous organizational challenges. You will establish trusted relationships across the organization to connect resources, identify challenges and opportunities, and support teammates in accomplishing their goals.
• May perform other duties as assigned.

Key competencies to be successful in this role:

• Operates with the highest level of integrity
• Strong written and verbal communication skills
• Top-notch critical thinking, problem-solving, and analytical skills; can break down complex problems into discrete digestible pieces and drive effective solutions
• Understands the importance of data and can interpret data into programmatic goals and develop action plans to scale for the future
• Demonstrated ability to work cooperatively with others and quickly build trust with stakeholders
• Proven experience executing high-priority, cross-functional projects, with or without direct authority
• Highly organized, with the ability to prioritize and execute against multiple priorities on tight deadlines
• Comfortable with ambiguity and can get work done without always having complete information
• Demonstrates a commitment to the principles of DEI (Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion)

Additional competencies:

• At least 5+ years of professional operations experience, ideally in nonprofits, startups and/or other fast-paced, rapidly changing environments
• Demonstrated experience in operations, strategy, and leadership
• Ability to draw best practices from a variety of professional contexts (private, non-profit, government)
• Experience using Microsoft Office and Google Suite and project management software
• Experience using a CRM and databases (preferably Salesforce)
• Ability to understand and interpret the multiple complexities of the evolving youth apprenticeship movement

The above statements are intended to describe the essential functions of the job being performed by employees assigned to this classification. The duties listed are not to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, and skills required. All employees may be required to perform duties outside of their normal responsibilities from time to time, as needed. With the evolution of the organization and this role, the responsibilities of this position may change at any time.

Location:

It is preferred that the person selected reside in the Denver, CO or New York City, NY area. Travel to Denver and/or NYC is expected to be ~2-3 days per month. There may also be occasions (possibly 1-3 times per year) for all CareerWise staff to gather in-person. Exceptions will be made for special circumstances.

Compensation:

The starting salary range for this role is: $175,000 (min) - $225,000 (max); this role is not covered by the minimum wage and overtime provisions of the FLSA. CareerWise offers a generous benefits package including group medical, dental, and vision plans, short-term disability, 100% vested 401k plan with a 3% employer contribution, and PTO.

Working conditions and physical requirements:

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. Usual office environment with frequent sitting, walking and standing. Frequent use of eye, hand, and finger coordination for use of standard office equipment. Oral and auditory capacity required for interpersonal communication as well as communication through automated devices such as the telephone and online video conference platforms (like Google, Zoom, MS Teams, Webex, etc.)

We are an Equal Opportunity Employer that values diversity at all levels. All individuals are encouraged to apply. If you need assistance or accommodation due to a disability, you may contact us at: