Chief Operating Officer

TITLE:  Chief Operating Officer 

DIVISION: Operations 

REPORTS TO: CEO     

SUPERVISES: Chief External Relations Officer, Chief Philanthropy Officer, Chief Conservation Officer, Chief Finance and Strategy Officer, Vice President of Organizational Operations, Director of People & Culture 

LOCATION: Lewistown, MT (Preferred) or Bozeman, MT     

FLSA STATUS: Exempt

GROUP: Core

HOURS: Full-Time averaging 40 hours per week (Hybrid)

BENEFITS:                                        

Paid Vacation

Paid National Holidays

Paid Sick Days

Paid Volunteer Hours

401K with up to 3% employer match 

Medical Insurance with optional Flexible Savings or 

Health Savings Account & Dependent Care Account

Short-term Disability Insurance

Voluntary Vision, Dental, Life, Critical Illness, & Accident Insurance

Work Role Provisions

Corporate Discounts

Flexible Work Schedules

JOB PURPOSE: This executive-level position will oversee day-to-day organization operations and interface directly with the National Board of Directors. Reporting directly to and working closely with the CEO, the Chief Operating Officer (COO) is responsible for running and scaling American Prairie’s operations including philanthropy, brand and reputation, field operations, education and community outreach, federal and state outreach, operations and finance, organizational systems and processes, risk management, personnel management and organizational health and culture. This position is responsible for implementing and guiding the execution of the organization’s overall strategy in a manner representative of the organization’s values and acting as an expert resource for staff, board, and others regarding all aspects of American Prairie’s overall vision, goals, opportunities, and challenges. The role is a strategic thought partner to the National Board of Directors and serves as Secretary of the Board of Directors, responsible for all governance and administrative oversight of board operations.

PRIMARY JOB DUTIES: 

Strategic Leadership 

• Oversee day-to-day operations, programs, and projects to ensure alignment with strategic goals. 
• Translate strategic plans into actionable initiatives. 
• Provide guidance and support to executive leadership on day-to-day business management decisions. 
• Foster a culture of transparency and engagement by actively communicating strategic goals and decisions, ensuring alignment and understanding across all levels of the organization. 
• Serve as a sounding board and mentor to other staff, as needed, as it pertains to business planning, financial acumen, risk management, or general organizational and resource management.
• Oversee fiscal management and communication to stakeholders on performance; ensuring a positive performance against the annual budget and financial model and best resource utilization to support the organization’s goals and vision. 
• Oversee general risk management practices across the organization.
• Remain up-to-date on nonprofit audit best practices and state and federal law regarding nonprofit operations.
• Provide continuity of practices and culture between American Prairie’s offices and locations by spending time regularly in the field and in our Bozeman and Lewistown offices. 
• Provide support for and participate as needed in fundraising efforts and developing other resources necessary to support American Prairie’s mission. 
• Responsible for enhancing American Prairie’s image by being active and visible in the local communities. 

National Board of Directors Leadership and Management 

• Serve as Secretary of the Board and primary executive liaison. Work with CEO, Executive Assistant and Board Liaison and other Board leadership to plan, prepare for and implement board meetings.
• Work closely with committees and legal counsel to assess opportunities to scale operations while measuring business decisions against corporate risk and compliance with IRS nonprofit status guidance.
• Lead the Board reporting and communication process in coordination with the CEO and Executive Assistant and Board Liaison; ensuring that information is effective and timely for board members while balancing efficiency with staff operations.
• Work closely with Board and staff leadership on Board growth and management strategies to optimize Board effectiveness and adhere to corporate bylaws.
• Work with the Chief Finance & Strategy Officer to develop tools and systems to provide critical financial and operational information to enable sound business decisions by executive management and the Board of Directors.
• Oversee Board governance administration including bylaws, corporate policies, and other recordkeeping requirements.

Qualifications:

• Demonstrates enthusiasm for American Prairie’s mission, goals and culture.
• Bachelor’s degree in Business Management, nonprofit management, or related field. Advanced degree preferred.
• Seasoned leader with at least 15 years of broad nonprofit management experience, including familiarity with nonprofit governance and fundraising. 
• A proven track record of managing complex projects, initiatives and challenges across multiple teams
• Aptitude for driving organizational efficiency and effectiveness through innovation and a focus on measurable outcomes.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal abilities. 
• Understanding of financial management and budgeting. 
• Strong analytical skills and experience interpreting a strategic vision into operational models.
• Able to independently make decisions that reflect organizational vision and strategy on behalf of the organization.
• Strong executive presence: proven ability to effectively interact with, contribute to, and manage executive team members and board; 
• A collaborative, adaptable, and flexible style with a strong service mentality.
• Demonstrated ability to foster collaboration and effective communication at all levels of the organization in a diverse, dispersed, and interdisciplinary team.
• Knowledge of IRS laws and requirements pertaining to nonprofit organizations. 
• Expertise in operations management. 
• Knowledge of human resources and compliance best practices. 
• Risk management experience.
• Valid driver’s license and acceptable driving record.
• Ability to travel.