Chief Operating Officer Opportunity, The Unity Council

Oakland, CA 

Salary Range: $185,000 to $210,000 

Agency Summary

The Unity Council is a non-profit Social Equity Development Corporation with a 60-year history in the Fruitvale neighborhood of Oakland. Our work expands beyond Oakland and reaches other parts of Alameda County, and Concord. Our mission is to promote social equity and improve quality of life by building vibrant communities where everyone can work, learn, and thrive.

Our holistic programs reach 8,000 individuals and families annually and provide tools, knowledge, and resources to achieve long-term educational, career, and financial goals. Programs include early childhood education, youth academic and workforce development, adult employment and career services, housing and financial stability, senior citizen wellness, small business support, affordable housing and neighborhood development, and arts and cultural events. The Unity Council employs a diverse workforce of 350 people who reflect the linguistic, cultural, and ethnic identity of the communities we serve. As a non-profit developer, The Unity Council employs multiple strategies to address the housing crisis in Oakland. We recently opened Casa Sueños with 180 units of affordable housing in the heart of the Fruitvale neighborhood. You can find our 2023 impact report here. 

Salary and Benefits

This is a full-time, exempt position, with an annual salary of $185,000-$210,000. 

Three weeks of paid vacation a year plus 5 floating holidays (total of 160 hours vacation/float), sick time, 14 holidays based on employee status, medical and dental benefits on the first of the month following 30 days of employment, $150,000 life insurance policy at no cost to employee (with the option of increasing policy amount), flexible spending account for medical and dependent care costs, commuter benefits, 403(b) with employer match, and other benefits.

We foster a joyful workplace and offer opportunities for professional development and growth.

Position Summary

The COO plays an integral role and is responsible for the strategic development, implementation, and day-to-day general operations of The Unity Council. The COO will be responsible for enhancing the internal organization processes and infrastructure that will allow the organization to continue to grow and fulfill its Mission. The COO oversees risk management, setting and monitoring core operating budgets, ensuring compliance on all contracts, and sustaining a positive and inclusive work culture. The COO ensures that all systems, processes and services are effectively and efficiently implemented to fulfill our mission and remain a trusted, impactful organization.The COO will be responsible for the organization in the CEO's absence. 

Supervision

Reporting to the CEO, the COO directly supervises CFO, VP of Property Management, Director of IT/Systems, and Operations Manager. 

Responsibilities

Strategic Development:

• Work with the CEO to develop a strategic plan to advance the mission, vision, and values of The Unity Council. 
• Take a leadership role and translate strategic objectives into performance indicators to drive efficient operations. 
• Lead annual and long-term planning and strategic efforts working with C-suite; monitor and renew strategic plan. 
• Work with Senior Executive Staff (SES) and the Extended Executive Team (EET) to facilitate effective long-term planning and cross-department strategy alignment, and to integrate services as appropriate.
• Oversee reporting and monitoring of organizational performance metrics, along with the processes to do so. 

Operational Management:

• Research and evaluate all systems, processes, and procedures to recommend appropriate improvements. 
• Review and negotiate Operations related contracts with vendors and contractors, including insurance, technology and occupancy infrastructure. 
• Oversee risk management: letters of agreement, contracts, leases and other legal documents and agreements, procurement, monitoring and management of business insurances. 
• Periodically, review program contracts and any other legally binding contract or agreement, to determine if The Unity Council and all parties are complying and following the terms and conditions, and recommend actions necessary to meet terms and conditions of the agreements. 
• Support the CFO in preparing an annual budget, maximize investments and increase efficiency; review financial statements and spending reports; oversee Operations budget. 
• In partnership with the Chief Financial Officer ensure that relevant financial data is presented to the CEO and senior management team. 
• Analyze and help improve the operating and financial health for the various departments. 
• With the technology team, ensure systems and protocols are current and provide secure and efficient organizational infrastructure, including hardware, software and online platforms. 
• Lead asset management with CFO, supervise Property Management department and work as a thought partner with Real Estate Development department. 
• Periodically, review program contracts and any other legally binding contract or agreement, to determine if the Unity Council and all parties are complying and following the terms and conditions, and recommend actions necessary to meet terms and conditions of the agreements

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​Human Resources & Staff Development:

• In partnership with the HR team, foster an inclusive employee culture and implement aligned policies (e.g. benefits, compensation, etc.) and practices that promote employee wellbeing and keep employees engaged. 
• Ensure DEI principles are implemented and maintained across our people culture and operations. 
• Oversee the design and implementation of a values-aligned performance management system and professional development that supports performance and career progression. 
• Develop and implement strategies that will maximize efficiency, integration and synergy among departments. 
• Support managers to achieve outcomes with their teams, evaluate staff performance, and celebrate achievements. 
• Conduct annual reviews for direct reports and provide ongoing supervision and coaching. 

Board Management: 

• Lead, manage and prepare for board meetings including the gathering of relevant data (financial, programmatic, etc.) in coordination with the CEO and Executive Assistant. 
• Review financial statements and reports as needed and before submitting them to the Board of Directors and Finance Committee; participate in Finance, Governance and Audit Committees. 

Qualifications

• You have 7 years of leadership and management experience in senior-level financial and/or operational oversight and planning, with supervisory responsibilities, in a nonprofit service or nonprofit housing development agency. 
• Bachelor's degree/ Master's degree preferred in any of the following disciplines: Business, Sociology, Psychology, Public Administration, City & Regional Planning, Public Health, or Social Welfare. 
• You’re hungry to make a difference and improve social equity for under-resourced communities in the East Bay. 
• You have successfully led complex, long-term projects, and end-to-end organizational strategic and operational planning processes, including goal setting and budget forecasting. 
• You thrive in a dynamic environment through self-management, collaboration, a proven ability to adapt to changing priorities, and balancing seeking input with making timely decisions. 
• You synthesize and make connections across a high volume of information, disciplines and departments. 
• You have experience with solving complex challenges, being inclusive and proactive rather than reactive, and building positive relationships. 
• You are experienced in leading departments and teams, developing internal opportunities for career mobility and retention, and managing change and growth. 
• You have excellent verbal and written communication skills with a focus on motivating individuals and teams to support the organization or an initiative. 
• You have experience with board management and working well with staff, executives and external stakeholders. 
• You demonstrate a strong sense of integrity, executive-level judgment, positivity and strong commitment and alignment with The Unity Council’s mission and values. 

Essential Functions

• Advanced computer skills with strong MS Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint) and social media skills. 
• Regularly required to operate standard office equipment (personal computer, photocopier, fax, etc.). 
• Ability to work on a computer for up to 6 hours a day. 
• Regularly required to sit for long periods of time, and occasionally stand and walk. 
• Regularly required to use hands to operate computer and other office equipment. 
• Close vision required for computer use. 

Pre-Employment Requirements 

• Background Check, DOJ Clearance 
• Reference Checks 

This description is not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of duties, responsibilities or requirements for the position. This position may change or assume additional duties at any time. 

***Please submit cover letter and resume. ***

The Unity Council is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Women, people of color, and people with disabilities are encouraged to apply.