Chief Operating Officer

About Landmarks for Families:

At Landmarks for Families, we are dedicated to our mission to cultivate thriving youth and families. We do that by working with a purpose, producing outcomes with intention, and being committed to always doing the right thing at the time for the right reasons.

Landmarks for Families is a 501(c)(3) organization that serves families seeking support, families in crisis, and children experiencing homelessness or who are victims of physical and sexual abuse, neglect, and abandonment. We strive to deliver family education, preservation, residential and reunification services that teach, heal, strengthen, and empower more than 800 children and families annually.

With national accreditations from the Council on Accreditation (COA) since 1980 and the Teaching-Family Association, Landmarks for Families is a proud member of the Child Welfare League of America, the Palmetto Association for Children and Families and is committed to this promise for the families we serve, “Prevention if we can, safety when we must, and support, always.”

OVERALL JOB PURPOSE:

Reporting to the Chief Executive Officer, the Chief Operating Officer is responsible for direction, support, and supervision for Finance, Human Resources, Program, and Operations/Facilities.

The COO will work with other members of the senior management team to develop and implement organizational strategies, procedures, and business plans to support the organization’s goals, and execute the vision and strategic direction of the organization. Serve as a key advisor to the CEO.

KEY AREAS OF RESPONSIBILITY:

Functional Leadership 20%

• Provide day-to-day operational support for Finance, Human Resources, Program, and Operations/Facilities that mirrors the mission and core values of the organization.
• Ensure that departmental decisions and project plans positively impact both strategic and tactical initiatives and are in line with organization’s business plan and vision
• Establish, develop, communicate, and implement systems to ensure seamless execution of daily operations. This will include operations-related policies, practices, standards, and measures for Finance, HR, Operations/Facilities, and Program.
• Develop Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) for Finance, Human Resources, Program and Operations/Facilities to drive maximum performance. Present quarterly performance reports and metrics to the CEO, senior leadership and board committees. Present annual performance report and metrics to the Board of Directors
• Maintain knowledge of licensing, contracting and accreditation requirements, as well as emerging technologies and trends to drive toward best practices. Identify, recommend, and implement new processes, technologies, and systems to improve workflow and organizational processes and use of resources and materials
• Provide leadership and oversight to ensure the timely and accurate preparation and dissemination of program reports as needed to key stakeholders
• Attend events and social engagements, some in the evening and weekends

Human Resources 20%

• Oversee HR Policy and systems design. Ensure HR functional excellence and compliance to organization policies and procedures; as well as federal, state, and local employment laws and regulations
• Top grade the HR function by driving transformational change and build high performance HR processes to support the organization
• Drive HR functional development, by ensuring the supervisory staff receive regular high-impact trainings and coaching; collaborate with leadership team to Identify training needs and ensure proper training is developed and provided
• Oversee constructive and timely performance evaluations based on KPIs
• Oversee discipline and termination of employees in accordance with company policy; create corrective action plans as needed

Talent and Team Development 15%

• Ensure each team member is functioning in their roles efficiently while empowering team members to perform at their highest level.
• Cultivate buy-in, commitment, and teamwork through trust, alignment, accountability, and rewarding team accomplishments
• Empower and develop teams with diverse skill sets to competitively strive for improved operational solutions. Diligently monitor organizational goals and hold team members accountable for reasonable growth and change
• Build high performance and high engagement culture; implement tools to evaluate growth and progress

Finance and Operations 15%

• Ensure financial and accounting management functional excellence. Provide strategic oversight of finance and accounting to ensure an effective system of internal financial controls
• Work closely with Controller to manage $5 MM budget and safeguard organization’s assets
• Conduct weekly walkthroughs with Facilities Director, Residential Director and/or Controller to ensure planning and coordinating of repairs and renovations to buildings that meet health and safety standards, confirm cleaning and maintenance of buildings/grounds and provide oversight of security and parking
• Review and approve cost-control reports, cost estimates, and staffing requirements. Establish and administer budget in collaboration with CEO and Controller.

Programs 20%

• Provide leadership and oversight of all Programs and Services including operations, compliance with licensing, accreditation, and contracting standards.
• Conduct evaluations to manage risk and meet quality, outcome and efficiency standards.
• Set program compliance protocols and safety standards. Update policies and procedures to ensure safe and effective program operations. Clearly and consistently communicate expectations and protocols.
• Oversee budget and manage expenses to optimize sustainability and effectiveness.
• Oversee management of on-call/crisis management system, monthly disaster preparedness drills and emergency response processes to ensure that procedures are followed, and appropriate responses are delivered in a timely manner. Evacuate with program staff and residents as needed.
• Coordinate daily de-brief sessions, as needed, with Residential leadership and staff and weekly de-brief sessions with all other program directors and CEO.

Quality Improvement 10%

• Provide leadership and oversight to ensure that all programs and services meet the highest quality of professional standards and operate in compliance with all external regulatory, funding and/or accrediting entities.
• Support Director of Quality Improvement in data collection, assimilation of data and evaluation of outcomes across all programs. Ensure routine program audits are conducted to ensure that services are delivered in compliance with internal and external standards and in alignment with program goals to produce strong outcomes for youth and minimize liability and/or negative brand image for the organization
• Integrate the use of data driven decision making into routine management and program review meetings to inform program development and modification to improve staff productivity and performance
• Work with the Controller to ensure that all programs operate in compliance with funding and accounting requirements, maximize revenue recovery for the organization and operate in a cost-effective manner

Soft Skill Requirements

• Executive presence with a strong commitment to organizational values and mission
• Results driven and focused on creating a culture of accountability; strong project management and time management skills; demonstrated ability to work and build trust
• Ability to lead, influence, and hold others accountable to high standards of operational excellence
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills; good conflict management skills
• Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail; strong analytical and problem-solving skills

Required Education and Experience

• Minimum of 3 years of senior level leadership experience required; prior COO experience preferred.
• BS Degree required; MBA, MPA or related degree preferred.
• Strong knowledge of HR; extensive knowledge of principles, procedures, and best practices in Finance, Risk Management, Facilities/Operations, and Program Design and Delivery.
• Strong supervisory experience and leadership skills; track record of building, coaching, and mentoring high performance teams.
• Understanding of non-profit operations required.