Chief Operating Officer

WALKER|WEST MUSIC ACADEMY is excited to announce the opening for a : Chief Operating OfficerBACKGROUNDWalker|West Music Academy creates a music learning community rooted in the African American cultural experience, where people of all ages and backgrounds gather to explore, perform, and grow through music. Founded in 1988, the Academy provides affordable and quality music instruction to infants through senior-age students. Programs include individual and group instrumental lessons, jazz ensembles, early childhood music classes, master classes, summer camps, digital music production, and concerts. Walker|West is known for developing a caring community of music students and educators. Following a strategic planning process, Walker|West’s vision is to be a cultural destination and community resource, where exceptional music education and enrichment is affordable and accessible.POSITION OVERVIEWPosition : Chief Operating OfficerLocation : Walker West Music Academy, 650 Marshall Avenue, Saint Paul, MN, 55104Type : Full-time, ExemptReports to : Executive DirectorCompensation and Benefits : $115,000 to $135,000 salaried position paid bi-weekly (26 pay periods annually). This position is a full-time (40 hours plus per week, exempt position). This includes medical, dental, and vision benefits, paid time off, Safe and Sick Time, 10 paid holidays with 2 floating holidays (New Year’s Day, Martin Luther King Jr. Day, Memorial Day, Juneteenth, Independence Day, Labor Day, Thanksgiving, Day after Thanksgiving, Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, and a Personal Holiday) and free music lessons at Walker West Music Academy for yourself or one family member.This role requires a strategic thinker with strong financial acumen along with a passion for music and a keen eye for detail. Your ability to drive innovation, foster collaboration, and deliver results will be essential to our ongoing success.SECTION 1 - POSITION DESCRIPTIONWe are seeking a dynamic Chief Operations Officer (COO) to lead our finance, accounting, and operational strategy. The Chief Operations Officer is critical in setting the strategic direction and overseeing the organization, management, and implementation of all business, finance, technology, and facilities functions at Walker|West Music Academy (WWMA). This position ensures financial sustainability while maintaining a high level of collaboration and communication with the Executive Director, Board of Directors, and other key stakeholders. As a senior administrator, the COO provides strategic analysis, financial planning, and operational leadership to advance WWMA mission and vision.Reporting RelationshipsThe COO will directly supervise up to 7 direct reports and collaborate across the WWMA community. This includes participants, families, partners, faculty, staff, and Board of Directors.As a key member of the Executive team, you will report directly to the Executive Director. Your primary responsibility will be to oversee daily operations, ensuring all departments work seamlessly to achieve our business objectives. You will drive process improvements, optimize resource allocation, and foster a culture of operational excellence. Additionally, you will work closely with the leadership team to develop and implement strategic initiatives that enhance overall efficiency and productivity.A typical day of the COO is working as a : Self-starter with demonstrated ability to lead and operate independently and inform and consult when needed.Leading the budget development process and ensuring budgets are balanced and aligned with long-term financial strategies.Developing financial models based on the organization’s mix of revenue resources, including balancing expenses with revenue while generating positive cash flow.Monitoring financial performance and ensuring timely and accurate monthly financial statements.Overseeing the finances and operations that ensures compliance with GAAP Accounting, Federal and State laws and regulations.Establishing and monitoring internal controls for all facets of the department and applicable areas of the organization.Overseeing cash management, including monitoring cash flow and maintaining cash reserves.Overseeing risk management activities.Oversee year-end reporting, annual audits, IRS Form 990, and various desk audits ensuring accuracy and timeliness.Educate and report to the Board of Directors on annual government compliance and monitoring potential areas of risk.Leading programmatic strategy that ties to revenue and strategic plans goals.Guiding the evaluation vision and process so it aligns with operations and outcomes.Directly supervising up to 7 Direct Reports.A mission-driven perspective and passion for ensuring holistic alignment in all growth efforts.Approachable and accessible with high emotional and cultural intelligence.Key AccountabilitiesStrategic LeadershipFinancial Management & BudgetingRisk Management & ComplianceOperationsProgramming and EvaluationCollaboration & CommunicationWHAT YOU WILL BRING TO THE TEAM AT WALKER|WESTExcellence and quality that embodies the mission and vision of Walker|West. Proven experience in executive leadership roles, ideally as a COO or in a similar position.Strong leadership skills with steadfast resolve, personal integrity, and the ability to build and lead high-performing teams.Strong accounting and finance background with direct experience in audits, financial reporting, and supervising a team of accounting and finance professionals.The ability to provide leadership and day-to-day functions.Excellent strategic planning and business development capabilities.Solid understanding of business functions such as HR, Finance, Technology, Facilities, and Operations.Exceptional communication skills, both interpersonal and public speaking.Aptitude in decision-making and problem-solving, with the ability to diagnose problems quickly and foresee potential issues.Strong grasp of data analysis and performance metrics.Experience in financial planning and budget management.Proven ability to promote process improvement and optimize operational efficiency.Understanding of regulatory issues and compliance.Demonstrable competency in managing relationships with vendors and stakeholders.Working knowledge of IT / business infrastructure and MS Office.Experience in fundraising accounting and managing financial strategies.Keen awareness of emerging technologies and their potential impact on business operations.Ability to both work independently and to collaborate and work across functions and teams to keep projects moving.Creativity and a passion for music education, arts, and community.A commitment to equity and inclusion, with a focus on reducing barriers for marginalized communities.Desire to grow and develop.Advancing Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion in Your Role : Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion are deeply rooted in our organization's history and future. This role will contribute by : Promoting Inclusivity : Creating marketing strategies that are accessible and engaging to all.Fostering Effective Communication : Building strong relationships and effectively communicating with diverse teams.Expanding Access : Identifying and removing barriers to participation and collaborating with colleagues to ensure DEI is a priority.Required QualificationsBS / BA in Business Administration, Management, or a related field. An MBA or other relevant management degree is preferred.6 years of experience in executive leadership roles, ideally as a COO or in a similar position.Relevant certifications in management, operations, or related areas.In this role, you will be expected to work with your supervisor to create an annual work plan and provide quarterly updates. This position is 40 hours per week and is exempt.HOW TO APPLYTo apply, please email your resume and cover letter outlining your qualifications and work experience to Amy at amy@walkerwest.org.Questions may be directed to the same email. Deadline to apply is February 15, 2025. Applications will be reviewed on an ongoing basis. The Hiring Team anticipates conducting two rounds of interviews with Walker West team members. The anticipated start date will be April 1st, 2025.#J-18808-Ljbffr

Salary : $115,000 - $135,000