Payscale https://www.payscale.com/research/US/Job=Chief_Operating_Officer%2C_Non-Profit_Organization/SalaryIn non-profits, the Chief Operating Officer (COO) holds a critical executive position and is instrumental in steering the organization toward operational success. Whether it’s a small community-based program or a medium-sized non-profit organization, the COO holds key responsibilities that keep the non-profit running at its optimal capacity. This blog post will explore a non-profit COO’s duties and responsibilities in a medium-sized 501(c)3 non-profit organization.

Financial Management: One of the primary responsibilities of a COO is to manage a non-profit’s financial resources effectively. The COO oversees all financial activities in a medium-sized non-profit organization, including budget preparation, cash flow management, and financial reporting. They must work closely with the Chief Financial Officer (CFO) to ensure compliance with financial regulations and create long-term financial plans for the non-profit’s sustainability.

Program Development: Another significant responsibility of a non-profit COO is program development. They work collaboratively with program staff to develop and implement strategies that align with the organization’s mission and vision. The COO supervises program directors and oversees program monitoring, evaluation, and quality improvement to ensure impactful, effective programs align with donor expectations.

Human Resources: The COO also supervises the human resources team and is responsible for developing and implementing policies related to employee welfare. In a medium-sized non-profit organization, the COO oversees the recruitment, onboarding, and retention of staff, overseen by their HR staff. The COO ensures that the non-profit’s diverse and inclusive culture is maintained and its values are reflected through effective HR policies and practices.

Stakeholder Engagement: The COO is critical in donor and community engagement and strategic partnerships. They represent the non-profit in board meetings, community forums, and partner relations to help build relationships and positive branding. The COO oversees the implementation of donor engagement plans, donor correspondences, and stakeholder appreciation initiatives.

Operations Management: The COO manages the day-to-day operations of the non-profit, including facilities, technology, and administration. They oversee the implementation of operational policies and practices such as information systems, risk management, data privacy, and cybersecurity to ensure effective operations. The COO also leads the organization’s efforts to improve operational efficiency and effectiveness, including process improvement, revenue generation, and cost reduction.

A non-profit Chief Operating Officer holds significant responsibilities in a medium-sized non-profit. From financial management, program development, and human resources to stakeholder engagement and operations management, a COO oversees the functioning of various organizational aspects. To succeed, COOs must have excellent leadership, strategic, communication, and organizational skills and be highly adaptable to managing multiple responsibilities to ensure the non-profit operates successfully. Non-profits that invest time in finding the right COO have a high chance of achieving their mission and serving their beneficiaries well.

In a 501(c)3 non-profit organization, the Chief Operating Officer (COO) could be represented by various titles based on their responsibilities and the non-profit’s structure. Some of these titles might include:

• Executive Director: Often used when the COO is the top executive in the organization.
• Managing Director: This title is often used when the COO is responsible for the organization’s day-to-day operations.
• Chief Administrative Officer (CAO): This title might be used if the COO oversees administrative functions.
• Deputy Director: In some organizations, the COO may be called the Deputy Director, mainly if they are second-in-command.
• Vice President of Operations: This title is common in larger organizations where the COO oversees multiple departments or operational areas.
• Director of Operations: Similar to the VP of Operations but typically used in smaller organizations.

Remember, the specific duties and responsibilities associated with these titles can vary widely from one organization to another.

How should a recruiter approach develop a position description?

Act as a non-profit management consultant would. 

Craft a comprehensive description of the roles and responsibilities of a Chief Operating Officer (COO) within a non-profit organization. Start by defining the primary functions and duties of the COO, which may include overseeing administrative and operational functions as well as financial management, technology, and staff performance. Discuss the importance of the COO’s contributions to policy direction and communications and their involvement in strategic planning and goal setting. Describe the COO’s role in coordinating annual operations plans and budgets and managing organizational performance metrics. Additionally, explore the COO’s role as the “second in command” and their potential as a successor to the Executive Director. Finally, delve into the variability of the COO role across different organizations, which can vary based on the CEO’s management style and preferences.

What is the salary range for a non-profit COO?

The typical salary range for a Chief Operating Officer (COO) in a mid-sized non-profit 501(c)3 organization can vary considerably based on factors such as the organization’s size, location, and the COO’s level of experience. However, according to Salary.com, the base salary for a COO in a non-profit ranges from $111,060 to $185,090, with an average base salary of $142,787.  Payscale data suggests an average salary of $121,375 for a COO in a non-profit organization in 2023. On the other hand, ZipRecruiter reports that the average annual pay for a Chief Operating Officer in a non-profit in the United States is $155,581

It’s important to note that CEO and COO salaries may differ, even in a non-profit organization with a similar budget. Factors such as their roles, responsibilities, experience, and qualifications can influence the compensation.  Bear in mind that these numbers represent average figures. The actual compensation can significantly differ based on individual circumstances, specific organizational characteristics, and the cost of living for the region. 

What is the key difference between the roles of a mid-sized nonprofit’s Executive Director and its COO?

The Executive Director and COO play integral roles in the growth and management of a 501(c)3 non-profit organization. The Executive Director holds the highest position, with their focus being on the long-term strategic planning and overall management of the nonprofit. On the other hand, the COO is primarily responsible for overseeing the organization’s current operations and financial health. The Executive Director’s duties encompass managing the non-profit, which includes resource allocation, supervising operations, and making pivotal organizational decisions. Concurrently, the COO ensures the smooth running of daily operations and administrative tasks within the non-profit.

Appointed or hired by the board of directors, the Executive Director sits at the top of the non-profit hierarchy. The second-in-command COO works closely with the Executive Director to execute the organization’s vision and strategies.

Footnotes

 

1.  Salary.com https://www.salary.com/research/salary/posting/coo-nonprofit-salary
2. Payscale https://www.payscale.com/research/US/Job=Chief_Operating_Officer%2C_Non-Profit_Organization/Salary
3. ZipRecruiter https://www.ziprecruiter.com/Salaries/Chief-Operating-Officer-Nonprofit-Salary