Chief Operating Officer (COO)

 

CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER 

ABOUT THE WHOLE CHILD                 

The Whole Child (TWC) is a multi-site health and human services 501(c)(3) organization based in east Los Angeles County. As their name suggests, TWC takes a comprehensive approach to serving children and families. Their holistic programming includes mental health, housing, parenting and nutrition services designed to foster stability, connection, and thriving. TWC serves 11,000 individuals annually and, under the leadership of CEO Constanza Pachon, saw a revenue of $31M in 2023. TWC primarily serves the Southeastern region of LA County (SPA 7) and has expanded into The San Gabriel Valley and the Metro LA areas in recent years. TWC was established 67 years ago in Whittier where its headquarters are located, and has sites in Downey, Santa Fe Springs, West Covina, Cerritos, Echo Park and Santa Monica.  They recently piloted the first mental health program of its kind in the county, addressing early onset schizophrenia and psychosis in teens. With housing as one of the primary issues in the county, TWC opened their first shelter for unhoused families in 2019 and first Family Access Center in 2022. TWC is now developing a multi-use project that will provide emergency shelter, permanent supportive apartments, and ownership opportunities to families experiencing housing insecurity in LA County. Through their dedication to vulnerable populations, TWC has changed lives and given bright futures to thousands in their local communities.

ABOUT THE POSITION

The Whole Child is seeking a Chief Operating Officer (COO) to implement the strategy and vision of a growing organization. Reporting to the Chief Executive Officer and serving as an integral member of the executive management team, the COO will serve as a thought partner and implementor for the vision of growth and impact set by the CEO and the Board of Directors. They will be responsible for the day-to-day management and performance of TWC’s financial team and a portion of the administrative team, with direct reports including the Director of HR, Senior Director of Procurement & Facilities, Director of Risk Management & QA, and a VP of Finance and approximately 15 indirect reports. The COO will bring a diverse set of skills required for nonprofit management with a strong emphasis in finance. In addition to the oversight and strategy of the financial team, the COO will manage the administrative teams which handle risk management, legal compliance, human resources, facilities, IT and procurement. A strategic thinker and natural problem-solver, the COO will be a capable executive with a growth mindset, structured thinking, and excellent communication skills.

ROLES & RESPONSIBILITIES

Executive Leadership

• Support and advise the CEO and other members of the senior leadership team on financial and operational planning, budgeting and policy.
• Develop and implement strategies to enhance the effectiveness and efficiency of organizational functions, streamlining processes for better resource allocation, workflow optimization, and cost-effectiveness.
• Provide strategic direction on initiatives ensuring both short and long-term fiscal sustainability.
• Maintain open and effective lines of communication, keeping the CEO informed of all critical issues.
• Serve as a liaison to the board, clearly communicating and presenting critical administrative matters at board and audit meetings.
• Represent The Whole Child externally as necessary.

Financial Management

• Manage and provide strategic direction to a strong finance team, ensuring contract goals are met, and all aspects of agency policies and procedures are accurately implemented.
• Oversee the management and compliance for approximately 40 governmental contracts with cities, county, state, and federal funding sources.
• Review and analyze organizational budgets, cash forecasts, and financial statements, clearly communicating the standing and status of the organization to the CEO and Board of Directors.
• Develop, implement, and regularly report on departmental budgets.
• Lead the organization’s financial planning and budgeting processes, ensuring alignment with strategic goals.
• Monitor cash flow and maintain a robust financial strategy to support the organization’s operations and growth.
• Manage investments, banking relationships, and long-term financial planning for sustainability.
• Ensure compliance with accounting standards, regulations, and legal requirements for nonprofit financial management.

Administrative & Organizational Development

• Oversee some of the administrative operations, including facilities management, technology infrastructure, and office support.
• Identify and manage operational risks, ensuring that mitigation plans are in place.
• Oversee internal controls and audit processes to ensure compliance with all regulatory requirements.
• Ensure that the organization adheres to all applicable laws, regulations, and best practices for nonprofit governance.
• Lead the procurement, contracting, and vendor management processes, ensuring transparency and fairness.
• Ensure that all sites meet goals and standards including to serve as brand icons, facilitate efficient workflow, minimize risk to employees and clients, and support an environment that is culturally supportive and trauma-informed.

Human Resources

• Oversee, direct, and organize the work of an employee-centered human resources department.
• Foster a culture of transparency, accountability, and teamwork within the organization.
• Implement policies that account for succession planning, employee engagement and employee-related risk management.
• Provide mentorship, training, and professional development opportunities for staff.
• Ensure compliance with labor laws, employee benefits, payroll, and HR policies and procedures.

QUALIFICATIONS

• Minimum of eight (8) years of experience in progressively responsible roles within executive leadership or senior management positions at a nonprofit organization. Corporate experience is acceptable if knowledge of nonprofit management is demonstrated.
• Bachelor's degree in finance, business management, or a related field; MBA preferred.
• Experience with managing government contracts is strongly preferred.
• Strategic financial management experience, including overseeing budgets of $10 million or more.
• Excellent leadership and interpersonal skills, with the ability to build relationships and collaborate effectively at all levels of the organization.
• Strong strategic thinking and problem-solving skills with the ability to anticipate the needs of the organization and staff.
• Ability to lead operations and collaborate with staff, working with diverse groups and a wide range of experiences, beliefs, ages, cultures, and experiences.
• Demonstrated experience in risk management, with an emphasis on addressing strategic, financial, and community implications.
• Experience managing teams and collaborating with cross-functional departments.
• A visionary leader with a track record of driving innovation and operational excellence in a complex, dynamic environment.
• Proven experience fostering a culture of diversity, inclusion, and belonging.

COMPENSATION & BENEFITS

The Whole Child is offering a competitive salary of $200,000 to $230,000 annually. This is a full-time, hybrid position located in Whittier, CA. Benefits include Medical, Dental, Retirement, Life and a generous time off package. The first three months are expected to be full time in person to build rapport with the team; the position will be hybrid henceforth.

The Whole Child is an Equal Opportunity Employer, committed to a diverse workforce. Individuals from all backgrounds are encouraged to apply, including persons with disabilities and veterans.

Envision Consulting has been retained to conduct the search by The Whole Child for their incoming Chief Operating Officer.

Applicants needing accommodation for any part of the application process may contact Envision Consulting at 626-889-7905 to request and arrange for assistance.