Chief Operating Officer (Washington DC)

This senior executive leader impacts operations and staff through evaluating the effectiveness of management practices, processes and activities; producing timely, complete, and accurate reports on the state of operations; working collaboratively with direct reports to deliver on strategic goals; and integrating and overseeing systems and processes across all Greenpeace offices in the US. The COO leads and drives the strategic planning and resource allocation processes and establishes and monitors financial and other operations performance reporting systems, and provides comprehensive and timely financial information.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES (Duties that occupy a major portion of time and importance in the job)

Operational and Staff Management:

• Oversees and ensures the effectiveness of the Operations Team, including Information Technology, Data Management and Analysis, Human Resources, Finance, Legal, Governance, and Facilities Management.
• Evaluates the effectiveness of management practices, processes and activities; recommends or otherwise ensures appropriate measures are taken to maximize the performance of all operations.
• Produces timely, accurate, and complete reports on the state of operations to the ED and the Board of Directors.
• Works collaboratively with direct reports to establish, monitor, and ensure delivery on strategic goals that align with established objectives of the organization.
• Integrates and oversee systems and processes across all Greenpeace offices in the US.
• Facilitates the resolution of personnel issues and manages emerging priorities and organizational projects as needed.

Risk Management:

• Fosters effective communications, accountability, staff retention, and programmatic success; supports an organizational culture that promotes initiative, appropriate risk-taking, learning, creativity, cooperation, equity, and mutual respect.
• Guides or otherwise enables informed and prudent decision-making regarding legal and financial risk.

 Strategic Planning:

• Leads and drives the strategic planning and resource allocation processes.
• Proactively identifies internal opportunities and challenges and works with the Senior Management Team and other appropriate staff to maximize opportunities and effectively resolve challenges.
• Establishes and monitors financial and other operations performance reporting systems; provides comprehensive and timely financial information to the Senior Management Team
• Additional duties as assigned.

 QUALIFICATIONS, KNOWLEDGE SKILL REQUIRED

• Bachelor’s degree in business administration, finance, or other related discipline; advanced degree (i.e., JD, MBA, etc.) highly desirable.
• Minimum of 15 years of related experience, with at least five years in an executive level position.
• Proven track record of strategic financial management, strategic planning, and business process development and refinement
• Extensive budget development and management experience with proven ability to delivery results within established budgets.
• Track record of responsible risk management and strategic decision making.
• Ability to manage complex projects and departments.
• Experience effectively managing, motivating, mentoring, coaching, and developing leaders.
• Experience managing cross-functional teams to develop and implement systems and processes to increase effectiveness and efficiency
• Working knowledge of non-profit management, operations, personnel, and administrative functions

Skills, Characteristics, and Values:

• Excellent written and oral communications skills; effective presentation skills before small and large audiences; ability to translate complex organizational data into clear and simple messages for a wide range of audiences.
• Superb interpersonal skills, including the ability to foster respect and trust among colleagues, direct reports, and external constituents.
• Ability to tackle emerging crises and complex problems with a collaborative, innovative, and strategic approach.
• Commitment to peaceful protest and civil disobedience as a method of driving social change
• Approachable, diplomatic, collaborative, and willing to learn as well as teach.
• Action-, results-orientation; keen focus on metrics and mastery in translating metrics into relevant messages and actionable recommendations.
• Ability to work in a fast-paced environment with a high degree of collaboration, flexibility, and a positive disposition.
• A passion for the work of Greenpeace USA and a desire to continually broaden and deepen the organization’s impact.

ADA Specifications:

•  Requires ability to speak audibly and listen actively.
• Requires ability to use computers, telephones and other office equipment.
• May require ability to sit for extended periods of time.
• May require periodic out-of-town travel.
• Requires the ability to stand for long periods of times
• Requires the ability to move heavy/awkward objects including tables and chairs
• Requires the ability to access confined spaces

 The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by the individual(s) assigned to this position.  They are not intended to be an exhaustive list of all duties, responsibilities, and skills required.  Management reserves the right to modify, add, or remove duties and to assign other duties as necessary.

Greenpeace offers a comprehensive array of benefits that provide for a healthy work-life balance. 

Commitment to Diversity:  Greenpeace welcomes and values diversity of people, cultural experiences and perspectives.   Through our campaigning, we create solutions that promote environmental sustainability rooted in social justice.  Our mission is to create a diverse and inclusive work environment that is a reflection of the global campaigns and missions that we champion. 

 Nonprofit HR has been exclusively retained to lead this executive search.

For fullest consideration, submit a resume and cover letter responding specifically to the experience and qualifications being sought to: execsearch@nonprofithr.com or mail or fax to: Nonprofit HR, Attn: GREENPEACE CEO SEARCH, 1400 I Street, NW, Suite 500, Washington, DC 20005, Fax:  202.785.2064. Electronic submissions preferred. Applications will be accepted until position is filled but interested individuals are encouraged to apply immediately.  Please email resumes and CV's to  Dennis Sawyers, Managing Director, Talent Acquisition at dsawyers@nonprofithr.com.