Strategic Operations Leader — Education Nonprofit

Chief Operations Officer (COO)

JOB DESCRIPTION
FULL TIME, IN PERSON, DALLAS TX

Who We Are
United to Learn (U2L) is a Dallas-based education nonprofit with a stated mission of activating community investment to ensure educators and students thrive. At United to Learn we address opportunity gaps with research-driven, district-aligned programming across 124 Dallas ISD elementary schools. Each initiative is rooted in one of our four pillars: strengthening school culture and well-being; creating aspirational learning environments; accelerating student achievement in literacy;

and activating an informed community. Learn more about the organization here.

Summary of Leadership Role and Reporting Structure
United to Learn’s Chief Operations Officer is a critical member of the Senior Leadership Team (SLT), sharing in the accountability for advancing U2L’s mission and programs by providing strategic guidance and shared decision-making authority related to the overall operations of the organization. The COO is responsible for all financial, accounting, investment, office management and human resources functions, in addition to being a trusted advisor to the Board and external stakeholders.

The COO serves as the organization’s primary integrator, ensuring alignment between strategy, program execution, and organizational systems.

The Chief Operations Officer reports to the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) and has management responsibility for the Operations Department, including the Director of Finance & Operations, Director of HR, and the Office Manager.

At United to Learn, our values underpin everything we do. Together we aim to be:

● Optimistic:
We believe that with the right resources all children can thrive academically.

● Nimble:
We respond flexibly and creatively through active listening.

● Culturally Competent:
We build a positive understanding of diverse perspectives.

● Collaborative:
We respectfully and empathetically work to learn from each other and build coalitions.

● Effective:
We use evidence-based practices for high-impact results.
Essential Responsibilities of COO
Strategic Vision & Execution

● Support strategic vision to drive organizational impact, aligned with key performance indicators

● Set and monitor progress toward strategic financial and organizational priorities as a member of SLT

● Demonstrate strong business acumen; adept at setting targets to drive annual performance measures

● Champion belonging across all levels of the organization

● Collaborate with SLT, as part of a collective decision making body for the organization

● Further U2L Theory of Change to align private-sector talent and investment with public school needs, keeping student
achievement as a North-Star metric
Financial Leadership & Accounting Oversight

● Direct annual budgeting and financial forecasting, including presenting to and obtaining Board approval

● Oversee all aspects of monthly & quarterly financial reporting, including payroll, P&L and balance sheet

● Monitor operating expenses to ensure compliance with annual organizational budget

● Ensure accurate and timely financial filings, including annual financial audit and IRS Form 990

● Partner with the Advancement Team to build and align long-term fundraising outlooks and financial stability
Human Resources

● Oversee administration of payroll, retirement plan contributions, health insurance enrollments and other benefits

● Manage annual compensation process, including benchmarking analysis and staffing projections

● Ensure performance management process is implemented in a timely, effective manner, providing management with
the data required for staff development and growth
1

● Oversee Open Enrollment, including providing strategic guidance around and review of benefit plan options

● Guide annual discussion around organizational policies, trends and employee handbook updates, leading the
implementation of continued best-practices

● Oversee all aspects of employee life-cycle including hiring, on-boarding, training, leaves and terminations
Board and Stakeholder Relationships

● Oversee Finance and Operations Committee to the Board

● Cultivate trusted relationships with the U2L Board, public school…