Chief Operating Officer

Chief Operating Officer

Jacksonville, FL
* Relocation package available

The Community Foundation for Northeast Florida is the region’s largest and oldest community foundation, connecting people, ideas, and resources to inspire philanthropy and strengthen our community. Its people are united by purpose, grounded in integrity, and motivated by the belief that smart giving can transform lives.

Reporting to the President, the Chief Operating Officer (COO) serves as the organization’s primary steward of internal operations, ensuring that the Foundation’s strategy, priorities, and values—set by the President in partnership with the Board—are translated effectively into day-to-day practice. The COO oversees the systems, processes, and cross-team structures that support high performance, operational alignment, and a healthy organizational culture. This role strengthens the Foundation’s internal capacity so that the President can focus on strategic leadership, external relationships, and long-term vision.

The COO oversees day-to-day internal operational alignment, including enterprise risk management, human resources, information technology, legal affairs, and cross-departmental coordination. This role ensures operational integrity, fosters organizational effectiveness, and promotes a positive, mission-aligned workplace culture. The COO acts on behalf of the President in their absence and serves as a trusted partner to the Executive Team, helping to drive accountability and performance across the organization.

Listed below are major duties and responsibilities of this position. It is not designed or intended to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of the activities, duties, or responsibilities of the employee.

• Steward day-to-day internal operations, ensuring operational alignment with strategic priorities.
• Translate the Foundation’s strategic plan—established by the President and Board—into annual work plans, measurable goals, and performance systems.
• Lead enterprise-wide initiatives that improve collaboration, efficiency, and organizational capacity.
• Maintain continuous communication with the President on critical operational and risk-related matters.

• Oversee enterprise risk management, compliance, and legal coordination, engaging outside counsel as needed.
• Ensure operational systems, policies, and procedures are current, effective, and consistently applied across departments.
• Oversee the development of performance metrics and dashboards to monitor organizational health and impact.
• Support and provide supervision to finance, communications and technology department leaders, and others as assigned

• Design and implement strategies that foster a positive, values-based organizational culture emphasizing trust, equity, and accountability.
• Oversee human resources and talent systems, including recruitment, performance management, professional development, and compliance with local, State, and Federal employment law.
• Support Executive Team members in goal setting, performance reviews, and leadership development.
• Ensure staff are equipped, informed, and supported to perform at their best.

• Lead operational execution of Board policies, ensuring organizational compliance and alignment with governance best practices.
• Oversee preparation and follow-up for Board and committee meetings, ensuring timely and accurate communication.
• Support internal communication and change management processes that promote transparency and collaboration.

• Model integrity, accountability, and inclusivity in all practices.
• Serve as a thought partner to the President, contributing to organizational learning, continuous improvement, and cross-departmental cohesion.
• Represent the Foundation internally and externally as delegated, maintaining the highest standards of professionalism and stewardship.
• Act on behalf of the President in their absence to ensure organizational continuity.

• Minimum 10 years of…