Chief Operating Officer - Liberty, NY

With a high level of initiative, judgment, and discretion, the Cornell Cooperative Extension Sullivan County Chief Operating Officer (COO) provides leadership and oversight for assigned administrative, human resources, compliance, governance, and organizational support functions of the Association. This position serves as a senior member of the Administrative Team and works closely with the Executive Director to ensure effective administration, organizational compliance, human resource management, and operational accountability throughout the Association.

The COO serves as a strategic advisor and resource to the Executive Director, management team, supervisors, Board of Directors, and Board Committees. The position provides consultation regarding employment practices, workplace law, personnel matters, risk management, organizational policy, and compliance requirements. The position exercises significant independent judgment in handling confidential and sensitive information and matters affecting the Association.

This position provides oversight of administrative and operational functions through supervision and coordination of staff and systems but does not perform routine operational work directly. The COO ensures alignment of organizational practices with Cornell Cooperative Extension policies, procedures, and applicable federal, state, and local regulations.

An essential component in this role is developing systems and practices that remove barriers to full inclusion in the organization's activities and promote innovation. This position requires a skill set necessary to develop inclusive and efficient systems that impact both the internal workforce and the Association's community. This position will be responsible for a full range of management duties, including accessing confidential data and completing complex projects and reports.

The COO will provide high-level leadership and oversight of IT, HR, facilities, and operations for Cornell Cooperative Extension Sullivan County.

The COO serves as staff liaison to designated Board Committees, supports governance activities, and serves as Executive Director designee or backup as assigned.
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* Required Qualifications:

*** Bachelor's Degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, Public Administration, Organizational Leadership, or related field. Associate's Degree and significant progressively responsible administrative experience may be considered.
* Five or more years of progressively responsible leadership experience in administration, human resources, operations oversight, or organizational management.
* Demonstrated knowledge of human resource policies, employment law, personnel administration, and organizational compliance requirements.
* Experience providing guidance and support to managers and supervisors.
* Experience handling confidential personnel matters with professionalism and discretion.
* Ability to exercise independent judgment and make sound decisions in complex situations.
* Strong leadership, organizational, project management, and problem-solving skills.
* Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
* Ability to supervise staff and coordinate work across multiple departments.
* Ability to manage multiple priorities and meet deadlines in a fast-paced environment.
* Advanced proficiency with business software applications and HR information systems.
* Ability to work flexible hours, including occasional evenings and weekends, as appropriate.
* Ability to meet travel requirements associated with the position.
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* Preferred Qualifications:

*** Knowledge of Cornell Cooperative Extension policies, procedures, and organizational structure.
* Experience working within Cornell Cooperative Extension or another nonprofit organization.
* Professional Human Resources certification (SHRM-CP, SHRM-SCP, PHR, SPHR, or equivalent).
* Experience with Workday or comparable Human Resource Information Systems.
* Experience supporting boards of directors and governance committees.
** Administrative Responsibilities:
**** Direction & Management -*
* ** 65%
*** Provide consultation and recommendations to the Executive Director and management team regarding workplace law, employment practices, personnel matters, risk management, organizational policies, and ADA/compliance requirements.
* Provide high-level, strategic planning assistance to the Executive Director in carrying out organizational operations.
* Assume the authority of the Executive Director to plan for general administrative…