Chief Operating Officer

Position Overview

The Chief Operating Officer (COO) provides strategic leadership and operational oversight to ensure the seamless administration of the North Carolina State Firefighters’ Association (NCSFA) and all benefits and programs offered to its membership.

The COO reports directly to the Executive Director and ensures the organization operates effectively and efficiently in alignment with its mission, vision, and statutory responsibilities. This position leads key initiatives in finance, member services, benefits administration, compliance, and organizational development. The COO shall have the ability to serve as the acting director in the absence of the Executive Director.

• Under the direction of the Executive Director, oversees the daily operations of programs and benefits offered to the membership of the NCSFA and affiliated entities to ensure continuity and compliance.
• Supervises Finance Director and Accounting Specialist, manage corporate documents and leases, insurance policies, scholarships and grants, all legal and administrative records. Manage staff policies, cyber security, IT contracts, vehicle insurance & maintenance, workers compensation, property & casualty insurance, other asset repair and replacement as needed.
• Supervise finance staff performance and evaluate staff annually.

• Serve as a subject matter expert on all member benefits, insurances, and Fire & Rescue Pension.
• Manage the Firefighter Cancer Benefit Program, Line of Duty Death benefits, and supplemental insurance programs.
• Manage Scholarships and Grants
• Prepares reports for benefits partners; OSFM, etc.
• Assists with Roster Management and works with fire chiefs to ensure compliance.

• Collaborate with the Chief Financial Officer (CFO) to ensure financial integrity across all NCSFA funds.
• Oversee budget planning, audit preparation, and fiscal policy implementation.
• Manage and monitor contracts, requests for proposals, and capital expenditures.
• Maintain compliance with state and federal statutes related to financial reporting and firefighter benefit programs.
• Reviews and reports to the Executive Director all department finance reports, audits, and compliance documents.
• Review finance reports prepared by the CFO and staff for board meetings, etc.
• Maintains personnel handbook and board manuals.
• Oversees payment of association operations invoices
• Responsible for requests for proposals for replacement of office equipment, awarding of contracts, vehicle purchase and maintenance, warranties, other.

• Serve as a liaison to partner organizations including OSFM, NCAFC, VFIS, and other key stakeholders.
• Assist Executive Director with legislative initiatives.
• Deliver presentations to partners, fire departments, and other affiliates as needed.
• Serves on boards and committees to support membership
• Manages office equipment and assets, contracts, etc.
• Serves as Administrator for Advance Firefighter Certification
• Serves as third-party administrator for Fire Officer III program and Fire & Life Safety Educators Conference

• Assists with the coordination of the annual SAFRE Conference and other major events.

• Minimum of an associate’s degree from a regionally accredited institution recognized by the U.S. Department of Education.
• Knowledge of the fire service preferred but not required.
• Graduate Degree or Certificate Program in Leadership, Management, Finance, or related field preferred.
• Experience in the governance of State, Local Government, or private organization preferred.
• Combination of education and experience in operations management:
  City, County, or Fire Department management preferred.

The Executive Director sets overall objectives and provides resources. The COO plans and carries out assignments, resolves conflicts, coordinates with others as needed, and interprets policy within established goals and under direction of the Executive Director. Work is reviewed primarily for effectiveness and alignment with the organization’s strategic direction.