Chief Operating Officer

THE ORGANIZATION

The mission of Mount Tamalpais College (“MTC”) is to provide an intellectually rigorous, inclusive Associate of Arts degree program and college preparatory program, free of charge, to people at San Quentin Rehabilitation Center; to expand access to quality higher education for incarcerated people; and to foster the values of equity, civic engagement, independence of thought, and freedom of expression.

Mount Tamalpais College is founded on the principle that every human has the right to be treated with dignity, including access to high quality education. We work toward a future in which every person, including incarcerated people, has access to the tools, opportunities, and social and political networks needed to actively participate in civil society. Amplifying the voices of those who have been marginalized or excluded is a moral imperative with the potential to alter the shape of society and repair the world.

MTC is a pioneer in providing quality higher education opportunities to incarcerated people and in expanding access to higher education within California's prison system and nationwide. In recognition of this work, MTC was awarded the 2015 National Humanities Medal by President Obama.

The last several years have been a period of tremendous growth. In 2020, after twenty years of operating as the Prison University Project (“PUP”) — a nonprofit supporting the College Program at San Quentin — PUP changed its name to Mount Tamalpais College and became an independent, fully accredited liberal arts college. The coming years will entail building on this progress by further refining systems, increasing staffing, expanding programs, and ensuring long‑term sustainability by expanding its donor base, and increasing financial reserves.

Mount Tamalpais College currently has 24 employees and a budget of $5M.

THE POSITION

Reporting directly to the President, the Chief Operating Officer (COO) is a key member of the executive team responsible for overseeing Mount Tamalpais College’s financial, human resources, administrative, and operational infrastructure, including technology and data management. The role carries broad, organization‑wide influence and is central to ensuring effective internal controls, operational excellence, and sustainability.

Over the next several years, MTC will continue to grow and refine systems to match its evolving needs as an accredited college operating inside a correctional environment. MTC seeks a COO who will:

• Ensure that the organization operates smoothly and responsively, with systems that reflect MTC’s growth trajectory, needs, and best practices.

• Lead planning for organizational capacity and growth, driving the organization toward greater impact.

• Strengthen financial, HR, administrative, and technological functions with an eye toward long‑term sustainability, efficiency, and best practices.

• Build trust and strong working relationships across teams and with external partners.

This is a role for a leader who is both strategic and hands‑on, capable of building systems, improving processes, and supporting a highly collaborative culture. It is an opportunity for a seasoned leader in finance, HR, and operations who brings professional maturity, emotional intelligence, and a commitment to educational equity.

Essential Functions and Responsibilities

Strategy, Vision, and Leadership

• Partner with the executive team to refine financial and strategic objectives, implement organizational strategy, and oversee mission‑critical projects and initiatives.

• Provide strong leadership that cultivates organizational values, strengthens inclusion and engagement, and supports collaborative problem‑solving across departments.

• Oversee, direct, and organize the work of the Finance, HR, and administrative operations, including supervising the Finance and HR Manager.

• Manage and strategically leverage outsourced services, which currently include IT support, accounting services, HR best‑practices consulting, and Salesforce administration.

• Finance Direct and coordinate financial planning and budget management, including the annual budget process and quarterly forecasting.

• Oversee…