Chief Operating Officer

Based in Shelburne, Vermont, Community Heart & Soul is seeking a Chief Operating Officer (COO) to serve as the organization's senior internal operating executive. Reporting directly to the President, the COO leads day-to-day operations, staff coordination, financial management support, and organizational infrastructure—enabling the President to remain fully focused on national expansion, partnership development, and strategic growth.

This is a significant leadership opportunity at a compelling moment. Community foundations, statewide philanthropic networks, and civic organizations are key in the growth of Community Heart & Soul's resident-led program. The COO will play a central role in ensuring that this national growth is matched by strong systems, disciplined execution, and a thriving internal culture—without veering into mission‑creep. The COO upholds the organization's commitment to its core identity as it scales.

This is an in‑office position based in Shelburne, VT. Some travel is required to meet with partners, Heart & Soul communities, and attend conferences and events.

The COO ensures that Community Heart & Soul runs smoothly, efficiently, and professionally every day.

• Oversee day-to-day operations and translate approved strategic priorities into clear, actionable work plans.
• Coordinate internal systems across all departments and monitor progress against projects and deadlines.
• Identify opportunities to improve workflows, meeting rhythms, reporting systems, and decision-making processes.
• Ensure staff have the tools, information, and support needed to do their best work.
• Maintain operational momentum and continuity as the organization grows—especially when the President is traveling or externally engaged.

The COO strengthens accountability while preserving Community Heart & Soul's collaborative culture and mission-centered spirit.

• Provide day-to-day management that supports staff and sustains a healthy, high performing team environment.
• Coach managers and staff through operational challenges; support performance management and professional development.
• Foster collaboration across the program, communications, market development, finance, and administrative functions.
• Preserve the current spirit of trust, flexibility, and shared mission as the organization evolves.

Working closely with the Finance Director and President, the COO ensures strong financial management, budget discipline, and businesslike operating practices.

• Lead annual budgeting and ongoing budget monitoring in partnership with the Finance Director and President
• Translate budget decisions into operating plans; review operational expenses and identify efficiencies.
• Support the Finance Director in preparing the annual audit.
• Manage contracts, MOUs, vendor relationships, and purchasing processes.
• Ensure financial information is consistently available to inform planning and decision making.

The COO ensures the organization minimizes its risk exposure and protects its assets.

• Oversee risk management across contracts, human resources, intellectual property, and organizational compliance.
• Ensure that personnel policies are current, clearly communicated, and consistently applied.
• Oversee benefits administration, HR compliance, and accurate administrative recordkeeping.
• Ensure the organization renews and enforces its trademark protection, domain names (URLs), and other brand-related assets.
• Support policy updates and compliance matters that protect the organization's legal standing and reputation.

The COO oversees the administrative systems that support staff performance, organizational health, and long‑term staffing capacity.

• Lead hiring, onboarding, and staff transitions; coordinate performance review processes.
• Support staff development and internal communication to build a strong, capable team.
• Help ensure the organization is appropriately staffed for current and future needs.

The COO ensures Community Heart & Soul has reliable, scalable systems to…