Chief Operating Officer

This is a fully remote position, open to applicants in California.

📋 Description

• Manage HR, IT, and various operational segments, including legal operations and event logistics.

• Ensure that internal systems, infrastructure, and operational capabilities efficiently support program delivery, including investment and asset management functions.

• Align staffing models, organizational design, systems, and resources with the strategic goals of the company.

• Enhance clarity regarding decision rights, accountability, and governance across different departments and teams.

• Supervise enterprise systems, IT infrastructure, cybersecurity coordination, and knowledge management practices.

• Lead significant infrastructure and systems projects to bolster operational maturity and scalability.

• Guarantee compliance with multi-state nonprofit regulations and relevant federal standards, including 2 CFR 200.

• Collaborate with the CFO on the organization’s financial and governance structure — budgeting, financial controls, internal policy, and risk management (including insurance) — to maintain accountability and resilience as Blue Forest scales.

• Assist Board governance by preparing operational documents and engaging in Board discussions related to organizational health and performance.

• Act as a liaison with external legal counsel; review, negotiate, and authorize key organizational agreements in coordination with counsel and the CFO.

• Participate as a member of the Executive Leadership Team (XLT) and Senior Leadership Team (SLT), contributing to the strategic direction and major organizational decisions.

• Facilitate agendas and decision-making processes for XLT and SLT meetings to standardize and enhance organizational stability.

• Oversee the strategic planning process across the company.

• Drive the execution of the strategic plan, translating priorities into actionable plans, goals, and KPIs, and maintaining systems for accountability to the plan.

• Monitor organizational performance while proactively identifying, assessing, and escalating operational risks and opportunities.

• Serve as a cross-functional integrator, ensuring alignment and resolving conflicts to advance mission delivery.

• Assist the CEO and CFO in preparing for investor, funder, and partner due diligence processes.

• Manage procurement and strategic vendor relationships, ensuring operational efficiency and fiscal responsibility.

• Represent organizational operations in external meetings with investors, partners, funders, and stakeholders as necessary.

• Collaborate with XLT/SLT members to evaluate key strategic partnership opportunities, such as funding collaborations, co-branding, joint ventures, or M&A.

• Build and maintain relationships with funders, investors, and philanthropic partners, assisting the CEO and CFO in fundraising strategy and execution.

• Direct enterprise HR strategy, encompassing workforce planning, succession planning, and talent acquisition.

• Enhance performance management, leadership development, and management capabilities across a distributed, remote workforce.

• Promote a collaborative, compliant, and mission-driven team culture that embodies organizational values and commitment to impact.

• Advocate for organizational culture, values, and equity commitments, ensuring alignment with enterprise systems and policies.

• Supervise and mentor leaders across operational functional areas, providing clear performance expectations, feedback, and professional development support.

⛳️ Requirements

• Established leadership and people management experience.

• Over 10 years of progressive leadership experience in executive operations, HR, or related organizational leadership roles within nonprofit or small- to mid-sized organizations.

• Proven track record in managing distributed teams and leading cross-functional initiatives.

• Proficient in HR systems, IT infrastructure oversight, and organizational systems management.

• Strong skills in strategic planning, operational design, project management, and execution.

• Knowledge of employment law, nonprofit compliance, and contract management, either through direct experience or close collaboration with legal counsel.

• Experience in cultivating and managing relationships with funders, investors, or institutional donors to support organizational fundraising objectives.

• Background in financial operations, including budget management, financial controls, and familiarity with financial/legal agreements (e.g., grant agreements, investment or funding documents).

• Understanding of federal grants compliance and multi-state nonprofit regulatory requirements.

• Strong analytical, problem-solving, and decision-making skills.

• Excellent written and verbal communication abilities, with the capacity to translate strategy into clear operational directives.

• Commitment to conservation, climate resilience, and innovative finance solutions.

• HR and project management certifications (e.g., SHRM, PMP) are advantageous.

🏝️ Benefits

• Comprehensive employer-paid health, dental, and vision coverage; subsidized coverage for dependents.

• Access to a 401(k) retirement plan with a 5% employer match.

• Four weeks of paid vacation and 17 paid holidays; paid sick leave and volunteer time.

• Three months of paid family leave.

• Employer-funded life and long-term disability insurance.

• Access to Dependent Care FSA and Health FSA.

• Public Lands Exploration stipend (reimbursements for visits to National Forests, county parks, etc.).

• Monthly Home Office stipend or provision of co-working space.

• Dependent care costs are subsidized for business travel.

• Additional stipends for health & wellness, home internet, and cell service.

• Financial support for professional development.