Chief Operating Officer

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

📋 Description

• Act as a vital member of XPRIZE’s executive leadership team and a strategic partner to the CEO.

• Ensure that internal operating systems, infrastructure, and governance structures are robust, scalable, and aligned with the mission.

• Supervise enterprise operations across Finance, People & Culture, and Legal/Business Affairs.

• Report directly to the CEO and collaborate as a peer with Domain Leaders and other executive leaders.

• Coordinate with the Board and relevant committees, such as Audit, Finance, and Risk.

• Design, implement, and continually enhance XPRIZE’s operating model.

• Scale systems, policies, and processes to support XPRIZE's growth in size, complexity, and global presence.

• Establish decision-making rights, accountability, and performance expectations.

• Transform strategy into actionable operating plans, metrics, and rhythms.

• Provide executive oversight of financial strategies, planning, and performance metrics.

• Collaborate with Finance leadership on budgeting, forecasting, cash-flow management, financial modeling, and reporting.

• Ensure internal controls, audit readiness, and adherence to nonprofit and regulatory compliance.

• Equip the CEO and Board with decision-ready financial insights.

• Oversee enterprise performance metrics, dashboards, and reporting driven by insights.

• Supervise People & Culture initiatives to attract, develop, and retain top-tier talent.

• Align compensation, performance management, talent development, and succession planning with strategic goals.

• Advocate for a high-performance, values-driven organizational culture.

• Ensure compliance with employment laws and best practices across various jurisdictions.

• Advise the CEO and executive team on organizational design, leadership effectiveness, and cultural evolution.

• Oversee legal and business affairs, including contracts, leases, intellectual property, and regulatory compliance.

• Ensure effective risk management, appropriate insurance coverage, and vendor oversight.

• Collaborate with external counsel as necessary.

• Support Board operations, governance processes, and committee activities.

• Partner with the CEO and executive team to define and implement strategic priorities.

• Develop systems for tracking execution, progress, and overall organizational health.

• Eliminate operational friction and ensure alignment across functions.

• Lead, mentor, and develop senior operational leaders.

• Foster a culture of ownership, clarity, and continuous improvement.

• Provide stability to the organization during periods of growth, change, or uncertainty.

• Exhibit calm and decisive leadership, demonstrating strong judgment under pressure.

⛳️ Requirements

• Over 15 years of progressive senior leadership experience, including oversight of enterprise operations.

• Proven track record of scaling organizations in nonprofit, for-profit, or hybrid settings.

• Direct experience managing Finance, HR, and Legal/Business Affairs functions.

• Strong financial acumen, with experience in budgeting, forecasting, and organizational metrics.

• Previous experience collaborating with Boards and Board committees.

• MBA or equivalent advanced degree is preferred.

• CPA or similar credential is a plus.

• Ability to think systemically and connect people, processes, and technology.

• Capacity to operate amidst ambiguity while fostering clarity and execution.

• High integrity, sound judgment, and a strong executive presence.

• Ability to balance discipline with creativity and agility.

• Collaborative, direct, and trusted partnership with the CEO and executive peers.

• Mission-driven and inspired by the purpose of XPRIZE.

• Steady leadership with resilience and adaptability.

• Strong organizational skills and follow-through.

• Cultural sensitivity and comfort engaging with international partners.

• Ability to establish metrics, analyze results, and drive measurable impact.

🏝️ Benefits

• Remote-first working environment.

• Quarterly company-sponsored All-Hands meetings held in Los Angeles.

• Medical, dental, and vision insurance options for employees and their dependents.

• 401(K) plan with employer matching contributions.

• Generous paid time off, including vacations, floating holidays, sick days, and company-paid holidays.

• Employee Assistance Program offering confidential, professional support.

• Stipends/reimbursements for cell phone, internet, health & wellbeing, and learning & development expenses.

• Generous Paid Parental Leave for employees welcoming a new child.

• One meeting-free block per week.

• Four focus weeks each year dedicated to uninterrupted strategic projects.

• Eligibility for annual incentives.

• Comprehensive benefits package.

• Competitive compensation package, including base salary and bonuses.