Chief Operating Officer

Since 1944, Boys & Girls Clubs of Central Florida has provided children and teens, ages 6 to 18, with a safe place to learn and grow during non-school hours. Today, more than 15,000 young people call our 39 Clubs across five Central Florida counties home. The mission of Boys & Girls Clubs of Central Florida is to inspire and enable all young people, especially those who need us most, to realize their full potential as productive, responsible, and caring adults. Every day after school and all summer long, our members walk through the blue doors at little or no cost to their families and find academic support, enrichment, and caring adult role models who believe in what they can become.

How we do it matters as much as what we do. Our Clubs deliver quality programming grounded in evidence across six core pillars of focus: education and career development; character and leadership development; sports, fitness, and recreation; health and life skills; the arts; and mental health. That work is reinforced by practices informed by trauma research, mental and emotional wellness support, and an unwavering commitment to safety. The results show up in graduation rates, college and vocational school enrollment, grades, and young people who tell us they feel emotionally safe at their Club. As part of the national Future Ready movement, we are growing bigger, better, and bolder, and we know none of it happens without exceptional people. That is why we invest in our team through comprehensive training, leader development, competitive compensation and benefits, and a workplace culture built on excellence, belonging, and accountability. If you want your work to change the trajectory of a child's life, there is a place for you here. Great futures start here, and they start with you.

TITLE: Chief Operating Officer

PERFORMANCE PROFILE SOURCE: Executive

DEPARTMENT: Operations

REPORTS TO: CEO

FLSA STATUS: Exempt

WORKER CATEGORY: Full-Time

EMPLOYMENT FUNCTION: Executive Leadership

POSITION SUMMARY:

The Chief Operating Officer (COO) is a key member of the executive team responsible for driving strategic vision, operational excellence, and measurable impact across BGCCF's programs and services across 39 Clubs in 5 counties. This role oversees the implementation, execution, and evaluation of operations and programs that enhance the lives of youth members throughout Central Florida. As an executive leader within the organization, the COO oversees all aspects of Club operations, including financial success and sustainability, program delivery, grants, security, safety, facility management, metrics, impact, and the successful delivery of the mission. With strong leadership skills, business acumen, and unwavering commitment, the COO plays a pivotal role in driving BGCCF's continued success. This role serves as the CEO's chief operating partner, acting on behalf of the CEO as delegated, ensuring continuity of leadership, strategic execution, and organizational performance.

ESSENTIAL JOB RESPONSIBILITIES: 

Strategic Leadership

• Serve as a key member of the executive team, collaborating with the CEO and senior leadership to develop and execute BGCCF's strategic vision and plan across all departments and providing routine updates to the CEO and team.
• Provide leadership and continuous operational oversight to ensure proper operational controls, administrative procedures, and systems are in place for effective organizational growth. 
• Be the driver of strategic initiatives, helping to increase funding, improve programming and move the organization forward. 
• Develop and implement policies and standard operating procedures to optimize organizational performance. 
• Ensure departments are communicating effectively and operating efficiently to achieve desired outcomes.
• Ensure Standard Operating Procedures are in place within each department to drive efficient & effective outcomes.
• Lead the process of establishing and operationalizing strategic goals, measurable outcomes, KPIs, and other logic models.

• Provide operational insight, performance reporting, risk assessment, and strategic recommendations to CEO and Board.
• With growth in mind, lead key initiatives in, but not limited to organizational redesign, process improvement, growth initiatives, mergers or acquisitions as well as technology adoption and digital transformation

Safety, Security, and Risk Management

• Oversee all aspects of business operations, including club operations, facilities, security, safety, and youth impact. 
• Oversee high-level operations of club sites, ensuring they are safe, welcoming, and well-maintained.
• Lead operational planning and execution for Club development, expansions, renovations, and market growth initiatives.
• Develop, enforce, and regularly review policies and procedures for effective club operations and risk mitigation.
• Lead BGCCF safety programming, and the annual safety audit while instituting best practices in operational execution, and ensure compliance with all regulatory requirements and organizational standards.
• Oversee and execute the Disaster Emergency Preparedness Plan, Child and Club Safety Manual, and other essential policies to ensure organizational safety while fostering a culture of safety awareness and proactive risk management.
• Serve on the Corporate Board Safety Committee, providing strategic guidance on safety initiatives.
• Ensure that an effective safety audit policy, risk assessment, and incident reporting function are in place, with proper documentation, and implement improvements as necessary.
• Work collaboratively across departments to identify, assess, and mitigate potential risks to the organization and members.
• Oversee facilities and transportation maintenance, ensuring proper management of resources and adherence to safety standards and cleanliness guidelines and showcase improved brand awareness.

Program Development and Evaluation

• Oversee the development, implementation, and evaluation of innovative youth programs. 
• Ensure program quality, consistency, and alignment with BGCCF's mission and strategic goals. 
• Utilize data and research to inform program decisions and demonstrate outcomes. 
• Lead initiatives to enhance the quality and impact of youth programs. 
• Manage and collaborate with the VP of Operations to develop and implement best practices for youth development programming. 
• Monitor program outcomes and use data to drive continuous improvement. 

Financial Management and Resource Allocation

• Collaborate with the CFO to develop, implement, and monitor the organization's annual budget across all Clubs.
• Oversee fiscal responsibility and performance of Club Services, ensuring financial management and regular reporting.
• Work with CAO to contribute to resource development plans, including grant solicitation and strategic marketing efforts.
• Partner with CFO and Grants team on compliance, timely reporting, and adherence to requirements.
• Support donor stewardship and identify new funding opportunities aligned with organizational goals.
• Monitor revenue and expenditure variances, implementing cost-saving measures as needed.
• Ensure effective allocation and use of resources in line with donor intentions and organizational needs.

Data Management and Reporting

• Oversee data collection, analysis, and reporting processes. 
• Establish metrics for evaluating program success and impact. 
• Prepare regular reports on programming and operations performance for various stakeholders. 
• Lead the execution of the non-financial Annual Report for Boys & Girls Clubs of America. 

Community Engagement and Strategic Partnerships

• Develop and nurture a wide range of partnerships with youth service agencies, schools, and community organizations to enhance BGCCF's impact, strategic plan, and reach.
• Lead strategic and inclusive initiatives to engage Club communities, parents, families, and members, ensuring their voices are heard and needs are addressed.
• Foster a culture of philanthropy, implementing practices that cultivate, engage, and steward partners, funders, and donors.
• Establish and maintain strategic alliances with community leaders, local officials, other Boys & Girls Clubs, and Boys & Girls Clubs of America to strengthen the organization's position and influence.
• Represent BGCCF at key community events and forums, advocating for youth development and the organization's mission.

Team Leadership and Development

• Lead, mentor, and develop a high-performing team of department and program leaders where feedback is routinely provided and development plans are in place for growth to foster a culture of collaboration, innovation, and accountability. 
• Participate in high-impact events, including fundraising events, staff development events & donor engagement events.
• Ensure proper performance management practices, including hiring, onboarding, reviews, and professional development. 
• Build the capacity of existing staff and raise the level of expertise of new hires. 
• Lead senior team and staff meetings to ensure impact and outcomes are aligned with the Strategic Plan.
• Provide leadership in the development and implementation of BGCCF’s development and training programs for employees. 
• Champion an organizational culture rooted in safety, accountability, inclusion, innovation, excellence, and mission impact.

QUALIFICATION REQUIREMENTS: (Knowledge, Education, Experience & Skills)

Education:

• Bachelor's degree in business, education, non-profit management, public administration, or a related field or combination of education and prior work experience. 

Experience:

• Minimum of 10 years of experience in youth program operations management, nonprofit leadership, or a related field. 
• At least 5 years of experience within the Boys & Girls Clubs movement or similar organization. 
• Minimum of three years’ experience working as a senior leader of a nonprofit organization. 
• Proven track record of strategic planning and execution in a complex, multi-site organization of a similar scope and size. 

Skills: 

• Advanced proficiency in data analytics, budget development, financial forecasting and visualization tools. 
• Familiarity with project management software and collaboration platforms. 
• Ability to leverage technology for operational efficiency and program effectiveness. 
• Skill in managing complex, multi-stakeholder projects as well as developing and implementing strategic plans. 
• Proficiency in risk assessment, needs assessment, gap analysis and mitigation strategies. 
• Expertise in creating and fostering a culture of innovation along with evidence-based program design and implementation. 
• Strong mentoring and coaching abilities to develop high-performing teams while leading change management initiatives. 
• Understanding of nonprofit financial models and revenue diversification strategies. 
• Ability to make data-driven financial decisions aligned with organizational goals. 
• Advanced presentation and public speaking skills with skill in crisis communication and reputation management. 
• Proficiency in developing key performance indicators (KPIs) and impact metrics. 
• Understanding nonprofit legal and regulatory requirements to ensure organizational compliance and standards. 
• Experience in grant management and compliance oversight. 

KEY ROLE COMPETENCIES: 

Thought Leadership

• Manages Complexity: Confronts complex realities while maintaining vision for a better future. 
• Decision Quality: Demonstrates disciplined, rigorous decision-making skills. 
• Financial Acumen: Possesses high-level business and management skills, effectively generating financial support. 
• Visionary: Provides purpose, direction, and motivation for the organization. 
• Business Acumen: Plans and implements effective operations and programs and manages assets and resources. 

Results Leadership

• Ensures Accountability: Dedicated to shared and measurable goals for the common good. 
• Action Oriented: Creates, resources, scales, and leverages strategies for broad impact. 
• Plans and Aligns: Develops and implements strategic plans rooted in organizational needs. 
• Results-Driven: Achieves measurable outcomes and impact, solves problems and removes barriers to success.
• Brand Steward: Understands role in growing and protecting BGCCF’s reputation. 

People Leadership

• Communicates Effectively: Articulates complex ideas with clarity and impact, fostering open dialogue and driving organizational alignment. Leverages active listening, enabling the delivery of timely, relevant information across all levels. 
• Drives Engagement: Catalyzes others' commitment to the mission, vision, and values. 
• Builds Networks: Values and leverages the power of networks and relationships. 
• Builds Effective Teams: Ensures right people in right roles, fosters trust and collaboration. 
• Relationship-Oriented: Cultivates and manages relationships toward common goals. 
• Collaborator: Mobilizes resources through meaningful engagement with all sectors

Self-Leadership

• Being Resilient: Adapts to changing environments and perseveres through challenges. 
• Mission-Focused: Driven by a passion for the mission in performance and motivations. 

• Courage: Takes calculated risks and makes bold decisions aligned with organizational values. Addresses challenges head-on while inspiring confidence in others. Maintains composure during uncertainty and advocates for transformative change to drive the organization forward. Leads the organization in the absence of CEO to continue the strategic direction.
• Instills Trust: Builds and maintains strong, authentic relationships across all levels of the organization and with stakeholders. Delivers commitments and takes accountability for outcomes, fostering a culture of trust and mutual respect that enhances organizational credibility and performance.

ADDITIONAL ACCOUNTABILITIES 

ENVIRONMENTAL AND WORKING CONDITIONS:

• The position requires working in indoor and outdoor environments, which may involve exposure to varying weather conditions.
• Ability to read and interpret documents such as safety rules, operating instructions, and policy manuals.
• Required to operate a motor vehicle and travel within the region frequently.
• Work in environments frequented by children and families, requiring adherence to safety and conduct standards that ensure a child-friendly and family-oriented atmosphere.
• Must be adaptable to a dynamic work schedule, including evenings to support club activities and events.

PHYSICAL AND MENTAL REQUIREMENTS:

• Physically capable of performing programming activities and club duties on-site, including lifting up to 30 pounds, standing, sitting, or walking for extended periods, bending, and reaching.
• Operates a computer and other office productivity equipment frequently. Requires the ability to work on a computer for extended periods, including performing tasks that involve repetitive motion, visual focus, and fine motor skills
• Visual and auditory acuity to monitor the environment and ensure safety standards are maintained.
• Mental resilience and the ability to stay focused and effective in a busy, sometimes noisy environment.
• Capacity to handle multiple tasks simultaneously and prioritize effectively.
• Strong interpersonal skills to interact positively with children, family members, and other staff.
• Exposure to outdoor weather conditions (occasionally).

Pre-Employment and Ongoing Compliance Requirements:

• Candidates must successfully pass a pre-employment drug screening.
• Continued employment is contingent upon passing randomized drug screenings as part of our commitment to maintaining a drug-free work environment.
• Continued employment is also contingent on the Florida State Department of Children and Families employment designation of "eligible for employment" as a state-licensed youth-serving organization.

Disclaimer:

The information presented in this job description is intended to illustrate the nature and level of work expected of employees in this classification. It is not a comprehensive inventory of all duties, responsibilities, qualifications, and objectives required of employees assigned to this job. Job responsibilities and requirements are subject to change based on the direction of the organization & CEO.

Full-Time Employee Benefits: 

• Health Insurance: Comprehensive health insurance plans, including medical, dental, and vision coverage.
• Complementary Headspace Care and Talk Space subscriptions. 
• Retirement Plan: Safe Harbor retirement plan 401(k) with up to 5% employer matching and 7% employer non-elective contribution. 
• Life & LTD Insurance: Basic life insurance coverage and long-term disability insurance provided at no employee cost. 
• Disability Insurance: Short-term disability insurance options.
• Paid Time Off: Vacation, Sick, Floating Holiday, 11 Paid Holidays, Bereavement Time
• Legal Shield and ID Shield
• Pet Insurance

Notice to Applicants:

Please note: Submission of an application does not create an obligation for BGCCF to provide individual status updates. Our hiring managers carefully review all applications received, and only candidates selected to move forward will be contacted regarding next steps.

Due to the high volume of applications, BGCCF is unable to respond to emails or calls requesting updates on application status. Applicants who repeatedly contact BGCCF HR or BGCCF staff to request status updates, or who email staff members with whom they do not have an existing professional relationship solely to announce that they have applied, may be removed from consideration and have their application archived.

If you have an existing professional connection with BGCCF, you are welcome to reach out to that contact directly for networking purposes. However, all candidates must still follow the formal application and selection process outlined in this posting.

Department of Children and Families Level II Background Check Notice: 

Please see the link below to the new Care Provider Background Screening Clearinghouse Education and Awareness website. This site was implemented under the directive of House Bill 531 (2025).

https://info.flclearinghouse.com