Chief Operations Officer

Role Overview

• Provide executive leadership and oversight of day-to-day operations to ensure alignment with the organization’s mission, vision, and strategic goals.
• Lead and integrate core operational functions, including finance, human resources, information technology, legal, compliance, and administration.
• Develop and implement operational strategies, policies, and systems that promote efficiency, scalability, and organizational effectiveness.
• Partner with the CEO and executive leadership team to drive strategic planning and execution across the organization.
• Drive AI enablement across the organization, co-leading with the CIO to move Make-A-Wish from nonprofit benchmarks to for-profit standards of technology-driven transformation.
• Oversee financial performance, including budgeting, forecasting, and resource allocation, ensuring fiscal responsibility and sustainability.
• Establish performance metrics and monitor outcomes to ensure achievement of organizational goals related to mission impact, financial health, compliance, and stakeholder satisfaction.
• Lead, coach, and hold accountable senior leadership team members, fostering a culture of collaboration, transparency, and high performance.
• Ensure compliance with all applicable laws, regulations, and organizational policies, maintaining strong internal controls and risk management practices.
• Drive continuous improvement initiatives using data, analytics, and operational insights to enhance effectiveness and efficiency.
• Collaborate with internal and external stakeholders, including the Board of Directors, partners, and vendors, to advance organizational objectives.
• Serve as a visible and inspiring external presence, capable of presenting alongside CEOs and public figures, appearing in media, and earning the trust of chapters, donors, and the broader Make-A-Wish community.
• Support fundraising and development efforts by aligning operational capabilities with revenue strategies and donor expectations.
• Lead change management efforts and organizational transformation initiatives as needed.
• Champion Make-A-Wish's culture internally and externally, modeling the belief that how you do what you do is just as important as what you do, and building an environment where high performance and mission impact are inseparable.

Requirements

• Demonstrated ability to lead complex, multi-functional operations and drive organizational effectiveness and transformation initiatives.
• Strong understanding of financial management, budgeting, forecasting, and resource allocation within a nonprofit environment.
• Experience leading seasoned executives across human resources, organizational development, and talent management.
• Familiarity with legal and regulatory requirements affecting nonprofit organizations.
• Understanding of strategic planning processes and performance measurement frameworks.
• Knowledge of information systems, data analytics, and technology infrastructure to support operations and decision-making.
• Track record of building, leading, and motivating high-performing teams while fostering a culture of accountability and collaboration.
• Familiarity with nonprofit management principles, including governance, compliance, funding structures, and mission-driven program delivery, strongly preferred.

Benefits

• Comprehensive benefit package, effective day 1: Medical, Vision*, Dental*, Wellness
• Competitive compensation with annual incentive potential
• Health Savings Account and Flexible Spending Account Options
• Health Reimbursement Account fully funded by Make-A-Wish America
• Short Term Disability*, Long Term Disability* and Life Insurance
• Additional Insurance Plans: Accident, Critical Illness, Hospital Indemnity, Pet Insurance through Figo
• 401(k) Retirement Savings Plan with 5% match after one year of service
• Eligibility for student loan forgiveness through the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program
• The organization will send a laptop, 24” monitor, and a docking station/adaptor to new hires
• Competitive PTO starting at 15 days, with enhanced time off for senior roles
• 10 Sick Days
• 11 Paid Holidays
• 2 Volunteer Days after one year of service
• 2 Personal Days accrued annually
• Parental Leave
• Employee Awards and Recognition Programs
• Individual and Leadership Development
• Discounts and special offers for theme parks, events, hotels, concerts, and movie tickets