About this roleABOUT US: - We believe that everyone deserves a home!
Breaking Ground operates nearly 4,000 units of housing across New York City, along with housing in upstate New York and Connecticut. Supportive housing - affordable housing paired with services designed to help people maintain their homes for the long-term - is widely recognized as a proven and cost-effective solution to chronic homelessness.
But we didn't stop at providing housing. Breaking Ground's programs and services help people experiencing street homelessness - especially those who have been on the streets the longest - to come indoors. Through our Street to Home outreach program and transitional housing resources, we help people get, and stay, on the path to a permanent home.
ASSISTANT VICE PRESIDENT, OFFICE OF THE CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER (COO)
Reporting to the Chief Operating Officer (COO), the Assistant Vice President, Office of the Chief Operating Officer (COO) serves as a trusted partner, providing high-level administrative, operational, and strategic support. This role plays a critical part in ensuring the effectiveness of the COO’s office and advancing organizational priorities.
The Assistant Vice President translates strategic goals into actionable plans, drives cross-functional coordination, and leads high-priority projects and initiatives. This position manages sensitive and confidential matters with discretion, strengthens communication across teams, and helps streamline internal operations to ensure goals are achieved on time and with excellence.
Acting as a bridge between executive leadership and departments, the Assistant Vice President helps ensure clarity of priorities, responsible use of resources, and strong operational performance in support of the organization’s mission.
ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:
• Supervise and develop one Administrative Assistant, fostering accountability, growth, and alignment with organizational values
• Lead and manage high-priority projects from planning through execution, tracking milestones, deliverables, and accountability across teams
• Maximize the COO’s effectiveness by managing high-impact priorities, anticipating needs, and serving as a proxy when appropriate
• Support clear, timely internal and external communications on behalf of the COO’s office
• Serve as a strategic problem-solver, proactively addressing operational gaps and emerging priorities
• Drive cross-department collaboration to ensure alignment with organizational goals and expected outcomes
• Coordinate meetings, communications, and project logistics with a wide range of internal and external stakeholders
• Proactively identify and implement process improvements that strengthen efficiency, staff capacity, operations, and service delivery
• Perform other related duties as assigned
KEY COMPETENCIES:
Strategic and Operational Leadership
• Strong understanding of nonprofit operations, mission-driven strategy, and stewardship of public and private resources
• Exceptional project management and organizational skills, with experience coordinating complex, cross-functional initiatives
• Ability to design and maintain systems that support accountability, transparency, and effective use of resources
Communication and Influence
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to draft clear, thoughtful, and mission-aligned communications on behalf of executive leadership
• Ability to lead through influence, collaboration, and shared purpose rather than formal authority
Personal Effectiveness
• High level of initiative, discretion, and sound judgment, with the ability to independently move work forward in alignment with organizational values and stakeholder needs
• Strong interpersonal skills, cultural humility, and the ability to work effectively with people from diverse backgrounds and roles
• Comfortable operating in a fast-paced, evolving environment while remaining grounded in mission and impact
• Exceptional attention to detail and ability to manage multiple priorities simultaneously
• Demonstrated commitment to continuous improvement and organizational learning
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:
• Master’s degree in Public Health, Nonprofit Management, Social Work, or a related field
• Minimum of 7 years of experience working in a nonprofit or mission-driven organization, preferably in housing, homelessness services, or human services and with progressively responsible leadership or project management experience
• Strong proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook)
• Experience with virtual collaboration tools (e.g., Microsoft Teams, Zoom)
• Experience with, or ability to quickly learn, commonly used project management software, social services and property management platforms
EOE/M/F/Vet/Disabled