Chief Operating Officer

Chief Operating Officer

POSITION SUMMARY

The Chief Operating Officer (COO) is a key member of ARCs executive leadership team responsible for leading and optimizing the organizations internal operations. This role oversees ARCs operational strategy and performance ensuring strong infrastructure systems and processes that enable effective service delivery in alignment with ARCs mission values and strategic goals. The COO works in close partnership with the CEO and fellow executive leaders to advance organizational effectiveness foster a strong staff culture and manage key relationships including the strategic partnership with Seattle Parks and Recreation (SPR) and the City of Seattle.

The COO supervises ARCs Director of Operation Director of Early Learning and Community Partnerships and Human Resources Director and coordinates cross-functional teams across administration development marketing and program operations.

ESSENTIAL RESPONSIBILITIES

Strategic Leadership

• Partner with the CEO and executive team to implement ARCs strategic plan and organizational priorities.
• Provide thought leadership on operational planning organizational growth and change management initiatives.
• Lead the development and implementation of ARCs operational strategy annual objectives and performance metrics.
• Collaborate with SPR leadership to ensure alignment with public priorities and funding initiatives.

• Advocate for ARCs commitment to Race Equity and Social Justice.

Organizational Operations & Infrastructure

• Oversee day-to-day internal operations including quality program delivery support for childcare compliance and administration.
• Lead cross-functional coordination between operations training and P & C to ensure consistent execution across these departments.
• Establish and continuously improve operational systems tools and policies to support a scalable and efficient organization for childcare and recreation.
• Monitor emerging trends and integrate them into operational strategy as appropriate.

Partnerships & External Relations

• Maintain and strengthen relationships with City of Seattle Seattle Parks and Recreation and key community partners.
• Represent ARC in external forums coalitions and with strategic partners to enhance visibility and collaboration.
• Serve as a liaison to key advisory councils and board committees related to operations.

People & Culture

• Supervise coach and develop high-performing operational leaders including the Director of Operation Director of Early Learning and Community Partnerships and P & Director.
• Foster a culture of trust accountability and equity within ARCs workforce.
• Provide strategic oversight of ARCs People and Culture function ensuring People & Culture policies practices and staffing align with organizational needs and values.
• Promote and implement P & C strategies that support an inclusive high-performing and resilient organizational culture.

Risk Management & Compliance

• Ensure ARC maintains effective risk management safety and emergency response systems across all programs and locations.
• Oversee compliance with relevant local state and federal regulations including Department of Children Youth and Families (DCYF) and Department of Education and Early Learning (DEEL) requirements.
• Develop and maintain internal controls protocols and training related to health safety and legal compliance.

Race Equity and Social Justice

• Champion ARCs commitment to racial equity and social justice in all operational practices.
• Partner with leadership to ensure that operational systems and staff culture support equitable access treatment and advancement.
• Support evaluation and improvement of equity-focused strategies in workforce representation staff experience and public services.

SUPERVISION

This position oversees internal operations and directly supervises the Director of Operations and provides strategic leadership to the Human Resources team.

QUALIFICATIONS

Required:

• Proven experience in a senior leadership or operations role ideally in a nonprofit or public-sector setting.
• Demonstrated ability to lead through complexity manage teams and drive cross-functional alignment.
• Strong strategic planning organizational development and process improvement skills.
• Effective communicator and relationship builder with internal and external stakeholders.
• Experience with city partnerships or large public systems (preferred).
• Experience with Early Learning and Childcare systems (preferred)
• Familiarity with race equity principles and their application to operations and organizational change.
• Strong knowledge of human resources strategy systems and compliance with experience leading or overseeing HR functions.

Preferred:

• Masters degree.
• Proficiency in compliance systems and tracking (Preferred)
• Lived or professional experience working in service to communities impacted by structural inequity.

WORK ENVIRONMENT HOURS & TRAVEL
This is a full-time position typically MondayFriday with flexibility for evenings or weekends during events or campaigns.

Local travel and participation in ARC community events and meetings required.