Chief Operating Officer (, AK, United States)

A mission-driven team working at the intersection of science, education, and community. Based in coastal Alaska, they are dedicated to building resilient communities and studying and teaching about the ecosystems that support them.

If you're a do-er passionate about science with purpose and shaping a robust future for coastal communities, you'll find your people here in a professional, casual, and supportive environment where various projects serve the organization’s mission.

Reporting directly to the President & CEO, the COO will manage and improve internal operations, ensuring efficiency, compliance, and alignment with the mission. This role offers the opportunity to help define the organization’s growth and evolution. The ideal candidate is collaborative, detail-oriented, with strong experience in federal grant compliance, nonprofit or government entities, and people management.

Location: Cordova, a family-friendly coastal town surrounded by mountains, forests, and wetlands, offers outdoor recreation like hiking, skiing, hunting, fishing, and wildlife watching. It provides a balanced lifestyle with community and nature close to home.

The organization offers an informal yet high-performing work environment, embodying the real Alaska, making it an ideal place to call home.

Key Responsibilities:

1. Strategic & Operational Leadership: Oversee finance, HR, administration, and facilities to align with strategic goals. Develop initiatives, lead implementation, and promote a culture of excellence and accountability. Unify departments around shared values and impact.
2. Team Supervision and Personnel Management: Supervise leadership, finance, and operations teams, along with consultants and contractors, ensuring standards and compliance.
3. Financial Oversight and Compliance: Maintain adherence to regulations like 2 CFR 200, ensure accurate forecasting, reporting, and explore revenue opportunities with finance support.
4. Grants & Contracts Administration: Monitor and manage grant and contract budgets, ensure compliance, and oversee legal and risk assessments.
5. Risk Management and Legal Oversight: Support risk systems, compliance, resilience, and liaise with legal counsel.
6. Mission and Culture Champion: Foster an inclusive, respectful, collaborative environment, motivating staff and cultivating shared ownership.

Qualifications:

• At least 5 years in nonprofit or mission-driven leadership
• Strong knowledge of nonprofit regulations, federal grants, especially 2 CFR 200
• Bachelor’s degree or higher in a relevant field
• Experience in budgeting, forecasting, personnel, and organizational development
• Familiarity with grants, contracting, and legal processes
• Proven leadership in motivating cross-functional teams

Preferred: Experience managing hybrid teams and working with fractional or consultants.

PeopleAK is here for you! Our recruiters bring over 50 years of experience placing candidates in rewarding roles. This free service is available for job seekers. Contact us today!

Additional postings from People AK / Alaska Executive Search.