Chief Operating Officer

Title: Chief Operating Officer

Reports to: President/CEO 

Location: Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania

Salary: $75,000-$80,000 commensurate with experience 

Alliance for Police Accountability is a collective of voices fighting for change. APA exists to dismantle harmful systems of oppression, to mobilize community members as active agents of change, and to affirm the humanity of Black and other marginalized communities. 

POSITION SUMMARY: The Chief Operating Officer or COO role is a key member of the senior management team, reporting directly to the President & Chief Executive Officer (CEO). COO responsibilities are broad ranging from managing day-to-day operations to providing strategic advice; the responsibilities focus on four main areas: 

(1) Fiscal Oversight, (2) People and Culture, (3) Operational Management, and (4) Leadership. The goal of the COO position is to secure the functionality of business to drive extensive and sustainable growth. 

POSITION DUTIES

Fiscal Oversight: Oversee the financial accounting and management functions of APA, including but not limited to:

• Lead the organization on financial planning, budgeting, cash flow, investment priorities, and policy matters – including managing staff and consultants.
• Serve as the management liaison to the board and finance and audit committees; effectively communicate and present critical financial matters at select board of directors and committee meetings.
• In collaboration with the President/CEO, write, edit, and format grant proposals, reports, and other funding deliverables.
• Forecast, anticipate trends and gaps, manage risks to the organization.
• Oversee the bookkeeping function including maintenance of the general ledger,

accounts payable, accounts receivable and payroll.

• Develop and implement policies and procedures to ensure that personnel and

financial information is secure and stored in compliance with current legislation

requirements.

• Prepare all supporting information for the annual audit and liaise with the Board's

Finance Committee and the external auditors as necessary.

• Reconcile bank accounts with APA general ledger.

People and Culture: Develop and implement strategy to meet the organization’s human resources goals for an impactful, sustainable, and equitable culture.

• Hire and guide the work of staff over time while making structural changes as appropriate to increase organizational effectiveness.
• Cultivate and guide the professional growth of the team by establishing and maintaining thoughtful opportunities to learn, grow, and receive constructive feedback.
• Provide proactive leadership, direction, and professional expertise in all areas of human resources management, including labor/union relations.
• Foster a culture where employees of all identities and lived experiences feel included, have a sense of belonging, and experience high levels of trust.
• Participate in the development, implementation and effective communication of HR policies and procedures. 
  • Maintain up to date knowledge of and responsibility for compliance with federal, state, and local legislation pertaining to all personnel matters, policies, and procedures, inclusive of wage and hour laws and payroll practices.  
• Lead and provide oversight on employment and workplace investigations issues with the highest level of emotional intelligence, professionalism, integrity, and confidentiality, promptly, objectively and free from bias.

Operational Management: Ensure the organization prioritizes employee experience where staff of all identities and experiences belong and have what they need to thrive.

• Upgrade and implement an appropriate system of policies, internal controls, operational standards, and procedures – to support the professionalization of the organization while aligning with organizational values.
• Provide guidance to senior managers on all budget and financial matters.
• Carry out the operationalization of APA’s strategic goals.
• Oversee facilities, information technology, logistics, and administration.
• Manage vendor relationships.

 Leadership: Provide direct oversight of Staff in partnership with the President/CEO. 

• Serves as the internal leader, and partners with the CEO to manage the organization’s programmatic and operational efforts.
• Ensure work is aligned and prioritized based on APA’s organizational strategy, coordinated-side political strategy, and priorities.
• Regularly attend training and pursue continued education in supervision skills, upholding

our commitment to inclusion and equity, and ensuring the safety and sense of belonging of direct report.

• Attend meetings of APA’s staff, boards, and committees when deemed appropriate.

Who we’re looking for: A successful COO needs to be able to work with all types of people. They must have leadership skills and experience in various fields such as finance and human resources. A good COO needs excellent communication and people skills as they oversee several departments throughout the organization. 

• Mission-aligned- You are committed to making our neighborhoods safer, ending mass incarceration, and transforming our world through the eyes of youth.
• Startup builder – You have experience building systems, processes, and business solutions in a startup environment 
• Data management – You have experienced overseeing the creation of a product, system, or solution that stores and protects people’s data (preferred) 
• Analytical and pragmatic mind – You have the ability to balance big-picture strategy and executing details. 
• Adaptability & prioritization – You have the ability to prioritize and manage multiple projects in an ambiguous, evolving environment
• Equity & inclusion – You have a clear commitment and vision for how equity and inclusion shows up in organizational design
• English fluency- written and spoken 

The ideal candidate will possess most, if not all the following qualities, skills, and characteristics:

• You have demonstrated success serving as a senior leader in a mission-driven organization with broad oversight, moving beyond singular tasks;
• Strength in fostering a team culture of inclusion and belonging, and recruiting, coaching, and empowering others to meet or exceed their goals, develop their skills and performance, and grow their levels of accountability;
• A passion for and commitment to advocating for the creation of progressive policies and programs as well as for the elimination of policies and practices that lead to racial and ethnic disparities;
• Minimum 3 years’ experience in a senior nonprofit management role with experience managing at least a $3M annual organizational budget;
• Impeccable judgment and an innovative problem solver, with ability to anticipate and proactively address complex issues;
• Effective written and verbal communication, with strong emotional intelligence, deep listening skills, and the ability to connect across differences and the ability to effectively interface with senior management, APA’s board of directors, and staff.

BENEFITS: A highly competitive benefits package includes a 401(k) plan, medical, dental, and vision insurance. APA’s medical plan is covered by APA at 100% for employees. Qualified dependents may also be covered. APA offers full-time employees 10 days of vacation in the first year, sick leave, and personal/family leave, as well as paid time off between December 23rd and January 1st of each year.

WORK ENVIRONMENT and LOCATION: This position is based in an office setting in downtown Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. The work environment is generally quiet with occasional interruptions.

ADA: APA is committed to working with and providing reasonable accommodations to individuals with disabilities. If you need a reasonable accommodation because of a disability for any part of the employment process, please email info@apa-pgh.org 

EEOC: APA is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religious creed, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information, military service, age, ancestry, or disability. Previously incarcerated, BIPOC, women and LGBTQ individuals are strongly encouraged to apply!

TO APPLY: Send cover letter and resume to info@apa-pgh.org . Applications accepted on a rolling basis until the position is filled.