NeighborWorks® Umpqua Chief Operations Officer Are you a strategic, execution-focused leader passionate about driving operational excellence and community impact? NeighborWorks Umpqua (NWU) is seeking a Chief Operating Officer (COO) to lead and optimize our direct service programming and operational framework. This role is pivotal in ensuring NWU’s mission translates into high-impact, measurable outcomes for the communities we serve. Why Join Us? For over 30 years, NWU has been dedicated to developing affordable housing, promoting economic stability, and strengthening communities across Southern Oregon. As a key member of our executive leadership team, the COO will drive efficiency, innovation, and alignment across programs, ensuring that every customer interaction fosters empowerment and lasting change. Position Summary: The COO, reporting directly to the CEO, is a forward-thinking, execution-focused leader responsible for driving operational excellence and performance across NWU’s direct service programming. This role transforms strategic priorities into high-impact, measurable outcomes by integrating program delivery with an efficient, data-driven operational framework that supports agile decision-making and continuous improvement. By aligning processes with NWU’s mission, vision, and strategic plan, the COO ensures every customer interaction empowers individuals and creates lasting impact. Working closely with the Chief Housing Officer, the COO promotes strategic alignment and collaboration across the organization. The role also includes regular engagement with the board, providing clear operational insights and progress updates. Additionally, the COO collaborates with the CEO and Resource Development Officer on funding strategies, grant management, and financial sustainability. Through these efforts, the COO cultivates a culture of excellence, innovation, and accountability that is integral to NWU’s customer service and overall organizational success. Essential Duties and Responsibilities: Strategic Operational Leadership & Execution + Develop and implement comprehensive operational strategies that convert NWU’s strategic plan into tangible, performance-driven outcomes. + Establish and monitor performance metrics to ensure operational efficiency, high-quality service delivery, and continuous improvement. + Optimize internal systems to support data-driven decision making and superior customer experiences. Program Oversight, Integration & Performance + Oversee the operational aspects of diverse, impact-driven programs, ensuring their seamless integration and alignment with NWU’s strategic objectives and funding streams. + Drive the execution of initiatives that enhance service outcomes, ensuring that all programs deliver measurable impact without mission creep. + Foster collaborative relationships across program teams to guarantee that service delivery is both cohesive and responsive to community needs. Team Leadership & Development + Mentor and support department directors and program managers, cultivating a culture of accountability, innovation, and high performance. + Lead cross-functional teams by providing clear direction, continuous coaching, and performance feedback to ensure excellence in execution and service. + Work with senior leadership to ensure that staffing, training, and development initiatives are in place to support integrated, high-performing teams. + Occasionally present operational updates and strategic recommendations to the board or board committees. Collaborative Funding and Grant Management + Collaborate with the CEO and Resource Development Officer to develop and refine grant and funding strategies that align with program priorities and operational goals. + Contribute to grant writing and reporting efforts as needed, ensuring that funding supports both programmatic and operational excellence. External Engagement & Collaboration + Maintain constructive relationships with key community leaders, funders, and advocacy groups to support operational initiatives. + Contribute operational insights during discussions with external partners to ensure NWU’s service delivery remains effective and aligned with broader community needs. + Represent NWU in targeted meetings and forums where operational perspectives are valuable for shaping collaborative opportunities. + Work with external contacts on an as-needed basis to explore ideas that enhance operational efficiency and sustainable outcomes. Skills and Competencies  + Visionary Leadership: Ability to set and communicate a clear vision for programs that aligns with NeighborWorks Umpqua’s mission and strategic priorities. + Strategic Operational Management: Ability to oversee administrative functions while supporting mission-driven program delivery.  + Strategic Thinking: Capacity to develop innovative strategies to meet evolving community needs. + Data-Driven Decision Making: Skilled in using metrics and evaluations to drive program improvements.  + Collaboration: Strong interpersonal skills to engage effectively with internal teams, residents, and community partners.  + Fairness & Compliance: Strong understanding of non-discrimination policies and equitable service delivery.  + Process Improvement: Capacity to enhance organizational workflows and optimize resources allocation.  ​​​​​​​Minimum Requirements  + Minimum of 10 years of progressive leadership experience in program management, service delivery, operations, or a related field, with at least 5 years in a senior management role.  + ​​​​​​​Proven track record of designing and implementing successful, high-impact programs for underserved communities.  + Familiarity with program funding mechanisms and compliance requirements.  + Experience in building cross-sector partnerships and advocating for community-driven solutions.  + Commitment to NeighborWorks Umpqua’s mission and values, with a focus on serving all communities effectively. Physical Demands and Work Environment   The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this position. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the functions. While performing the duties of this position, the employee is regularly required to talk or listen. The employee frequently is required to use hands or finger, handle, or feel objects, tools, or controls. The employee is occasionally required to stand, walk, sit, reach with hands and arms, climb or balance, and stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl. The employee must regularly lift and/or move up to 15 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this position include those required for reading, writing, and typing. This position will be working primarily indoors and some of the time in an outdoor environment for events or clean up. From this movement, the employee will encounter varying temperatures. The noise level is low in the office environment.  Powered by JazzHR