Title: Chief Operating Officer (COO)
Reports to: President
Location: Charlottesville, VA / Washington, D.C. area
Schedule: Monday – Friday, 8:30am – 5pm
Status: Full Time – Exempt (40-hour work week with full-time benefits)
Compensation: Salary range:  $140,000 – $180,000
Benefits: Hybrid in-person and remote; insurance includes 100% employer-paid employee health, dental, short-term, and long-term disability, and 50% employer-paid dependent health and dental coverage; 403(b) plan, profit-sharing plan employer contribution up to 5% annually; PTO starting at 200 hours per year, increasing each year thereafter; tuition reimbursement; and retreat/volunteer time off and reimbursement
To Apply: Submit your cover letter and résumé to jobs@mindandlife.org using the subject line “Chief Operating Officer”

Position Summary

The Chief Operating Officer (COO) will be responsible for all internal workings of the Mind & Life Institute and will report to the President. You will manage Mind & Life Director level staff. With the support of the Leadership Team, you will inspire, support, and lead our extraordinary staff and outside contractors. You will lead strategy and KPI development/refinement and oversee strategy execution to attain short- and long-term human capital, financial, and operational goals. You will ensure efficient operations, manage resources, and optimize processes across the organization. You will lead budget development and execution and establish effective operational policies and procedures. You will analyze potential revenue generating options and oversee those activities.

Essential Responsibilities

Senior Level Management

  • Lead, mentor, and develop the Leadership Team.
  • Foster a culture of collaboration, accountability, and continuous improvement. Support the Leadership Team in the management of their departments, particularly in establishing and tracking progress towards organizational goals.
  • Collaborate with program directors to evaluate and enhance program effectiveness.
  • Support the design and implementation of new initiatives that align with the organization’s mission.
  • Manage performance review process.

Financial Management

  • Work closely with the finance subcontractor and Leadership Team to manage budgeting, forecasting, and financial reporting.
  • Ensure financial health and sustainability of the organization through prudent resource management.
  • With organizational help, create and manage programs to generate earned revenue.
  • Manage operating and endowment investment portfolios in conjunction with the Board to ensure that the organization achieves targets for growth and profitability.
  • Analyze and present financial reports to the Leadership Team and Board in an accurate and timely manner with the support of the finance subcontractor.
  • Oversee the annual budgeting and planning process in conjunction with the finance subcontractor and Leadership Team.
  • Support the finance subcontractor in the annual internal audit, and review the results to assess and implement changes as suggested by the external audit team.

Operations and Administration

  • Oversee daily operations and ensure alignment with organizational goals.
  • Develop and implement operational strategies that enhance efficiency and effectiveness.
  • Manage the work of the Senior Information Technology Manager, ensuring that sound IT and data management processes and protocols are in place and being executed by the manager and consultants.
  • Maintain a working knowledge of software subscriptions and contracts to ensure usefulness and value.
  • Promote a healthy work environment and connectedness across the organization.
  • Provide oversight of physical facilities and coordinate related needs with third parties.
  • Collaborate with the external HR specialist and recruiter(s) to ensure effective recruiting, onboarding, professional development, performance management, and retention.
  • Collaborate with the external HR specialist in various annual responsibilities, including but not limited to the benefit renewal process, employee handbook review, and formulating the salary increase range for annual reviews.
  • Review third party contracts to ensure compliance and consistency with the organization’s confidentiality and finance policies.

Stakeholder Engagement

  • Build and maintain relationships with key stakeholders, including board members, donors, and community partners.
  • Represent the organization at external events and meetings.

Compliance and Risk Management

  • Ensure compliance with all regulatory requirements and best practices in nonprofit governance.
  • Identify and mitigate risks to the organization’s operations and reputation.

Qualifications

  • Accessible, visible, and flexible management style that inspires trust and confidence in staff.
  • Keen analytic, organizational, and problem solving skills that support and enable sound decision making.
  • Proven track record in operational management and strategic planning.
  • Strong financial acumen and experience managing budgets and financial reporting.
  • Excellent leadership, communication, and interpersonal skills.
  • Embody personal qualities of integrity, kindheartedness, and credibility.
  • Strong written and verbal communication skills.
  • Preference for someone with familiarity of contemplative practice and/or research.
  • Multicultural awareness and appreciation of diversity. Preference for candidates with international experience.
  • Strong commitment to the mission and values of the Mind & Life Institute

Level of Education and Professional Licenses / Experience Required

  • Bachelor’s degree in an applicable field required; MBA preferred.
  • 10+ years of professional experience in operations and management, ideally leading an organization.
  • 5+ years of professional experience in financial management.
  • Preference for individuals with management consulting experience.

Working Conditions

  • Fast-paced office environment.
  • Prolonged periods of sitting or standing at a desk and working on a computer.
  • Must be able to lift up to 20 pounds at times.
  • To work from home, a strong internet connection and cell service is required.

Additional Information

  • Based in Charlottesville, Virginia or Washington, D.C. areas.
  • Mind & Life operates in a hybrid in-person and remote work environment
  • Position includes occasional domestic or international travel
  • All offers of employment are contingent upon clear results of a thorough background check
  • Candidates must have an automobile and a valid driver’s license
 

Mind & Life is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to equity, diversity, and inclusion, and following best practices to support a thriving organization with a diversity of perspectives. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, genetics, disability, age, or veteran status.

Please submit your cover letter and resume to jobs@mindandlife.org using the subject line “Chief Operating Offices”

(Updated Nov. 5, 2024)

About Mind & Life

At the Mind & Life Institute, we bring science and contemplative wisdom together to better understand the mind and create positive change in the world. Building on Mind & Life’s 35-year legacy and co-founder the Dalai Lama, we seek to foster insights and inspire action on how our inner lives contribute to individual, societal, and planetary flourishing. We’re committed to addressing mounting global challenges through our convenings, grantmaking, digital resources, and strategic partnerships. 

With our organizational values of compassion, integrity, excellence, inclusion, and curiosity, we are committed to attracting and retaining a diverse staff. As such, we will honor your experiences, perspectives, and unique identity. Together, we strive to create and maintain a working environment that is inclusive, equitable and welcoming. Please see Our Commitment to Racial Equity and Inclusion on our website.