Chief Operating Officer (COO)

Catholic Charities Archdiocese of New Orleans•New Orleans, LA

About The Position

The Chief Operating Officer (COO) is a senior executive responsible for leading the strategic direction, operations, and program development of Catholic Charities. The COO oversees the design, implementation, and evaluation of programs to ensure they align with the organization's mission, effectively meet community needs, and remain financially sustainable. This role focuses on integrating services across programs, improving operational efficiency, strengthening compliance and funding processes, and enhancing client service delivery. Working closely with leadership, the COO promotes collaboration, implements best practices, supports staff development, and leads organizational change by building strong relationships and fostering employee engagement.

Requirements

Master's degree in Social Work, Public Administration, Nonprofit Management, or a related field required.
Minimum of 10 years of nonprofit program management experience, including at least 5 years in a leadership role.
Demonstrated success in developing, implementing, and leading effective programs and organizational strategies.
Strong ability to build, maintain, and strengthen relationships with internal teams, external partners, and stakeholders.
Deep understanding of Catholic social teaching with a strong commitment to the mission of Catholic Charities.
Excellent communication, interpersonal, and public speaking skills.
Proven ability to collaborate effectively in diverse environments and build consensus among stakeholders.
Strong team-building and leadership skills with the ability to motivate, guide, and manage individuals with diverse working styles.

Nice To Haves

Experience in budget development and financial oversight preferred.

Responsibilities

Partner with the President & CEO and Board of Directors to develop, implement, and execute the organization's strategic vision and long-term objectives.
Identify emerging community needs, industry trends, and growth opportunities to drive organizational innovation and impact.
Participate in Board of Directors and Executive Committee meetings, providing strategic guidance and operational insight.
Provide executive oversight of program planning, implementation, evaluation, and continuous improvement to ensure alignment with Catholic Charities' mission and strategic priorities.
Lead the integration of best practices, innovative service delivery models, and performance-driven strategies to improve program effectiveness and client outcomes.
Cultivate and strengthen strategic partnerships with community organizations, government agencies, funders, and key stakeholders to expand services and collaborative initiatives.
Serve as an executive ambassador for Catholic Charities by representing the organization at community events, meetings, and public engagements.
Provide leadership, coaching, and mentorship to program directors and management teams while fostering a culture of accountability, collaboration, and continuous improvement.
Champion staff development by implementing professional learning opportunities that strengthen leadership capacity and service excellence.
Collaborate with the Chief Financial Officer to develop, monitor, and manage program budgets, ensuring fiscal responsibility, compliance, and long-term sustainability.
Oversee program performance, expenditures, and funding compliance to maximize operational efficiency and organizational effectiveness.
Establish measurable performance indicators and evaluation frameworks to assess program quality, outcomes, and organizational impact.
Prepare and present executive reports to the President & CEO and Board of Directors on strategic initiatives, operational performance, and program results.