Chief Operating Officer

Young Womens Christian Association of the City of NY • New York, NY

4h • $160,000 - $180,000 • Hybrid

About The Position

The Chief Operating Officer (COO) is a strategic internal leader responsible for advancing and measuring KPIs, championing a positive, inclusive and equitable culture, establishing and maintaining policies and efficient operations, and serving as a thought partner to the CEO in advancing the YWCA NYC’s mission and vision. The COO builds high-performing systems across human resources, talent acquisition and development, compliance and facilities, as well as outsourced IT and finance functions. The role ensures resources are optimized for programmatic impact and financial sustainability, and leads implementation of the organization’s strategic plan as a member of the senior leadership team.

The COO leads organizational strategy and effectiveness, staff culture, human resources and benefits administration, talent acquisition and development, compliance and risk management, finance, information technology, and facilities and office management. This includes partnering with the CEO on strategic and annual planning, developing and measuring goals, leading change management, managing employee experience and HR functions, overseeing budgets and controls with outsourced financial services, and coordinating outsourced IT support. The position reports to the CEO and manages an HR Manager, an HR and Compliance Assistant, and an Administrative Associate.

This is a full-time, exempt position with an expected 35-hour workweek. The YWCA NYC currently operates on a hybrid schedule, requiring two days on site at its main office at 50 Broadway in Manhattan. Occasional evening events, program site visits, meetings, and travel across New York City are required. The role requires regular talking and listening, occasional lifting or moving of items under 20 pounds, and the ability to walk stairs at public school program sites; reasonable accommodations may be made.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree required.
• Significant senior leadership experience in a mission-driven organization, particularly a direct service organization with multiple programs or sites.
• Ability to design, implement, and continuously improve systems and workflows while balancing organizational needs and stakeholder feedback.
• Deep knowledge and experience managing human resources, including compliance, talent acquisition and development, compensation, and benefits administration.
• Experience identifying and mitigating organizational risks.
• History of creating and monitoring budgets, including vendor sourcing.
• Ability to collect, analyze, and use data to inform program and process improvement.
• Exceptional interpersonal and relationship management skills, including collaboration with diverse colleagues and stakeholders to achieve shared goals.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including concise and persuasive writing and presentations to staff, senior colleagues, and board members.
• Experience prioritizing short-term needs while achieving long-term goals.
• Demonstrated commitment to the YWCA NYC’s social justice mission, vision, and values.

Nice To Haves

• Master’s degree preferred.
• HR certification is a plus (PHR, SPHR, SHRM-CP, SHRM-SCP, or equivalent).
• Experience managing outsourced services is a plus.

Responsibilities

• Partner with the CEO on strategic and annual planning, KPI development, and goal setting; lead implementation and measurement of goals.
• Assess and enhance policies and systems to advance organizational goals.
• Lead change management, including defining goals and scope, engaging and communicating with stakeholders, supporting staff through transitions, and tracking adoption and results.
• Support special projects and cross-functional initiatives identified by the CEO.
• Enhance the employee experience across the employment lifecycle and foster inclusion, collaboration, accountability, and recognition in a multi-site environment.
• Develop, implement, and monitor equitable policies aligned with employee engagement and retention goals.
• Lead and manage the HR team and oversee all HR functions.
• Advise senior leadership on complex employee relations matters and provide risk assessment and mitigation strategies.
• Oversee and serve as backup for biweekly payroll processing; audit payroll and accruals for accuracy and compliance.
• Support the CEO with benefits analysis and recommendations, liaise with brokers and providers, and oversee benefits communication, enrollment, administration, and employee support.
• Administer the YWCA NYC retirement and 403(b) plans, including enrollment, pay-period reporting, and coordination of annual Form 5500 preparation.
• Ensure the employee handbook, policies, and procedures are current and aligned with organizational needs.
• Oversee recruitment, onboarding, retention, and succession planning.
• Lead performance management and evaluation processes; oversee and benchmark compensation for competitiveness and internal equity.
• Collaborate with senior leadership on professional pathways and development opportunities, and coach managers.
• Oversee risk management for people, programs, finances, and reputation; ensure compliance with legal, regulatory, funder, and insurance requirements.
• Maintain knowledge of applicable insurance requirements and employment laws; manage annual insurance renewals and certificates of insurance; oversee background checks and ongoing clearance requirements.
• Work with the CEO and outsourced financial services provider to monitor financial performance, maintain accurate records and internal controls, and support budget planning and management.
• Serve as staff liaison to the Board’s Finance Committee.
• Coordinate with the outsourced provider, development, and program colleagues on account coding, reconciliations, and grant fund tracking.
• Analyze expenditures and review contracts and vendor services; train and support staff in stewardship of organizational resources.
• Oversee accounts payable to ensure timely and accurate vendor payments.
• Work with the outsourced IT provider to maintain documented data and cybersecurity policies, train staff, and ensure systems, upgrades, and helpdesk support meet staff needs and compliance standards.
• Ensure employees have the technology resources and assistance needed to achieve their goals and maintain an accurate inventory of technology assets.
• Manage relationships with the landlord and program site building managers, maintain safety plans, and monitor emergency preparedness.
• Advise the CEO on office or site improvements, lease considerations, and office needs.

Benefits

• Employer-paid health, dental, and vision insurance.
• FSA and employer-funded HRA for out-of-pocket health costs.
• Generous employer-funded contribution to the YWCA NYC retirement plan after two years of employment.
• 403(b) plan.
• Paid time off.
• Life, long-term disability, and short-term disability insurance.
• Employees may elect and pay for additional life, life AD&D, dependent life, and hospitalization coverage. Eligibility requirement rules apply.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Executive