Chief Operating Officer

XPRIZE Foundation•, (Multiple States)

1d•Remote

About The Position

The Chief Operating Officer (COO) is a core member of XPRIZE’s executive leadership team and a strategic partner to the CEO. This role exists to ensure that XPRIZE’s internal operating systems, infrastructure, and governance are strong, scalable, and mission‑aligned, enabling the organization to deliver bold, audacious prizes at global scale. The COO oversees XPRIZE’s enterprise operations, including Information Technology, People & Culture (HR), Finance, and Legal/Business Affairs, ensuring that these functions operate as integrated enablers of impact rather than isolated support teams. The COO brings rigor, clarity, and accountability to how XPRIZE runs, while protecting the creativity, experimentation, and entrepreneurial spirit that define the organization. This is a builder‑leader role suited for an executive who thrives in complexity, can scale systems without bureaucracy, and knows how to balance innovation with operational discipline.

Requirements

15+ years of progressive senior leadership experience, including enterprise operations oversight
Demonstrated experience scaling organizations (nonprofit, for‑profit, or hybrid environments)
Direct experience overseeing Finance, HR, IT, and Legal/Business Affairs functions
Strong financial acumen; experience with budgeting, forecasting, and organizational metrics
Prior experience working with Boards and Board committees
Systems thinker who sees how people, process, and technology fit together
Comfortable operating in ambiguity while driving clarity and execution
High integrity, sound judgment, and strong executive presence
Ability to balance discipline with creativity and speed
Collaborative, direct, and trusted partner to the CEO and executive peers
Mission‑driven and inspired by XPRIZE’s purpose
Calm, steady leader with resilience and adaptability
Highly organized with strong follow‑through
Curious, learning‑oriented, and open to new ways of working
Collaborative Leadership - Builds trust and alignment across diverse teams and stakeholders; fosters a culture of shared purpose
Team Building and Alignment - Creates and develops strong teams, unites them around a compelling vision and inspires high performance
Decisive and Action Oriented - Moves ideas into action with urgency while balancing thoughtful risk-taking
Comfort with Ambiguity - Navigates complexity and uncertainty with resilience, adaptability, and clarity
Effective Communication - Communicates with professionalism and influence, tailoring style to audiences from engineers and scientists to global executives and lay people
Strategic Planning and Execution - Aligns resources and priorities; sets clear goals and ensures accountability
Global Mindset - Operates with cultural awareness and perspective; experienced and comfortable engaging with international partners
Intellectual Curiosity - Approaches challenges with curiosity, creativity, and a passion for continuous learning
Data-Driven Results Orientation - Establishes metrics, analyzes outcomes, and drives measurable impact
Situational Agility - Adapts quickly to evolving circumstances, demonstrating judgment, diplomacy, and presence
Talent Developer - Builds, mentors, and sustains high-performing, engaged teams

Nice To Haves

MBA or equivalent advanced degree preferred
CPA or similar credential a plus

Responsibilities

Own the design, integration, and continuous improvement of XPRIZE’s operating model across IT, HR, Finance, and Legal
Ensure systems, policies, and processes scale effectively as XPRIZE grows in size, complexity, and global reach
Establish clear decision rights, accountability, and performance expectations across operational functions
Ensure clear and efficient cross functional alignment across the organization
Translate strategy into executable operating plans, metrics, and rhythms
Provide executive oversight of financial strategy, planning, and performance
Partner with Finance leadership on budgeting, forecasting, cash‑flow management, and long‑range financial modeling, monthly and quarterly reporting for the board, sponsors, and internal programs
Ensure strong internal controls, audit readiness, and compliance with nonprofit and regulatory requirements
Support the CEO and Board with clear, decision‑ready financial insights
Oversee enterprise performance metrics and dashboards, insight driven reporting tied to organizational priorities
Oversee the People & Culture function to ensure XPRIZE attracts, develops, and retains world‑class talent
Ensure compensation, performance management, talent development, and succession planning are aligned with strategy
Champion a high‑performance, values‑driven culture with clear expectations and accountability
Ensure compliance with employment laws and best practices across jurisdictions
Serve as a thought partner to the CEO and executive team on organizational design, leadership effectiveness, and culture evolution
Oversee legal and business affairs, including contracts, leases, intellectual property considerations, and regulatory compliance
Ensure appropriate risk management practices, insurance coverage, and vendor oversight
Partner with external counsel as needed while maintaining internal discipline and efficiency
Support Board operations, governance processes, and committee work in partnership with the CEO
Oversee enterprise IT strategy, infrastructure, cybersecurity, and data governance
Ensure technology systems enable collaboration, scalability, security, and operational efficiency
Champion thoughtful adoption of new tools, automation, and AI‑enabled systems where they meaningfully enhance performance
Partner with the CEO and executive team to shape and operationalize XPRIZE’s strategic priorities
Build systems for tracking execution, progress, and organizational health
Ensure cross‑functional alignment and remove operational friction that slows impact
Lead, coach, and develop senior operational leaders
Build a culture of ownership, clarity, and continuous improvement
Act as a stabilizing force during periods of rapid growth, change, or ambiguity
Model calm, decisive leadership and strong judgment under pressure