Chief Operating Officer

XPRIZE Foundation • , (Multiple States)

3d • $325,000 - $375,000 • 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 Finance, People & Culture (Human Resources), 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, and Legal/Business Affairs functions
• Strong financial acumen; experience with budgeting, forecasting, and organizational metrics
• Prior experience working with Boards and Board committees
• MBA or equivalent advanced degree preferred; CPA or similar credential a plus
• 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
• Builds trust and alignment across diverse teams and stakeholders; fosters a culture of shared purpose
• Creates and develops strong teams, unites them around a compelling vision and inspires high performance
• Moves ideas into action with urgency while balancing thoughtful risk-taking
• Navigates complexity and uncertainty with resilience, adaptability, and clarity
• Communicates with professionalism and influence, tailoring style to audiences from engineers and scientists to global executives and lay people
• Aligns resources and priorities; sets clear goals and ensures accountability
• Operates with cultural awareness and perspective; experienced and comfortable engaging with international partners
• Approaches challenges with curiosity, creativity, and a passion for continuous learning
• Establishes metrics, analyzes outcomes, and drives measurable impact
• Adapts quickly to evolving circumstances, demonstrating judgment, diplomacy, and presence
• Builds, mentors, and sustains high-performing, engaged teams

Nice To Haves

• MBA or equivalent advanced degree
• CPA or similar credential

Responsibilities

• Own the design, integration, and continuous improvement of XPRIZE’s operating model across Finance, Legal and Human Resources
• 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
• 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

Benefits

• Remote-first environment (must live and work in the United States)
• Quarterly company-paid All-Hands meetings in Los Angeles for frequent in-person collaboration
• Employee and dependent medical, dental, and vision options
• A 401(K) program with employer match
• Ample paid time off, including vacation, floating holidays, sick days, and company-paid holidays
• An Employee Assistance Program for confidential, professional support with personal, family, or other challenges
• Employee stipends/reimbursements for cell phone, internet, health & wellbeing, and learning & development
• Generous Paid Parental Leave for all employees welcoming a new child to their family
• One meeting-free block per week and four focus weeks per year to ensure uninterrupted time for strategic projects

What This Job Offers

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