Chief Operations Officer (COO)

Children & Families of Iowa•Des Moines, IA

About The Position

Children & Families of Iowa (CFI) is seeking a strategic, mission-driven Chief Operations Officer (COO) to lead agency operations, strengthen program excellence, and support leadership across the organization. Reporting directly to the Chief Executive Officer, the COO is a key member of the senior leadership team and plays a critical role in advancing strategy, building infrastructure, and sustaining a collaborative, values-driven culture. What’s In It for You Executive Leadership Impact – Serve as a core member of the senior leadership team and help shape the organization’s strategic direction. Mission-Driven Work – Lead programs that create meaningful, lasting outcomes for children, families, and communities across Iowa. Strategic Influence – Translate vision into action by aligning operations, performance metrics, and program excellence. Collaborative Partnership – Work closely with the CEO, Board of Directors, and Senior Leadership Team to drive innovation and long-term sustainability.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in Human Services or a closely related field required; Master’s degree preferred.
Significant leadership experience (typically 8+ years).
Professional-level clinical and supervisory leadership experience.
Proven ability to lead teams at both supervisory and executive levels.
Strong verbal, written, and leadership communication skills.
Ability to interpret professional, technical, and regulatory information and communicate it clearly.
Strong analytical, reasoning, and problem-solving skills.
Comfort with basic quantitative analysis and performance metrics.
Ability to perform standard office-based physical tasks, including occasional lifting (up to 10 lbs.).
Completion of required background checks and mandatory child abuse reporting training.
Ability to provide own transportation.

Nice To Haves

Master’s degree preferred.

Responsibilities

Strategic & Executive Leadership Serve as a member of the agency’s senior management team, contributing to organizational planning, operations, financial stewardship, and administrative policy development in alignment with core values, philosophy, accreditation, and licensure standards.
Support the governance role of the Board of Directors by providing relevant information through the CEO and/or Board Committee processes.
Represent the agency in the community in areas of assignment, as determined by the CEO.
Partner with the CEO to advance the strategic plan, enhance program delivery, implement key performance indicators, ensure contract compliance, and strengthen mission-driven outcomes.
Program & Operational Oversight Provide executive oversight for all program operations, ensuring alignment with agency policies, QA/QI standards, accreditation, licensure, funding, and contractual requirements.
Monitor and evaluate program effectiveness using qualitative and quantitative data.
Analyze trends in populations served and community and system interfaces to identify challenges and opportunities.
Ensure the timely and professional preparation of reports related to program operations, quality improvement, and fiscal management.
People, Culture & Talent Management Foster a positive, inclusive workplace culture and build strong relationships with staff, funders, and community stakeholders.
In partnership with the Chief Human Resources Officer/VP of HR, ensure appropriate staffing aligned with job descriptions, personnel policies, accreditation/licensing requirements, and applicable laws.
Lead and support the hiring, training, supervision, evaluation, and development of supervisory and clinical leaders.
Address employee concerns, manage disciplinary processes, and resolve workplace issues with professionalism and fairness.
Develop and implement long-term goals and accountability strategies for individuals and teams, including conducting difficult and constructive performance conversations.
Financial & Facility Stewardship Collaborate with the CFO/VP of Finance to administer assigned operational areas within approved budgetary guidelines.
Partner with the CFO/VP of Finance to ensure facilities effectively meet the needs of staff and clients within assigned programs.
Consultation, Marketing & Development Provide consultation, education, and subject-matter expertise across assigned programs and agency-wide initiatives.
Partner with the Chief Development Officer to support program-specific marketing, recruitment efforts, private grant applications, and fundraising activities as needed.
Teamwork & Collaboration: Maintain professional, cooperative relationships that promote a positive and productive work environment.
Culture & Values: Actively support CFI’s mission, vision, and values while advancing organizational goals and policies.
External Relations: Build and sustain productive relationships with community partners, referral sources, and stakeholders.
Ethics & Diversity: Uphold the agency’s code of ethics and demonstrate respect for cultural, ethnic, and individual diversity.
Attendance & Reliability: Maintain regular and dependable attendance as an essential function of the role.