Chief Operations Officer

Atlantic Federal Credit Union•South Portland, ME

About The Position

Atlantic is seeking a strategic, execution-focused Chief Operations Officer to help lead the organization into its next phase of operational excellence, innovation, and growth. This is a pivotal executive role for a proven leader who thrives at the intersection of people, process, technology, and compliance—and who is passionate about delivering exceptional, member-focused service. As a key member of the Senior Leadership Team, the COO will oversee Atlantic’s core operational and technology functions, ensuring strong performance, regulatory integrity, and alignment with enterprise strategy. This role provides executive leadership to multiple business units and three direct reports, with broad influence across the organization. The COO is responsible for directing, optimizing, and overseeing operational performance across Atlantic’s operational and technology departments, including Information Technology, Business Systems, Compliance, Deposit Operations, Loan Operations, and other critical units.

Requirements

10–15 years of progressive leadership experience in operations, compliance, technology, lending, or related financial services environments.
Master’s degree preferred, or bachelor’s degree with relevant professional certification (e.g., CPA, CISM, CRCM, Lean Six Sigma).
Exceptional communication, negotiation, and conflict-resolution skills.
Ability to influence across departments, build strong partnerships, and motivate high-performing teams.
Extensive knowledge of lending and deposit regulations, operational risk management, and compliance frameworks.
Strong understanding of digital banking systems, cybersecurity, technology governance, and process engineering.
Proven analytical, organizational, and strategic planning capabilities.

Responsibilities

Direct and oversee operational departments in alignment with Credit Union policy, regulatory requirements, and strategic objectives.
Build and sustain operational excellence through strong process design, internal controls, and performance management.
Develop qualified leaders, robust succession plans, and a pipeline of future talent across all operational areas.
Lead and mentor direct reports and senior operational leaders across multiple business units.
Promote a high-performance, accountability-driven culture focused on continuous improvement.
Oversee workforce planning, staffing models, coaching, and leadership development initiatives.
Partner with the Senior Leadership Team on annual and long-range planning, budgeting, and enterprise resource allocation.
Ensure departments meet operational, financial, productivity, and quality goals while managing operational risk.
Oversee vendor partnerships, contract negotiations, and third-party service providers.
Ensure service excellence, strong risk controls, cybersecurity alignment, and operational scalability.
Drive technology modernization and digital capabilities to enhance efficiency and member experience.
Lead enterprise compliance across operational areas, including BSA/AML governance, quality control programs, and enterprise risk management.
Coordinate internal audits and ensure adherence to federal, state, and internal regulatory standards.
Perform additional executive functions and initiatives as needed to support organizational priorities.