Deputy COO

Climate Imperative Foundation•San Francisco, CA

9h•Hybrid

About The Position

The Deputy Chief Operating Officer (Deputy COO) supports the Chief Operating Officer in managing and strengthening the organization’s internal operations, systems, facilities, and administrative functions. Working closely with the COO, Senior Manager, Executive Support, and Director, IT & Systems, the Deputy COO ensures the organization’s infrastructure operates effectively, including oversight of facilities across our San Francisco and Washington, DC offices and support for remote staff. This role brings a strong technical perspective to the evolution of systems, including the thoughtful optimization of technologies such as AI, and drives execution of operational priorities across teams. Reporting to the COO, the Deputy COO oversees the IT & Systems and Executive Support teams and leads efforts to strengthen internal systems, coordination, and staff support functions. With a strong foundation in IT and systems, the Deputy COO drives continuous improvement in how the organization leverages technology to operate effectively, enabling the COO to focus on strategic leadership and long-term planning.

Requirements

10+ years of professional experience in operations, organizational management, nonprofit leadership, business administration, or a related field
Demonstrated ability to handle sensitive information with discretion and sound judgment
Experience leading or supporting change management initiatives in complex, evolving organizations
Builder mindset, experience creating, refining, and scaling processes, systems, and teams
Strong leadership and people management skills, including experience supervising teams and supporting staff development
Experience improving organizational systems, processes, or workflows to increase efficiency and effectiveness
Strong organizational, analytical, and problem-solving skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities in a dynamic environment
Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to collaborate effectively across teams and leadership levels
Experience working in nonprofit, policy, or mission-driven organizations preferred
Ability to thrive in a fast-paced, collaborative, and evolving environment

Responsibilities

Partner with the COO to drive execution of organizational strategy and operational priorities
Translate priorities into clear plans, timelines, and cross-team coordination
Monitor operational performance and identify opportunities to improve systems and processes
Support organization-wide planning, including annual operations planning and goal tracking
Partner with the COO and People team on workforce planning to support organizational needs
Set the strategic direction for the organization’s IT & Systems infrastructure, ensuring alignment with organizational priorities
Lead the evolution and optimization of systems and data capabilities, including refining the organization’s use of AI and emerging technologies
Partner with the Director, IT & Systems to guide priorities and strategy, ensuring a high-performing and forward-looking function
Oversee the Executive Support team to ensure coordinated, high-quality support for senior leadership
Establish and refine systems and workflows to improve efficiency and alignment
Partner with the Senior Manager, Executive Support on team development, capacity planning, and continuous improvement
Provide strategic oversight of office operations across our San Francisco and DC offices, ensuring environments effectively support staff needs
Oversee vendor and partner relationships to ensure effective and efficient facilities operations
Identify opportunities to improve office systems, policies, and space utilization
Lead and support the IT & Systems and Executive Support teams, including performance management and professional development
Foster strong communication and coordination across operational teams
Serve as a trusted operational partner to the COO in addressing organizational needs and opportunities