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Chief Operating Officer - Job Opportunity at Defenders of Wildlife

Washington, DC, USA
Full-time
Executive
Posted: January 24, 2025
Remote
USD 290,000 - 354,000 per year

Benefits

Comprehensive benefits package typical of large environmental non-profits
Remote work flexibility
Professional development opportunities
Mission-driven work environment

Key Responsibilities

Strategic operational leadership and oversight of business functions
Financial planning and budget management for conservation initiatives
Human resources strategy development and union relations management
Technology and facilities infrastructure optimization
Risk management and compliance oversight
Executive partnership with CEO and board engagement

Requirements

Education

Bachelor's degree required, MBA or advanced degree preferred

Experience

20+ years progressively responsible experience, 10+ years directing administrative functions, 7+ years C-level nonprofit experience

Required Skills

Exceptional leadership skills Systems-focused and process-minded leadership Problem-solving abilities Strong decision-making capabilities Strategic planning expertise Communication skills Modern technology proficiency
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Sauge AI Market Intelligence

Industry Trends

Environmental nonprofits are increasingly focusing on operational efficiency to maximize conservation impact Growing emphasis on digital transformation in nonprofit operations Rising importance of DEI initiatives in conservation organizations Increased scrutiny of nonprofit governance and transparency

Salary Evaluation

The offered salary range of $290,000-$354,000 is competitive for nonprofit COO positions in major metropolitan areas, particularly given the organization's size and scope

Role Significance

Direct supervision of 4 reports with broader influence over organizational operations
C-suite position with significant strategic influence on organizational direction and conservation impact

Key Projects

Organizational scaling initiatives Digital transformation programs Union contract negotiations Operational efficiency improvements Risk management framework development

Success Factors

Strong balance of strategic vision and operational execution Ability to navigate complex stakeholder relationships including union dynamics Experience scaling organizations while maintaining mission focus Track record of implementing modern operational systems Demonstrated commitment to environmental conservation

Market Demand

High demand for experienced COOs in the environmental nonprofit sector, particularly those with union management and scaling experience

Important Skills

Critical Skills

Change management expertise in scaling organizations Financial strategy in nonprofit context Modern workforce management Risk management in conservation setting

Beneficial Skills

Environmental sector knowledge Government relations experience Technology transformation expertise Fundraising strategy understanding

Unique Aspects

Combination of traditional COO responsibilities with conservation mission focus
Management of unionized workforce in nonprofit setting
Balance of operational efficiency with environmental impact
Significant influence on conservation sector practices

Career Growth

Typical tenure in nonprofit COO roles is 5-7 years before advancement or transition

Potential Next Roles

CEO of environmental nonprofit Executive Director of larger conservation organization Board positions at environmental organizations

Company Overview

Defenders of Wildlife

Defenders of Wildlife is a major national conservation organization focused on wildlife protection and habitat preservation

Leading voice in wildlife conservation with significant influence on policy and practices
Nationally recognized organization with headquarters in Washington DC and distributed workforce
Mission-driven environment with strong emphasis on conservation values and professional development
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