Chief Operating Officer

Blue Forest

Chief Operating Officer leading internal infrastructure and organizational effectiveness for conservation finance nonprofit. Collaborating with executive leadership to shape long-term direction and operational alignment during growth.

Posted 7/20/2026full-timeRemote • California • 🇺🇸 United StatesLead💰 $200,000 - $225,000 per yearWebsite

Core Competencies

Role fit

Core Competencies

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Demonstrates expertise in executive operations, HR systems, and organizational systems management, with a strong focus on strategic planning, operational design, and compliance with nonprofit regulations. Proven ability to lead cross-functional initiatives and cultivate relationships with funders and stakeholders to support organizational goals.

Highest-signal resume keywords

Executive Operations LeadershipHR Systems ManagementStrategic Planning and ExecutionNonprofit Compliance KnowledgeFinancial Operations Management

ATS Keywords

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Applicant Tracking System Keywords

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Hard Skills

Organizational Systems ManagementProject ManagementBudget ManagementContract ManagementRisk ManagementCybersecurity CoordinationPerformance ManagementTalent AcquisitionDecision-MakingAnalytical Skills

Soft Skills

LeadershipCommunicationCollaborationProblem-SolvingMentoring

Tools & Technologies

HR SystemsIT InfrastructureEnterprise SystemsKnowledge Management PracticesFinancial Controls

Certifications & Qualifications

SHRM CertificationPMP Certification

Industry Keywords

Nonprofit RegulationsMulti-State ComplianceFundraising StrategyOrganizational HealthClimate Resilience

Tech Stack

Tools & technologies

Cyber SecurityPMP

About the role

Key responsibilities & impact

Oversee HR, IT, and other components of operations, including legal operations and event logistics
Ensure internal systems, infrastructure, and operational capacity effectively support programmatic delivery, including investment and asset management activities
Align staffing models, org design, systems, and organizational resources with the company’s strategic objectives
Strengthen clarity of decision rights, accountability, and governance across departments and teams
Oversee enterprise systems, IT infrastructure, cybersecurity coordination, and knowledge management practices
Lead major infrastructure and systems initiatives to strengthen operational maturity and scalability
Ensure compliance with multi-state nonprofit regulations and applicable federal requirements, including 2 CFR 200
Partner with the CFO on the org's financial and governance infrastructure — budgeting, financial controls, internal policy, and risk management (including insurance) — to keep Blue Forest accountable and resilient as it scales
Support Board governance by preparing operational materials and participating in Board discussions related to organizational health and performance
Liaise with external legal counsel; review, negotiate, and approve key organizational agreements in coordination with counsel and the CFO
Serve as a member of the Executive Leadership Team (XLT) and Senior Leadership Team (SLT), helping set strategic direction and make major organizational decisions
Facilitate XLT and SLT meeting agendas and decision-making processes to standardize and strengthen organizational stability
Oversee the company-wide strategic planning process
Drive execution of the strategic plan, translating priorities into plans, goals, and KPIs, and owning systems for staying accountable to the plan
Monitor organizational performance and proactively identify, assess, and escalate operational risks and opportunities
Serve as a cross-functional integrator, ensuring alignment and resolving friction to advance mission delivery
Support the CEO and CFO in operational readiness for investor, funder, and partner due diligence processes
Oversee procurement and strategic vendor relationships, ensuring operational efficiency and fiscal responsibility
Represent organizational operations in external meetings with investors, partners, funders, and stakeholders as appropriate
Collaborate with XLT/SLT members to lead assessment of key strategic partnership opportunities, such as funding collaborations, co-branding, joint ventures, or M&A
Cultivate and steward relationships with funders, investors, and philanthropic partners, supporting the CEO and CFO in fundraising strategy and execution
Lead enterprise HR strategy, including workforce planning, succession planning, and talent acquisition
Strengthen performance management, leadership development, and management capability across a distributed, remote workforce
Foster a collaborative, compliant, and mission-aligned team culture that reflects organizational values and commitment to impact
Champion organizational culture, values, and equity commitments, ensuring alignment with enterprise systems and policies
Directly supervise and mentor leaders across operations functional areas, providing clear performance expectations, feedback, and professional development support

Requirements

What you’ll need

Proven leadership and people management experience
10+ years of progressive leadership experience in executive operations, HR, or related organizational leadership roles within nonprofit or small- to mid-size organizations
Demonstrated experience managing distributed teams and leading cross-functional initiatives
Expertise in HR systems, IT infrastructure oversight, and organizational systems management
Strong strategic planning, operational design, project management, and execution skills
Working knowledge of employment law, nonprofit compliance, and contract management, whether through direct experience or close collaboration with legal counsel
Experience cultivating and managing relationships with funders, investors, or institutional donors to support organizational fundraising goals
Financial operations experience, including budget management, financial controls, and familiarity with financial/legal agreements (e.g., grant agreements, investment or funding documents)
Familiarity with federal grants compliance and multi-state nonprofit regulatory requirements
Strong analytical, problem-solving, and decision-making skills
Exceptional written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to translate strategy into clear operational direction
Passion for conservation, climate resilience, and innovative finance solutions
HR and project management certifications (e.g., SHRM, PMP) are a plus

Benefits

Comp & perks

100% employer-paid health, dental, and vision coverage; subsidized coverage for dependents
Access to a 401(k) retirement plan with a 5% employer match
4 weeks paid vacation and 17 paid holidays; paid sick time and volunteer time
3 months of paid family leave
Employer-paid life and long-term disability insurance
Access to Dependent Care FSA and Health FSA
Public Lands Exploration stipend (reimbursements for visits to National Forests, county parks, etc.)
Monthly Home Office stipend or co-working space provided
Dependent care costs are subsidized for business travel
Additional stipends for health & wellness, home internet, and cell service
Financial support for professional development