Description

Reporting directly to the President, the Chief Operating Officer (COO) is a key member of the executive team responsible for overseeing Mount Tamalpais College’s financial, human resources, administrative, and operational infrastructure, including technology and data management. The role carries broad, organization-wide influence and is central to ensuring effective internal controls, operational excellence, and sustainability.

Over the next several years, MTC will continue to grow and refine systems to match its evolving needs as an accredited college operating inside a correctional environment. MTC seeks a COO who will:

• Ensure that the organization operates smoothly and responsively, with systems that reflect MTC’s growth trajectory, needs, and best practices.
• Lead planning for organizational capacity and growth, driving the organization toward greater impact.
• Strengthen financial, HR, administrative, and technological functions with an eye toward long-term sustainability, efficiency, and best practices.
• Build trust and strong working relationships across teams and with external partners.
   

This is a role for a leader who is both strategic and hands-on, capable of building systems, improving processes, and supporting a highly collaborative culture. It is an opportunity for a seasoned leader in finance, HR, and operations who brings professional maturity, emotional intelligence, and a commitment to educational equity.

Essential Functions and Responsibilities

Strategy, Vision, and Leadership

§  Partner with the executive team to refine financial and strategic objectives, implement organizational strategy, and oversee mission-critical projects and initiatives.

§  Provide strong leadership that cultivates organizational values, strengthens inclusion and engagement, and supports collaborative problem-solving across departments.

§  Oversee, direct, and organize the work of the Finance, HR, and administrative operations, including supervising the Finance and HR Manager.

Finance 

§  Direct and coordinate financial planning and budget management, including the annual budget process and quarterly forecasting.

§  Oversee all accounting functions including A/P, A/R, payroll, bank reconciliations, cash management, month and year-end close functions, and ensure conformity with generally accepted accounting principles.

§  Coordinate financial audits and provide recommendations for procedural improvements.

§  Coordinate with the Chief Development Officer to track and forecast organizational revenue and provide financial and budget information in support of grants and other funding opportunities.

§  Continuously improve internal controls and systems, policies, and procedures for efficiency and safeguarding the assets of MTC and ensuring data integrity.  

§  Advise the president and executive team on financial planning, budgeting, cash flow, and policy.  

§  Serve as the management liaison to the board finance, investment, and audit committees; effectively communicate and present financial matters to the board.

Human Resources  

§  Oversee HR consultant’s payroll and benefits administration, and other HR functions including recruiting, onboarding, off-boarding, performance management, training, and compliance.

§  Coordinate professional development planning and implementation across the organization.

§  Review employee benefits, with attention to offering a competitive, cost-effective, and supportive menu of offerings.

§  In partnership with the executive team, develop a compensation philosophy and implement a salary structure that is competitive and supports MTC in hiring and retaining excellent staff.

Technology, Data Management and Integration

§  Manage outsourced services, which currently include IT support, accounting services, HR consulting, and Salesforce administration.

§  Oversee technology infrastructure, ensuring that MTC has the necessary software, systems, and hardware to support its work efficiently and securely.

§  Ensure technology solutions align with program needs, administrative operations, and long-term organizational goals.

§  Establish seamless data integration and coordination across Programs, Advancement, Alumni Affairs, and Research & Evaluation.

Requirements

CANDIDATE QUALIFICATIONS / EXPERIENCE

Education:         Bachelor’s degree required, MBA/MPA or CPA desired.

Experience:       Minimum of eight years of professional experience in finance, HR, and operations roles, with at least three years in a senior role, ideally in a nonprofit organization.

• Deep knowledge of nonprofit accounting.
• Brings a strategic and visionary approach for problem-solving around core business challenges.
• Track record of ease in building trusting relationships and inspiring confidence with a variety of stakeholders, including colleagues, board members, staff, and external partners.
• Commitment to financial rigor and integrity.
• Experience with creating and implementing new processes, procedures, and systems in a collaborative environment.    
• Track record of an innovative and initiative-oriented mindset that values teamwork and reaching goals.
• High proficiency with common accounting software (e.g., FundEZ), Google Drive, and Excel.            
• Experience working with a board of trustees and a finance committee.
• Experience in higher education is positive but not required.

 It is not necessary to meet all the criteria above to apply and be considered for this critical position.     
 
COMPETENCIES / ATTRIBUTES
 
The successful candidate will be:

• Committed to MTC’s mission to serve diverse and marginalized communities.
• Collaborative, approachable, results-oriented, and calm under pressure.
• Trustworthy, curious, open-minded, idealistic, and humble.
• A highly capable leader and manager, contributing to strategic planning as well as managing budgeting and operations.
• Team-oriented while also being proactive and self-directed, with a strong ability to move work forward independently.
• Optimistic and motivated by organizational growth.

 The successful candidate will have:

• A strong passion for higher education and social justice.
• Transparent and clear communication style.
• A “roll up your” sleeves approach to getting work done.
• A solid grasp of best practices in operations procedures and processes.
• The ability to think independently and critically, with appreciation for nuance and complexity.