Find & Apply For Chief Operating Officer Jobs in Washington, D.C.

About IWPR The Institute for Women's Policy Research (IWPR) conducts and communicates research to inspire public dialogue, shape policy, and improve the lives and opportunities of women of diverse backgrounds, circumstances, and experiences. We are the leading think tank in the United States applying quantitative and qualitative analysis of public policy through a gendered lens. IWPR advances women's status through social science research, policy analysis, and public education. We develop new policy ideas, encourage enlightened public debate, and promote sound policy and program development. Our work also helps to change minds and improve the practices of institutions. IWPR operates on the principle that knowledge is power and that social science evidence based on strong data and analysis, compellingly presented and systematically disseminated, makes a difference in moving public policy. Reporting to the President and CEO, the Chief Financial and Operating Officer (CFOO) at IWPR will provide strategic leadership, management, planning and enhancement of IWPR's internal financial and organizational systems and infrastructure allowing IWPR to fulfill our mission and scale our impact. This CFOO is a part of the Executive Leadership team and will oversee and direct the operations and administration of the organization with direct oversight and day-to-day engagement in Finance, People and Culture, IT, administration, and compliance. The CFOO will have a strong day-to-day leadership presence and serve as a steward of IWPR's values, supporting high performance, staff morale, and have an unfailing dedication to producing high quality, rigorous research on the economic security of girls, women and families. Key roles and responsibilities Strategy, Vision and Leadership Serve as a strategic financial adviser and thought partner to the President and CEO in organization-wide planning and development. Develop and implement organizational systems and processes to maximize efficiency, increase transparency and support future growth; Support the implementation of IWPR's strategic plan with a particular focus on financial planning and sustainability and strong talent management; Through action and behavior, model best practices, habits, and practices for IWPR staff; Identify and assess emerging operations gaps, working to proactively overcome and address issues; Build a culture that attracts and retains top talent for all positions at IWPR; and Serve as an advisor to IWPR Leadership and senior staff. Operations Management Lead the day-to-day internal operations of IWPR and work to solve issues quickly and effectively with an eye towards the best interests of the organization; Provide hands-on leadership of finance and accounting, including budget development and monitoring, grants management and compliance, cash and investments, accounts payable and receivable, payroll, tax, audit, and governance; Oversee the hiring, promotion, and termination process for staff, contractors and vendors; Serve as a partner, coach, and manager to staff responsible for directing the organization's internal operating systems, including the Vice President of People and Culture, Office ——Manager, Finance staff, and IT support; Manage and oversee vendor relationships and partnerships, consultants; and Support the planning of leadership and staff retreats and in-service training on relevant issues and topics for IWPR staff in partnership with the Vice President of People and Culture Financial Management Advise the President and CEO regarding opportunities for continuous improvement of the organization's fiscal function and performance; Provide hands-on leadership of finance and accounting, including budget development and monitoring, grants management and compliance, cash and investments, accounts payable and receivable, payroll, tax, audit, and governance; Manage and work closely with finance consultants; and Collaborate with the Finance Committee and Board on investment policies and financial planning, attending triannual board meetings, overseeing investment portfolios, and guiding the Board Finance Committee on strategic movements. Team Management and Culture Partner with the President and CEO, Executive and Senior Leadership Teams to cultivate a culture of transparency, equity, and inclusion; Serve as a thought partner, coach, mentor, and manager to staff responsible for directing the organization's internal operating systems, including the Vice President of People and Culture, Office Manager, Senior Director of Finance, Finance staff, and IT support; Partner with the VP of People and Culture on hiring, onboarding, promotion, and offboarding processes for staff, as well as support the planning of leadership and staff retreats and in-service training on relevant issues and topics. Desired Qualifications Master's Degree in business, accounting, or nonprofit management, or equivalent experience/expertise. CPA preferred but not required; 10+ years' experience in finance and operations management; Experience working in a unionized environment, including experience supervising and managing staff represented by a union, is strongly preferred. Demonstrated strategic financial, budget, and human resource management skills and experience; Demonstrated experience with technology, systems, and project leadership; Excellent writing, editing and verbal communications skills, including presentation skills; Strong existing networks and leader in the field; Proven track record of effectively working to meet the needs and address the concerns of a diverse staff; Superior problem-solving, managerial and interpersonal skills; Judgment and discretion to manage confidential and difficult matters; Ability to work strategically and collaboratively across the organization; Effective, versatile, and action-oriented; and Ability to work well under pressure with tight deadlines and multiple priorities. This role is in a hybrid environment and is a full-time exempt position. This is an Admin VI and the salary range for this position is $196,992 - $235,980 based on education and experience. IWPR provides competitive salaries and a generous benefits package. IWPR has retained the executive search firm LeaderFit to lead this search. Candidates should share an updated resume and brief cover letter outlining their interest in the role and upload it to the LeaderFit system. Applications will be accepted until the position is filled. Individuals from underrepresented groups are encouraged to apply. IWPR is an equal opportunity employer. We consider applicants without regard to race, color, religion, gender, national origin, age, disability, marital or veteran status, sexual orientation, or any other legally protected status. At LeaderFit, all candidate materials are reviewed by experienced humans, never by AI. We believe that evaluating leadership potential, lived experience, and alignment with mission and culture requires human judgment, insight, and care. We leverage AI in other ways to ensure efficiency, optimized research, and allowing LeaderFit staff to focus on what humans do best, which is connecting, engaging, and building community.