Chief Operating Officer

Chief Operating Officer Youth First, Inc. Evansville, IN Job Details Full-time 23 hours ago Qualifications Decision making Cross-functional collaboration Cross-functional team management Data-driven decision making Cross-functional communication Senior leadership

Full Job Description Purpose :

The Chief Operating Officer (COO) serves as the operational leader of Youth First and a key strategic partner to the PresidentCEO. The COO ensures the organization operates with clarity, consistency, and excellence across programs, grants, development collaboration, technology, and operational systems. This position translates Youth First's strategic priorities into operational execution by building strong internal systems, strengthening cross-department collaboration, and ensuring that programs and resources scale effectively to support the organization's mission. A significant responsibility of the COO is the leadership and oversight of the Grants Team, ensuring Youth First consistently secures and manages significant grant funding to support the organization's growth and sustainability. The COO leads organizational performance, operational discipline, and cross-department alignment so Youth First can expand its impact for youth and families while maintaining program quality, financial stewardship, and operational excellence.

Reports To :

President and CEO RolesResponsibilities :

Organizational OperationsExecution Lead the day-to-day operational management of the organization. Translate the organization's strategic plan into clear operational priorities, timelines, and accountability systems. Establish organizational project management practices to ensure major initiatives are delivered on time and with clarity. Build operational systems that allow Youth First to scale programs while maintaining quality and fidelity. Ensure strong cross-department collaboration between programs, development, grants, finance, and marketing. Identify operational risks and implement solutions that strengthen organizational performance.

Strategic Implementation:

Partner closely with the CEO to implement Youth First's multi-year strategic plan. Lead the operational execution of the organization's strategic phases: Standardize

• establish consistent systems, reporting, and operational clarity Optimize
• improve workflows, collaboration, and program outcomes Monetize
• support growth strategies and diversified revenue opportunities Monitor progress toward organizational goals and provide regular executive reporting.

Grants StrategyOversight:

Provide leadership and oversight for the Grants Team. Ensure the organization consistently secures significant grant revenue annually.

Oversee the full grants lifecycle:

research proposal development submission reporting compliance Ensure grant opportunities align with Youth First's strategic priorities and program model. Collaborate with Finance and Programs to ensure accurate budgets, program metrics, and reporting. Strengthen systems that support sustainable national, regional, and local foundation funding.

Organizational SystemsInfrastructure:

Strengthen internal systems for: operational processes data governance technology integration program evaluation Ensure operational platforms and tools are used effectively across departments. Develop dashboards and reporting structures that provide leadership and the board with clear operational insights.

VendorOperational Management:

Oversee the organization's contract management processes, including: contract management MOU with School Partnerships performance oversight periodic rebidding when appropriate Ensure operational partners align with Youth First's mission, values, and financial stewardship practices.

Internal LeadershipCulture:

Build a culture of accountability, collaboration, and operational excellence. Support department leaders in aligning their work with organizational priorities. Lead cross-department initiatives that break down silos and encourage shared ownership of outcomes. Serve as a key advisor to the CEO on organizational health and operational strategy.

REQUIREMENTS

Experience:

Minimum 10 years of leadership experience Experience leading multi-department operations Proven experience building organizational systems, processes, and scalable operations Experience overseeing grants strategy and management strongly preferred Demonstrated success leading complex initiatives and cross-functional teams

Skills:

Strategic thinker who can translate vision into operational execution Exceptional project management and organizational leadership skills Ability to build strong cross-department collaboration Data-driven decision maker Strong communicator capable of aligning teams around shared priorities High emotional intelligence and leadership maturity

EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY

Youth First will not discriminate in recruitment, hiring, assignment, evaluation, promotion, discipline, termination, or any other employment action on the basis of any characteristic or class, which is now or may in the future become protected by law. Employment with Youth First is based solely on qualifications and competence for the particular position to be filled. Since such qualifications and competencies are not peculiar to any type or class of individuals, and since Youth First recognizes the value of a diverse workforce, there will be no discrimination in employment decisions and actions on the basis of age, race, gender, color, national origin, disability, religion, marital status, or sexual orientation. Created 4/6/26