Chief Operating Officer

Position Description

Chief Operating Officer

Location: New York, New York City

Reports to: Chief Executive Officer

About REFORM Alliance

REFORM is committed to transforming probation and parole throughout the United States by changing laws, systems, and culture. The organization is working to replace America’s criminal justice system with a restorative approach that is fair, accountable, and invested in rehabilitation. Our goal is for people to reenter society with dignity, create meaningful pathways to work, and equip them with the tools to succeed, all while making families and communities safer and stronger.

REFORM was founded in the wake of the #FreeMeek movement. The Board includes award-winning recording artist Meek Mill; Fanatics executive chairman Michael Rubin; Arnold Ventures co-founder Laura Arnold; entrepreneur and business mogul Shawn “JAY-Z” Carter; Kraft Group CEO and New England Patriots owner Robert Kraft; Galaxy Digital CEO and founder Michael E. Novogratz; Vista Equity Partners founder, chairman, CEO Robert F. Smith; Brooklyn Nets co-owner, businesswoman, investor, and philanthropist Clara Wu Tsai; and CEO and President of Live Nation Entertainment Michael Rapino; and co-founder and Executive Chairperson of Cincoro Tequila Emilia Fazzalari. Criminal justice advocate Jessica Jackson leads the organization as CEO.

Purpose

The Chief Operating Officer (COO) will provide strategic leadership and operational oversight to ensure the efficient and effective operation of REFORM Alliance's business operations. The COO will work closely with the CEO and the Executive Leadership Team (ELT) to drive operational excellence, enhance organizational performance, and ensure financial sustainability. This role requires a highly organized and results-driven leader with a deep understanding of operations management, a commitment to the organization’s mission, and the ability to lead a high-performing team in a dynamic environment.

Core Responsibilities

• Strategic Leadership: Collaborate with the CEO and ELT to develop and implement the organization's strategic plan, ensuring alignment with REFORM’s mission, vision, and strategic goals.
• Organizational Development: Oversee the organization’s growth and development, ensuring the implementation of best practices in operations, management, and governance.
• Operational Excellence:
• Integrate Core Operations: Unify the organization's core operations management by aligning resources, planning, and information systems to support the effective delivery of both programming and internal projects. Ensure that all operations are seamlessly integrated to enhance efficiency and impact.
• Leadership Support: Support the CEO and ELT in all aspects of the organization’s operations, including program implementation and operating performance. Drive continuous improvement by regularly evaluating program outcomes and organizational effectiveness.
• Strategic Alignment: Ensure the entire REFORM team consistently aligns with the organization's strategic objectives. Facilitate the delivery of initiatives and projects aligned with REFORM’s strategic vision, ensuring they are executed in a tangible, efficient, and effective manner.
• Financial Management: Oversee the company’s budget and financial planning processes, ensuring alignment with strategic goals. Maintain rigorous financial controls, monitor financial performance, and implement corrective actions when necessary to ensure financial health and sustainability.
• Resource Management: Ensure the organization meets its financial targets through effective resource allocation and cost management. Proactively identify areas where resources can be optimized to maximize impact.
• Risk Management: Identify, assess, and mitigate operational risks to protect the organization from potential threats. Develop and implement risk management strategies to ensure the continuity and security of operations.
• Regulatory Compliance: Ensure all organizational activities comply with industry regulations, standards, and best practices. Regularly review and update policies to maintain compliance and operational integrity.
• Policy Development: Develop and implement policies and procedures that enhance operational security, efficiency, and effectiveness. Continuously review and refine operational processes to support the organization’s goals and adapt to changing environments.
• Technology Oversight: Manage and oversee the organization’s technology infrastructure, ensuring that technology systems are aligned with operational needs, secure, and scalable. Evaluate and implement new technologies to enhance operational efficiency and support the organization's strategic objectives.
• HR Outsourcing Management: Oversee the management of HR outsourcing services. Ensure that HR outsourcing aligns with organizational needs, complies with regulations, and supports overall employee satisfaction and organizational effectiveness.
• Team Leadership: Inspire and lead a diverse, high-performing team, fostering a culture of collaboration, innovation, and professional development.
• Board Collaboration: Work closely with the CEO and the Board of Directors to align on strategy, governance, and organizational performance, providing regular updates on progress and challenges.
  

Qualifications

• At least 10-15 years of experience in operations management within a multi-site, preferably in a nonprofit organization, with at least 6-8 years experience in a senior leadership role.
• Proven experience in a senior management role, preferably as a COO or a similar position, with a strong understanding of business functions such as HR, finance, etc.
• Demonstrated experience in strategic planning, business development, and organizational growth.
• Strong leadership, organizational, and decision-making skills with a focus on operational excellence.
• Exceptional communication, public speaking, and interpersonal skills, with the ability to engage and inspire a diverse team.
• Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration, Management, or a related field (Master’s degree preferred).
• Commitment to REFORM’s mission and values, with a passion for advocating for systemic change in the criminal justice system.
• Ability to work in a high-pressure environment, managing multiple priorities and leading the organization through periods of growth and change.
  
  

Personal Attributes

• Solution-oriented, highly motivated, and proactive self-starter.
• Ability to handle confidential information with discretion.
• Exceptional organizational skills, with the ability to meet deadlines and manage multiple projects.
• High emotional intelligence, sound judgment, and attention to detail.
• Integrity, confidence, positive attitude, sense of humor, mission-driven, and self-directed.
  
  

Salary Range: $325,000-$400,000

Perks and Benefits:At REFORM Alliance, you'll engage in impactful, mission-driven work while enjoying comprehensive benefits, including medical, dental, vision, life, disability, and other ancillary options. We prioritize your well-being and mental health by providing Talkspace at no cost, along with a generous 4% employer match on retirement plans, fully vested from day one. We also offer 3 weeks of PTO and 11 paid holidays to ensure a healthy work-life balance. Our commitment to diversity, inclusion, and community development makes REFORM a place where your work truly matters.

About REFORM Alliance’s Culture

At REFORM Alliance, we strive to move hearts and minds to create a more humane criminal justice system. This requires us to maintain a company culture that values employee individuality and community development. We are committed to fostering an environment that is inclusive, empowering, and globally minded. We firmly believe that diversity in gender, race, ethnicity, sexual identity, cultural background, religion, disability, and age produces ideas and perspectives that make our efforts stronger for people unjustly in the system and make our company a better place to work. Our leadership team is committed to embedding diversity and inclusion into everything we do and how we lead.

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