Chief Operating Officer

About the role

The Milwaukee Jewish Federation represents our community's collective commitment to the future of our people. We nurture and sustain a vibrant Jewish community through financial resource development, outreach and engagement, and community planning. The Milwaukee Jewish Federation is seeking a Chief Operating Officer (COO) to join its team during a pivotal moment of change and growth.

Responsibilities

The COO will serve as the internal partner to the CEO, collaborating closely to develop and implement organizational strategies that align with the mission and priorities. Key responsibilities include:

• Overseeing the daily operations of the Federation, ensuring that all functions run smoothly and effectively
• Supervising senior staff, managing financial and operational performance, mitigating risk and driving initiatives that enhance productivity and outcomes
• Partnering with the CEO to develop organizational strategies that align with mission and vision
• Translating strategic vision into operational plans, objectives, and measurable outcomes
• Monitoring and evaluating operational performance, making data-driven decisions to enhance productivity and outcomes
• Driving operational excellence and continuous improvement across all functions of the organization

Departmental Oversight

The COO will provide oversight for several departments, including:

• Finance & Administration: ensuring sound financial planning, reporting, risk management, and compliance in partnership with the CFO
• Real Estate, Properties, and Facilities: providing overall direction for the management of all Federation-owned properties
• Management Information Systems: guiding IT & data strategy to ensure secure and efficient systems and platforms
• Human Resources: guiding HR strategy to ensure alignment of people practices and resources with strategic and operational goals

Strategic Initiatives

The COO will lead the execution of strategic initiatives and key organizational priorities, including strategic plan and CRM transition, and oversee cross-functional coordination to ensure alignment across departments and programs.

Board & Community Engagement

The COO will serve as a liaison to select board committees, support lay-professional partnerships, and provide operational insight for governance decisions, as well as represent the Federation in community forums and with partner agencies as needed.

Qualifications

The ideal candidate will have:

• Bachelor’s degree required; advanced degree preferred
• Minimum of ten years of experience in progressively responsible senior leadership roles in a business or public service organization, government, or non-governmental organization; nonprofit leadership experience a plus
• Proven experience managing complex operations, staff, and budgets
• Strong financial acumen, strategic thinking, and project management skills
• Excellent interpersonal, communication, and leadership abilities
• Familiarity with real estate management and Jewish community dynamics a plus

Skills

The COO will possess:

• Empowering leadership skills, with the ability to guide and consult with staff and stakeholders
• Cross-functional management skills, with the ability to streamline internal processes and align different business lines
• Operational excellence, with a focus on business acumen, strategic planning, and departmental oversight
• Interpersonal skills, with the ability to connect with staff, build trust, and foster a positive organizational culture

Compensation and Location

Compensation starts at $175,000 and includes generous time off and a competitive benefits package. The position is based in Milwaukee, Wisconsin.