Children’s Defense Fund (CDF), a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization working at the intersection of well-being and racial justice for children and youth, seeks a mission-driven and strategic leader to serve as its next Chief Operating Officer (COO). Based in Washington, DC and with a 50-year history rooted in the Civil Rights and Women’s movements, CDF envisions a nation where marginalized children flourish, leaders prioritize their well-being, and communities wield the power to ensure they thrive.
CDF serves and advocates for the largest, most diverse generation in America: the 74 million children and youth under the age of 18 and 30 million young adults under the age of 25, with particular attention to those living in poverty and communities of color. CDF partners with policymakers, aligned organizations, and funders in this service. Children’s Defense Fund is the only national, multi-issue advocacy organization working at the intersection of child well-being and racial justice by wielding the moral authority of programmatic proximity and community organizing to inform public policy.
Reporting to the President & CEO and a key member of the Leadership Team, the COO administers the $25 million annual operating budget and oversees the Finance, Human Resources, Information Technology, and Facilities teams. The COO also provides executive staffing for the Finance Committee of the Board of Directors and Ad Hoc task forces, as assigned.
The successful candidate will possess a deep appreciation for CDF’s mission, vision, and values of justice, equity, compassion, trust, and love. The COO will be a strategic and operational leader with proven experience related to financial management, operations, human resources, information technology, facilities, and compliance. They will work closely with the CEO, Executive Leadership Team, and Board of Directors to develop and implement processes, systems, and policies that increase efficiency and effectiveness, support programmatic endeavors, and align resources, infrastructure, and operational capacities with CDF’s strategic goals and ambitions. A familiarity with nonprofit management and finance, leadership within a complex organization, and working with an engaged Board and volunteer base are essential. As the leader of all operations functions, the COO will be an accessible and supportive manager, modeling a culture of shared accountability, problem-solving, and innovation, and motivating staff to provide a high level of service across the organization.
The hiring range for this position is $182,553-$228,192. The role is based in Washington, DC at CDF’s headquarters. CDF employees enjoy a hybrid work arrangement of 3 days in the office and 2 days remote.
Children’s Defense Fund has retained Isaacson, Miller, a national executive search firm, to assist in conducting this important search and to help identify outstanding candidates. All inquiries, applications, and nominations for this opportunity should be directed to the search firm as indicated below.
