Chief Operating Officer

Child Care Aware® of Kansas Job Description

Position: Position: Chief Operating Officer

Reports to: Executive Director

Status: Full-time, non-exempt

Location: Remote – priority given to Kansas residents

Purpose of Position:

The Chief Operating Officer (COO), under the direction of the Executive Director, is responsible for overseeing the internal operations, administrative functions, and organizational management of Child Care Aware of Kansas. This position provides leadership across departments, ensures effective management of organizational resources, and oversees systems and processes that support organizational performance. The COO works closely with the Executive Director, Senior Director of Programs, and the Director of Finance to implement strategic priorities, address operational needs, and support the organization's continued growth and effectiveness.

Organizational Leadership & Management

• Oversee day-to-day organizational operations and coordinate activities across departments.
• Supervise and support assigned staff and organizational leaders, including performance management, professional development, and accountability.
• Lead internal leadership and operational meetings to establish priorities, coordinate activities, and monitor progress.
• Facilitate communication and collaboration across departments to support organizational goals.
• Identify and address operational challenges, staffing needs, and opportunities for improvement.
• Provide regular operational updates and recommendations to the Executive Director.

Operational Strategy & Performance

• Develop and implement operational plans aligned with the organization's strategic priorities.
• Establish and monitor operational performance measures and service expectations.
• Evaluate internal policies, procedures, and workflows to identify and implement opportunities for improvement.
• Lead process improvement efforts to increase organizational efficiency, consistency, and effectiveness.
• Oversee the implementation of operational changes and organizational initiatives.
• Coordinate internal planning activities and monitor progress toward organizational goals.

Financial Management

• Oversee organizational financial management, budgeting, and procurement.
• Coordinate budget development, financial monitoring, and reporting in collaboration with appropriate staff.
• Monitor organizational expenditures, resource allocation, and financial performance.
• Oversee administrative policies, vendor relationships, and internal operational agreements.
• Ensure appropriate internal controls, financial practices, and administrative procedures are maintained.

Human Resources & Organizational Development

• Oversee human resources functions, including recruitment, onboarding, performance management, and personnel policies.
• Lead the organization’s professional development program. Develop and implement practices and programs that support employee engagement, accountability, and skills development.
• Support supervisors in managing staffing, employee performance, and workplace matters.
• Evaluate organizational staffing structures, workloads, and resource needs.
• Coordinate organizational development initiatives and internal staff training.

Technology & Systems Management

• Oversee internal technology systems and administrative platforms.
• Lead technology transitions, system implementations, and related process changes.
• Coordinate vendors, staff training, and internal resources to support effective system implementation.
• Evaluate opportunities to improve organizational workflows through technology and process improvements.
• Maintain appropriate operational procedures, documentation, and internal systems.

Additional Responsibilities

• Perform other duties and projects as assigned.

Travel and Work Location

• Occasional travel throughout Kansas and nationally may be required.
• This is a remote position.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in business administration, public administration, nonprofit management, or a related field. Master's degree preferred.
• Minimum of 5-7 years of progressively responsible experience in organizational operations, administration, or management, including experience supervising staff and leading teams. Experience in nonprofit organizations, public administration, or grant-funded environments preferred.
• Knowledge of Kansas's early childhood education and child care systems, programs, and funding structures preferred.
• An equivalent combination of education and relevant professional experience may be considered.

Skills and Abilities

• Demonstrated experience overseeing internal operations, including financial management, budgeting, human resources, and administrative functions.
• Experience developing and implementing organizational systems, policies, and process improvements.
• Strong organizational, analytical, and problem-solving skills, with the ability to manage competing priorities and complex operational needs.
• Demonstrated ability to lead organizational change, manage projects, and coordinate work across departments.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills, with experience working collaboratively with executive leadership, staff, and external partners.

Perks & Benefits

• Comprehensive Health Coverage: Employer-paid health insurance provided at no cost to the employee.
• Remote Work Flexibility: This position is eligible for a remote work location, supporting flexibility and work-life balance.
• Dependent Care & Infant Support: Employer contribution to a Dependent Care Flexible Spending Account (FSA), an infant-friendly workplace, and flexibility that allows employees to keep their child at home through 6 months of age.
• Family-Friendly Workplace: Child Care Aware of Kansas promotes workplace policies that support employees’ caregiving responsibilities and overall well-being.
• Retirement Savings: Employer matches 4% of employee retirement contributions, supporting long-term financial well-being.
• Technology Stipends: Employees receive stipends to offset the cost of work-related cell phone and internet expenses.
• Trust & Inspire Culture: We foster a culture grounded in trust, autonomy, and accountability—empowering employees to lead, innovate, and do meaningful work.
• Strengths-Based Focus: The organization values a strengths-based approach, encouraging employees to grow, collaborate, and contribute using their unique talents.
• Mission-Driven Work Environment: Opportunity to contribute to a collaborative, values-driven organization committed to equity, access, and continuous improvement across Kansas’s child care systems.

EEO Statement

Child Care Aware® of Kansas is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, genetics, disability, age, or veteran status.

Disclaimer: The statements herein are intended to describe the general nature and level of work performed by the employee in this position. They are not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, and skills required of a person in this position.