Brightbeam is a nonprofit network of education activists demanding a better education and a brighter future for every child. Using the power of communications, we shine a light on communities that challenge decision-makers to provide the learning opportunities all children need to thrive. We help strong voices tell powerful stories that unite and move their communities to action. Brightbeam amplifies these stories through a variety of digital platforms, including Education Post, Citizen Ed, Project Forever Free, and more than 20 local and regional sites that spotlight education issues nationally. We also sponsor on-the-ground initiatives, projects or organizations that align with our mission. To learn more, visit brightbeamnetwork.org. 

Brightbeam offers a fast-paced and dynamic workplace where individuals are honored and valued for their unique work views and backgrounds. We strive to be a democratic, mutually supportive, and energized team of self-motivated nonprofit professionals dedicated to making a difference for children. Brightbeam provides competitive salaries, excellent benefits, including a 3% employer match to your retirement fund with no match required; brightbeam is a virtual organization and this position is based in a home office anywhere in the United States. Occasional travel is required. 

To apply, please send a resume and cover letter to [email protected]. 

JOB DESCRIPTION

The Chief Operating Officer (COO) reports to the Chief Executive Officer (CEO). The Chief Operating Officer at brightbeam serves as a key leadership team member and an active participant in making strategic decisions affecting brightbeam and is vital to supporting  brightbeam’s effort to shine a light on communities that are challenging decision-makers to provide the learning opportunities every child needs to thrive. 

The COO will provide leadership to the brightbeam business and strategic planning process, coordination for the brightbeam leadership team, and work with brightbeam’s Board of Directors to keep them abreast of strategic initiatives, successes, and challenges. 

The COO will support the CEO’s fundraising goals and activities and is a key fundraiser responsible for diversifying and expanding the organization’s funder base. The COO is responsible for establishing and implementing the infrastructure needed to grow and execute a $4 million annual budget. The COO will partner with the brightbeam leadership team and be responsible for developing, implementing, and managing the operational aspects of the organization and the annual budget. 

The COO is also responsible for recruiting and integrating new projects that operate within brightbeam’s incubator of new initiatives and fiscal sponsorships, and will oversee the success of the new partnerships. Position requires a level of development support work including input on grant applications and strategic planning. Prior knowledge of improving work culture is imperative.

ROLES & RESPONSIBILITIES 

Financial and Operational Leadership

• Provide effective and inspiring leadership by being actively involved in all programs and services, developing a broad and deep knowledge of all programs.
• Identify opportunities for brightbeam to leverage cross-program strengths to take advantage of new opportunities and/or to address organizational challenges.
• Lead, coach, develop, and retain brightbeam’s high-performance senior management team with an emphasis on developing capacity in strategic analysis and planning and program budgeting.
• Prepare and submit an annual operational budget, manage effectively within this budget, and report accurately on progress made and challenges encountered.
• Ensure the continued financial viability of brightbeam’s operational units through sound fiscal management; communicate and present financial and operational matters at quarterly board of directors meetings.

Strategic Plan Development and Implementation

• Provide programmatic leadership and input for all strategic plan implementation processes with the CEO and staff. 
• Coach directors as they implement the strategic plan and transition program operations.
• Develop and implement a system for tracking and reporting on the progress of the strategic plan implementation.

Development

• Actively work with the CEO and the leadership team to develop and implement a comprehensive development strategy to include corporate, foundation, government grants, etc.
  • Develop and maintain key long-term relationships with donors and prospects;
  • Identify, develop, and mentor the development team;
  • Oversee research of funding sources and trends, with foresight, to help position brightbeam ahead of major funding changes or trends.
• Monitor all donor information; provide and present statistical analysis to board and senior leader.
• Oversee ongoing development efforts, including maintaining relationships with existing anchor funders and managing the development staff. 

AREAS OF EXPERTISE & QUALIFICATIONS

• Proven experience leading others in strategic planning, fundraising, and business operations
• Understanding and proven track record of success in business functions such as human resources, finance (including accounting, non-profit budgeting, financial projections, and more), marketing, operational and strategic planning, and more.
• Demonstrable competency in strategic planning and business development
• Working knowledge of data analysis and performance/operation metrics
• Outstanding organizational and leadership abilities
• Excellent interpersonal, relationship building, decision making, and problem solving skills

OUR COMMITMENT TO DIVERSITY & INCLUSION

Studies have shown that women and people of color are less likely to apply for jobs unless they believe they meet every one of the qualifications as described in a job description. Our top priority is finding the best candidate for the job and if you are interested in the position, we would encourage you to apply, even if you don’t believe you meet every one of our qualifications described.