The ideal candidate will be responsible for ensuring operational excellence across the organization. Your primary goal will be to increase our organization's productivity, efficiency, and profitability. You will advise the CEO on key operational insights as well as provide coaching to employees. This client is seeking specifically a candidate with NONPROFIT and ARTS/VENUE Experience in South Dallas, Texas.
Chief Operating Officer (COO)
Nonprofit in South Dallas is seeking a strategic, execution‑oriented Chief Operating Officer (COO) to lead organizational operations during a pivotal period of transformation and growth. As the organization prepares for the opening of the historic Theater in 2026 and expands its place‑based impact across South Dallas, the COO will serve as a key member of the executive leadership team, translating vision into disciplined systems, processes, and performance.
Position Overview
The COO is responsible for overseeing day‑to‑day operations across the organization and its subsidiaries, ensuring operational excellence, cross‑functional alignment, and organizational readiness at scale. This role partners closely with the President & CEO, CFO, and senior leadership to build infrastructure, strengthen internal systems, and support a high‑performing, mission‑aligned team.
Key Responsibilities
- Operational Leadership: Oversee organizational operations, ensuring efficient execution across programs, departments, and subsidiaries.
- Cross‑Functional Integration: Align shared services (operations, HR, systems, facilities, and internal workflows) across Forest Forward and the Forest Theater to ensure a unified, one‑team culture.
- Systems & Process Development: Lead the design and implementation of SOPs, workflows, and operational dashboards that support scalability, accountability, and clarity.
- Organizational Readiness & Growth: Prepare the organization for major milestones, including the Forest Theater opening, staff growth, and expanded programming.
- People & Performance Management: Support department leaders in goal‑setting, performance management, and capacity planning to ensure teams are set up for success.
- Change Management: Lead organizational change initiatives associated with rapid growth, new structures, and evolving operational demands.
- Risk Management & Compliance: Ensure operational compliance, risk mitigation, and adherence to policies, contracts, and regulatory requirements.
- Executive Partnership: Serve as a strategic thought partner to the CEO, helping translate vision and strategy into operational plans and measurable outcomes.
What Success Looks Like
- The organization operates with clarity, consistency, and confidence across teams and functions.
- Staff understand roles, processes, and decision‑making pathways, reducing friction and inefficiencies.
- Forest Forward successfully transitions into a scaled, multi‑entity organization without losing culture or mission focus.
- The Forest Theater opens with strong operational systems in place to support long‑term sustainability.
- Leadership has reliable data, systems, and processes to support decision‑making and growth.
Qualifications & Experience
- Senior operational leadership experience in nonprofit, arts, cultural, or mission‑driven organizations.
- Proven experience scaling organizations and building systems during periods of growth or transformation.
- Strong people leadership skills with a collaborative, solutions‑oriented approach.
- Experience developing SOPs, managing complex workflows, and leading cross‑functional teams.
- Comfort operating in a dynamic, entrepreneurial environment with evolving priorities.
- Commitment to equity, community‑centered work, and place‑based impact.
Reporting Structure
The Chief Operating Officer reports to the President & CEO and serves as a member of the executive leadership team.
