Interim Chief Operations Officer

ROLE PURPOSE

The Interim Chief Operating Officer (COO) will provide operational leadership to stabilize, streamline, and scale SFAR’s internal operations during a period of organizational change. This role supports the CEO in executing strategic priorities, implementing change management initiatives, and driving accountability across teams. This is a temporary role with the possibility of a permanent hire.

KEY OBJECTIVES

•        Ensure execution of organizational priorities and CEO initiatives

•        Lead and coordinate change management efforts (e.g., remote work rollout)

•        Strengthen operational discipline, processes, and accountability

•        Improve organizational effectiveness, communication, and culture

•        Oversee vendor management and performance governance

•        Oversee vendor management and performance governance

CORE RESPONSIBILITIES

Operations & Execution

Translate CEO priorities into clear, actionable workplans and ensure consistent execution across the organization. Track progress across departments, hold teams accountable to timelines and outcomes, and proactively identify and remove operational bottlenecks that slow progress.

Change Management

Lead the implementation of key organizational initiatives, including process changes and workplace policies. Establish clear feedback loops and reporting cadence, and drive adoption to ensure consistency and alignment across teams.

Organizational Effectiveness

Assess team structure, roles, and overall capacity to ensure the organization is set up for success. Improve workflows and cross-functional coordination, while supporting managers in driving performance and accountability within their teams.

Vendor Management Oversight

Ensure adherence to vendor policies and maintain oversight of Tier 1 vendor performance through regular monitoring and reporting. Support contract strategy, including renewals and performance-based decision-making.

Culture & Communication

Reinforce organizational expectations around performance and accountability. Improve internal communication flow and ensure leadership is aligned in messaging, priorities, and execution.

Reporting & Governance

Provide regular, clear updates to the CEO on progress, risks, and outcomes. Support board-level reporting as needed and ensure all work aligns with established policies and governance frameworks.

KEY SKILLS & PROFILE

·      5–10 years of progressive leadership experience within a trade association, professional membership organization, or Realtor® association environment

·      Demonstrated ability to establish accountability systems, performance expectations, and operational discipline while maintaining positive working relationships across teams.

·      Demonstrated experience operating within the governance structure of boards, committees, and volunteer leadership

·      Advanced degree or formal training in organizational leadership, organizational design, business administration, or a related field strongly preferred

·      Proven ability to drive execution, accountability, and operational discipline across multiple teams

·      Experience leading change management initiatives, particularly in organizations navigating growth, restructuring, or cultural shifts

·      Strong understanding of member-driven organizations, including balancing staff execution with volunteer leadership dynamics

·      Track record of improving organizational effectiveness, workflows, and cross-functional alignment

·      Comfortable operating in ambiguity with a hands-on, roll-up-your-sleeves approach

·      Direct, clear communicator with the ability to manage up to the CEO and across to peers

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Business Administration, Organizational Leadership, Public Administration, or related field (Master's degree preferred).
• Minimum 10 years of progressively responsible leadership experience.
• Minimum 5 years of senior operational leadership experience (COO, Deputy CEO, Chief of Staff, Executive Director, VP Operations, or similar).
• Demonstrated experience leading organizational change initiatives.
• Experience managing budgets, vendors, and cross-functional teams.
• Experience reporting directly to a CEO, Executive Director, or Board of Directors.

Preferred Qualifications

• REALTOR® association, MLS, or trade association experience.
• Experience working with volunteer governance structures and committees.
• PMP, Prosci, Lean, Six Sigma, SHRM-SCP, CAE, or similar professional certifications.
• Experience serving in an interim executive leadership role.