Heal the Bay · 1 month ago
Chief Operations Officer
Santa Monica, CA, US
Full-time
Hybrid
Director/Executive
$160K/yr - $180K/yr
10+ years expHeal the Bay is a nonprofit organization focused on environmental protection, seeking a Chief Operating Officer (COO) to lead internal operations and ensure organizational effectiveness. The COO will oversee operations, finance, human resources, and systems design, playing a critical role in advancing the organization's mission and strategic goals.
Environmental ConsultingNon ProfitWater PurificationWildlife Conservation
Responsibilities
Design, implement, and continuously improve organizational systems, processes, and infrastructure to support Heal the Bay’s programs, growth, and long-term sustainability
Oversee day-to-day operational functions, ensuring efficiency, consistency, and alignment across departments
Lead cross-functional planning to ensure organizational goals are supported by clear workflows, accountability structures, and decision-making processes
Identify operational risks and opportunities, proactively addressing challenges and driving continuous improvement
Oversee Salesforce data and reporting strategy
Oversee the organization’s financial operations in partnership with the finance team, including budgeting, forecasting, cash flow management, and financial reporting
Ensure strong financial controls, transparency, and compliance with nonprofit best practices and regulatory requirements
Support the CEO and Board in long-term financial planning, scenario modeling, and strategic investment decisions
Collaborate with development leadership to align operational and financial planning with revenue projections and fundraising goals, maintaining systems that support soliciting and tracking grants and donations, fostering a culture of stewardship, and ensuring sustainable financial operations
Prepare for and support the nonprofit financial audit process
Provide executive leadership over human resources, talent management, and organizational culture
Foster a workplace culture rooted in trust, equity, accountability, and care—where staff feel supported, challenged, and empowered to do their best work
Oversee recruitment, onboarding, performance management, professional development, and retention strategies
Ensure equitable and compliant HR policies, compensation structures, and benefits administration aligned with organizational values and legal requirements
Serve as a coach and thought partner to senior leaders and managers, strengthening leadership capacity across the organization
Model strong, heart-centered leadership with high emotional intelligence, humility, and integrity
Build alignment and collaboration across teams, breaking down silos and fostering shared ownership of organizational success
Lead with clarity and decisiveness while remaining open, curious, and deeply respectful of diverse perspectives
Support change management initiatives, guiding the organization through growth and evolution with empathy and transparency
The COO will oversee the following teams: Accounting (currently a consulting firm), Data, HR, Facilities (HQ and Aquarium), Community Programs (Education and Outreach)
Serve as a key strategic partner to the CEO, helping translate vision and strategy into operational reality
Work closely with the Board of Directors, particularly on matters related to operations, finance, and organizational health
Prepare and present operational and financial updates to the Board as needed
Act as a steward of Heal the Bay’s mission and values in all internal operations and leadership decisions
Qualification
Required
Proven experience in a senior operational leadership role (COO, Director of Operations, or similar), ideally within a nonprofit or mission-driven organization
Demonstrated ability to design, implement, and scale organizational systems and processes across operations, finance, and HR
Strong experience overseeing budgets, financial planning, forecasting, and organizational financial health in partnership with finance teams and boards
Deep understanding of people operations, talent development, performance management, and organizational culture-building
A confident, decisive leader with strong executive presence, the ability to inspire trust, and a track record of leading high-performing teams
Demonstrated ability to lead with empathy, self-awareness, and humility, fostering psychological safety and collaboration
Experience guiding organizations through growth, transformation, or structural change with clarity and care
Passion for environmental protection, climate action, and community impact, with a strong commitment to Heal the Bay's mission and values
Deep experience with Salesforce, an understanding of Quickbooks and other best in class operating systems
Benefits
Comprehensive benefits package including health, dental, and retirement contributions
Company
Heal the Bay
Heal The Bay is an environmental non-profit organization that makes coastal waters and watersheds safe, healthy, and clean.
11-50 employees
Funding
Current Stage
Early StageLeadership Team
Tracy Quinn P.E.
President and CEO
Richard Wegman
Interim Chief Operations Officer
Recent News
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