Chief Operating Officer

The Chief Operating Officer (COO) serves as a key member of the executive leadership team and reports directly to the President & Chief Executive Officer (CEO). The COO is responsible for leading the day-to-day operations of the Spina Bifida Association (SBA) and ensuring strong organizational execution across programs, advocacy, communications, development, finance coordination, and operational functions. The COO translates organizational strategy into operational plans, systems, and measurable outcomes. This leader works closely with staff, consultants, volunteers, clinicians, community leaders, funders, and the Board of Directors to ensure organizational priorities are effectively implemented and aligned with SBA’s mission and strategic goals. The COO provides leadership that strengthens organizational effectiveness, accountability, cross-functional collaboration, and operational sustainability in support of SBA’s national impact. Core Responsibilities Organizational Leadership & Operations Lead day-to-day organizational operations and internal management systems Ensure effective coordination across programs, advocacy, communications, development, and administrative functions Develop and maintain operational plans, timelines, workflows, and organizational accountability systems Identify operational risks and recommend solutions to improve effectiveness and efficiency Support organizational growth while maintaining a collaborative, mission-driven culture Strategic Execution Partner with the CEO to implement SBA’s strategic priorities and annual operating plans Translate organizational goals into actionable workplans with measurable outcomes Monitor progress toward organizational goals and ensure follow-through across teams and initiatives Support enterprise-wide coordination of major initiatives, campaigns, grants, partnerships, and meetings Financial & Resource Management Work closely with finance staff and leadership to support responsible fiscal management Monitor departmental budgets, contracts, and operational expenditures Support grant implementation and compliance activities related to operational functions Assist in organizational forecasting, resource planning, and operational decision-making Staff Leadership & Culture Supervise and support assigned staff and consultants Promote a culture of accountability, collaboration, inclusion, transparency, and continuous improvement Assist with recruitment, onboarding, professional development, and performance management Strengthen internal communication and team coordination across the organization Board & External Relations Partner with the CEO in supporting the Board of Directors and assigned committees Assist with preparation of Board materials, operational reporting, and implementation of Board priorities Represent SBA externally, as requested by the CEO Support relationships with clinicians, researchers, advocates, industry partners, volunteers, and community stakeholders Preferred Qualifications Minimum of 10 years of progressive leadership and operational management experience in a nonprofit, healthcare, advocacy, public health, membership, or mission-driven organization Demonstrated success leading cross-functional teams and organizational operations Strong project management and organizational execution skills Experience managing budgets, operational planning, and organizational systems Ability to manage multiple complex priorities in a fast-paced environment Excellent interpersonal, written, and verbal communication skills Experience working collaboratively with Boards, volunteers, community stakeholders, and external partners Commitment to disability inclusion, accessibility, and community-centered leadership Experience supporting fundraising, grants, partnerships, advocacy, or communications initiatives preferred Bachelor’s degree preferred

The Chief Operating Officer (COO) serves as a key member of the executive leadership team and reports directly to the President & Chief Executive Officer (CEO). The COO is responsible for leading the day-to-day operations of the Spina Bifida Association (SBA) and ensuring strong organizational execution across programs, advocacy, communications, development, finance coordination, and operational functions. The COO translates organizational strategy into operational plans, systems, and measurable outcomes. This leader works closely with staff, consultants, volunteers, clinicians, community leaders, funders, and the Board of Directors to ensure organizational priorities are effectively implemented and aligned with SBA’s mission and strategic goals. The COO provides leadership that strengthens organizational effectiveness, accountability, cross-functional collaboration, and operational sustainability in support of SBA’s national impact. Core Responsibilities Organizational Leadership & Operations Lead day-to-day organizational operations and internal management systems Ensure effective coordination across programs, advocacy, communications, development, and administrative functions Develop and maintain operational plans, timelines, workflows, and organizational accountability systems Identify operational risks and recommend solutions to improve effectiveness and efficiency Support organizational growth while maintaining a collaborative, mission-driven culture Strategic Execution Partner with the CEO to implement SBA’s strategic priorities and annual operating plans Translate organizational goals into actionable workplans with measurable outcomes Monitor progress toward organizational goals and ensure follow-through across teams and initiatives Support enterprise-wide coordination of major initiatives, campaigns, grants, partnerships, and meetings Financial & Resource Management Work closely with finance staff and leadership to support responsible fiscal management Monitor departmental budgets, contracts, and operational expenditures Support grant implementation and compliance activities related to operational functions Assist in organizational forecasting, resource planning, and operational decision-making Staff Leadership & Culture Supervise and support assigned staff and consultants Promote a culture of accountability, collaboration, inclusion, transparency, and continuous improvement Assist with recruitment, onboarding, professional development, and performance management Strengthen internal communication and team coordination across the organization Board & External Relations Partner with the CEO in supporting the Board of Directors and assigned committees Assist with preparation of Board materials, operational reporting, and implementation of Board priorities Represent SBA externally, as requested by the CEO Support relationships with clinicians, researchers, advocates, industry partners, volunteers, and community stakeholders Preferred Qualifications Minimum of 10 years of progressive leadership and operational management experience in a nonprofit, healthcare, advocacy, public health, membership, or mission-driven organization Demonstrated success leading cross-functional teams and organizational operations Strong project management and organizational execution skills Experience managing budgets, operational planning, and organizational systems Ability to manage multiple complex priorities in a fast-paced environment Excellent interpersonal, written, and verbal communication skills Experience working collaboratively with Boards, volunteers, community stakeholders, and external partners Commitment to disability inclusion, accessibility, and community-centered leadership Experience supporting fundraising, grants, partnerships, advocacy, or communications initiatives preferred Bachelor’s degree preferred