Chief Operating Officer

Girl Scouts of Middle TN

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Job Summary

We are seeking a mission-driven, operationally minded, strategically capable Chief Operating Officer (COO). A critical partner to the Chief Executive Officer and a key member of the Executive Leadership Team, the COO will ensure that the systems, people, and infrastructure of the Council are optimized to deliver on its mission, vision, and strategic goals. This role is ideal for a leader with deep experience in leading cross-functional strategic execution, leveraging data and technology to drive performance, applying strong financial oversight, and implementing talent management strategies that build a culture of trust, inclusion, accountability, and continuous improvement.

The COO reports to the Chief Executive Officer and oversees approximately 6 full-time staff and 6+ part time staff, while implementing optimization strategies impacting all 120+ team (including seasonal and part time employees) members across every function of the organization. The COO is responsible for an $11.5 million+ operating budget and leads the organization’s Strategy, Human Resources, and Technology functions, with direct oversight over Finance, Retail Operations, and Property Management teams. This role leads cross-functional strategic planning, drives operational performance and transformation, and serves as a champion of data-informed decision-making. The COO will act as a trusted thought partner to the CEO, collaborative executor with other C-Suite leaders, and a trusted steward of the infrastructure that enables the GSMT team to achieve our mission. Success in this position requires the ability to think strategically, execute cross-functionally, operate through a lens of continuous improvement, and advocate for a culture that aligns with and supports the organization’s mission

Job Responsibilities

Drive Organizational Strategy & Performance
•    Lead the Council’s strategic and operational planning and governance, aligning goals and tracking KPIs across teams while driving cross-functional execution.
•    Leverage quantitative and qualitative data to assess and improve organizational performance, decision-making processes, and operational outcomes.
•    Partner with the CEO to advance our DEI strategy and cultivate cross-functional collaboration.
•    Set and oversee property use strategy for GSMT properties – including headquarters, two camp properties, and a retail shop – maximizing both missional impact and financial return.
•    Ensure clear, standardized, documented, effective processes exist and are adopted throughout the organization.
•    Lead Sue Peters Foundation and participate in GSMT Board Meetings, strengthening board and community relationships while assisting the CEO with fundraising efforts.

Build a Thriving Team and Culture
•    Design and implement a holistic talent management strategy, including performance management, compensation strategy, benefits, incentive alignment, org-wide training, leadership development, employee recognition, and employee satisfaction initiatives.
•    Lead, optimize, and standardize the organization’s recruiting, hiring, onboarding, and offboarding processes, including strategic use of the organization’s intern program.
•    Lead and champion intentional, thoughtful, proactive internal communication.
•    Own and maintain organizational design efforts, including maintaining and improving job descriptions, ensuring clear roles and responsibilities, and improving cross-functional decision-making processes.
•    Design and enforce org-wide people policies, including the employee handbook.
•    Act as a culture champion, fostering a values-based, people first culture in which staff are engaged, effective, and supported.

Lead Data & Technology Transformation
•    Champion technology and data governance across the organization, ensuring tech-enabled processes, meaningful data tracking and reporting, and system continuity across teams, including automation, dashboarding, and system integrations.
•    Optimize the organization’s tech stack and ensure successful implementation, delivering training, championing adoption, enforcing usage standards, and building staff capabilities and confidence in tools to support our mission.
•    Assess and optimize the organization’s use of data to monitor ongoing performance and progress toward operational and strategic KPIs.
•    Oversee tech infrastructure, policies, and vendor partnerships to maximize productivity and streamline operations.

Oversee Finance, Retail, and Property Teams
•    Oversee and support the Finance and Accounting team to ensure fiscal responsibility, long-term sustainability, and strategic resource allocation.
•    Oversee GSMT’s Retail Operations team, designing strategies that broaden our missional impact, optimize revenue, and ensure an excellent customer experience.
•    Lead the performance and accountability of our Property Team, including leadership over the Property Planning Committee, to protect the long-term value of our assets and ensure property use is aligned with the organization’s mission.

You Might be a Great Fit if You:
•    Are a seasoned nonprofit or mission-driven executive who thrives at the intersection of strategy, people, systems, and execution.
•    Have led cross-functional teams and understand how to bring clarity and momentum in complex environments.
•    Believe great operations are not just about efficiency – they’re also about culture, communication, empowerment, and mission alignment.
•    Are energized by building structure, process, and accountability.
•    Have a track record of organizational transformation, change leadership, and delivering measurable impact.

Qualifications

Education, Experience, & Job Requirements:
•    Bachelor’s degree required, preferably in management, finance, or other related fields.
•    3+ years of experience leading and delivering operational excellence in a mission-driven nonprofit organization or transferrable skills from the for-profit sector combined with a passion for GSMT’s mission; C-Suite and/or Senior Leadership level experience preferred.
•    Deep experience in Human Resources and Talent Management, with proven success managing organizational structure, compensation strategies, talent development, and performance management.
•    Experience driving strategic planning and cross-functional execution with a proven ability to leverage data-driven processes and drive tangible outcomes; change management experience a plus.
•    Deep experience in technology and data, including system implementation, automation, governance, and cross-platform integration, both through a tactical and strategic lens.
•    General understanding of nonprofit finance and accounting, with experience overseeing and being held accountable for large capital assets and a $7-12 million budget preferred.
•    Passion for and experience with Diversity Equity and Inclusion initiatives a plus.
•    Ability to work onsite and accommodate a flexible work schedule, including some evening and weekend work and a willingness to travel as needed. Travel expectations anticipated to be 5-10%.
•    Current valid drivers’ license, proof of vehicle insurance, transportation availability, and ability to pass a criminal background check (including a motor vehicle report).

Knowledge, Skills, & Abilities Requirements:
•    Strategic thinker with strong analytical, operational, and planning skills.
•    Systematic thinker with the ability to design scalable, efficient processes.
•    Confident leader and coach who can inspire performance and accountability across teams.
•    Exceptional interpersonal, verbal, and written communication skills.
•    Politically savvy and professional in navigating sensitive, high-impact matters.
•    Self-motivated, solutions-oriented, and calm under pressure.
•    Strong DEI lens and commitment to values-driven leadership.
•    Committed to fostering a healthy organizational culture and leading by example.

Additional Information

Benefits

How to Apply

Send cover letter with resume to jsearch@gsmidtn.org

Details

• Date Posted: June 20, 2025
• Type: Full-Time
• Job Function: Accounting / Financial Management
• Service Area: Children / Youth
• Start Date: 07/15/2025
• Salary Range: up to $160,000
• Working Hours: 40 hours