About TRAILS
Founded at the University of Michigan Medical School, TRAILS (Transforming Research into Action to Improve the Lives of Students) is among the most innovative and rapidly-growing school-based mental health solutions in the country. After a decade in the academic setting, TRAILS spun out from the University in 2022 and became fiscally sponsored by Tides Center with approximately 35 staff. Within a year, the staff size had more than doubled. Today, the growing team is working toward the TRAILS mission of transforming the landscape of youth mental health care delivery by equipping school staff with the training and resources they need to provide evidence-based and culturally responsible programming to their students.
To date, TRAILS has brought essential skills and resources to more than 14,000 teachers, administrators, and school mental health professionals. The best-in-class program materials are built specifically for the school setting, and the unique training model is driven by research from the field of implementation science. TRAILS’ website and library of materials are utilized by educators and clinicians across the United States and in more than 100 countries around the world. While the organization’s impact today is greatest in its home state of Michigan, TRAILS is expanding nationally with strong support from education and health sector leaders, public offices, and state policymakers.
On July 1, 2024, TRAILS is set to become an independent 501(c)(3) organization, a transition that underscores the need to evaluate and fortify its foundational systems, processes, and policies to mitigate risks and ensure smooth operations as a standalone entity. This shift aims to bolster TRAILS' mission and capabilities in delivering mental health programs to schools across the U.S., with a particular focus on serving Title I schools and students facing significant mental health challenges. Amidst growing demand, TRAILS emphasizes equity and cultural humility, seeking team members dedicated to creating inclusive environments and ensuring equitable health access for all students.
Position Overview
The inaugural Chief Operating Officer (COO) at TRAILS will play a pivotal role in guiding the organization through a period of significant growth and transformation. As a key member of the Senior Leadership team, the COO will work in close partnership with the rest of the C-Suite, the CEO, and the board to refine and execute a strategic plan that aligns with TRAILS' guiding vision of a future in which all children and teens have equitable access to effective mental health services. This role demands a strategic thinker with a robust background in people strategy, operations, finance, and team leadership, capable of translating broad visions into actionable plans that drive long-term sustainability and impact.
The COO will oversee three primary areas—organizational operations, people and culture, and finance—guiding the leadership within these verticals, including a VP of Finance and Operations with eight direct reports, and a VP of People, whose team is poised to expand to four direct reports. Tasked with spearheading the development and enhancement of systems and processes, the COO will play a crucial role in collaborating with these functional leaders to elevate organizational efficiency and effectiveness amidst rapid program expansion. The COO will have highest level accountability for the financial health of the organization and will oversee a budget of approximately $20m. The COO will support high-level leaders in the management of diverse funding streams, including private and foundation philanthropy, publically allocated revenue, and earned contract income. They will craft and implement sustainable economic models and ensure the organization's financial operations are conducted with the highest level of integrity and compliance.
A significant part of this role will entail people management and fostering an organizational culture that prioritizes well-being, integrates DEIB values into all operations, and supports high performance. The COO will lead efforts to create and implement performance management systems, strategize on talent acquisition, and oversee human resources functions, ensuring that TRAILS is not only a leader in mental health advocacy but also an exemplary place to work.
The ideal candidate for the COO position at TRAILS will have a proven track record of navigating fast-pace startup environments, managing organizational growth strategically, and working with non-profit, mission-driven boards. They will bring a business excellence mindset to the role, balancing staff experience with a steadfast commitment to the organization's core mission and responsibility for delivering an unmatched program that achieves meaningful impact at scale.
This role is perfect for a mission-driven executive who is ready to tackle challenges head-on, lead with compassion and integrity, and inspire a team to achieve extraordinary results.
This remote position reports directly to the CEO and requires the flexibility to travel as needed.
Key Responsibilities
Team Management
Strategic Leadership and Vision
Financial Management and Sustainability
Operations Management
People Management & Organizational Culture
Experience And Qualifications
What you’ve accomplished (required):
Skills you have developed and knowledge you have:
Salary And Benefits
The salary range for this position is $255,000 - $273,000.
TRAILS offers a comprehensive benefits package including medical, dental, and vision as well as a 403B with a safe harbor match and short and long term disability. Additionally, TRAILS offers a generous holiday and paid time off package.
To Apply
TRAILS is partnering with RCG Talent Solutions to find our inaugural Chief Operating Officer. Please use this link to submit your application. If you require a reasonable accommodation to submit an application or to participate in the application or interview process, please direct all concerns or questions to openroles@rcgtalent.com.
TRAILS is an equal-opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, gender, handicap, age, religion, sexual orientation, or national or ethnic origin. We welcome a diverse pool of applications, believe it is critical that our staff represent the larger labor movement, and are committed to building a culture and community that fosters diversity, equity, and inclusion. By submitting this online application form, you consent to be contacted via email with important updates and other information from RCG Talent Solutions.
About TRAILS
Founded at the University of Michigan Medical School, TRAILS (Transforming Research into Action to Improve the Lives of Students) is among the most innovative and rapidly-growing school-based mental health solutions in the…
Salary And Benefits
The salary range for this position is $255,000 - $273,000.
TRAILS offers a comprehensive benefits package including medical, dental, and vision as well as a 403B with a safe harbor match and short and long term disability. Additionally, TRAILS offers a generous holiday and paid time off package.
Salary And Benefits
The salary range for this position is $255,000 - $273,000.
TRAILS offers a comprehensive benefits package including medical, dental, and vision as well as a 403B with…
To Apply
TRAILS is partnering with RCG Talent Solutions to find our inaugural Chief Operating Officer. Please submit your application on this page. If you require a reasonable accommodation to submit an application or to participate in the application or interview process, please direct all concerns or questions to openroles@rcgtalent.com.
TRAILS is an equal-opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, gender, handicap, age, religion, sexual orientation, or national or ethnic origin. We welcome a diverse pool of applications, believe it is critical that our staff represent the larger labor movement, and are committed to building a culture and community that fosters diversity, equity, and inclusion. By submitting this online application form, you consent to be contacted via email with important updates and other information from RCG Talent Solutions.
To Apply
TRAILS is partnering with RCG Talent Solutions to find our inaugural Chief Operating Officer. Please submit your application on this page. If you require a reasonable…