Chief Operating Officer

The Chief Operating Officer (COO) serves as a key member of the executive leadership team and reports directly to the President and 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, marketing and 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.

In addition to operational leadership, the COO provides strategic oversight of SBA’s marketing/communications and development functions to strengthen organizational visibility, stakeholder engagement, fundraising performance, and long-term sustainability.

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, marketing and communications, development, finance coordination, 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
  • Drive organizational alignment and coordination across departments to ensure consistent execution of strategic priorities

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, advocacy efforts, and meetings
  • Assist in developing organizational strategies that strengthen SBA’s national visibility, influence, and sustainability

Marketing & Communications Leadership

• • Provide strategic oversight and coordination of SBA’s marketing, communications, branding, and public awareness activities
  • Partner with communications consultants to strengthen SBA’s messaging, storytelling, digital presence, and stakeholder engagement
  • Support development and execution of integrated communications campaigns related to advocacy, fundraising, education, awareness, and organizational priorities
  • Ensure communications efforts align with SBA’s mission, brand standards, accessibility commitments, and strategic goals
  • Assist in identifying opportunities to expand SBA’s reach, visibility, and influence among key audiences

Development & Fundraising Leadership

• • Provide strategic oversight and operational support for SBA’s fundraising and development activities
  • Partner with development staff, consultants, and leadership to strengthen donor engagement, sponsorships, grants, campaigns, and revenue growth strategies
  • Support fundraising planning, pipeline management, stewardship activities, and organizational revenue tracking
  • Assist with development of fundraising strategies aligned with organizational priorities and long-term sustainability
  • Collaborate with leadership and development staff on major donor engagement, corporate partnerships, and fundraising initiatives

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
  • Support alignment of operational priorities with financial sustainability goals

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
  • Foster a high-performing, mission-driven organizational culture that supports innovation and adaptability

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, funders, and community stakeholders
  • Participate in organizational relationship-building efforts that advance SBA’s mission and strategic priorities

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
  • Experience leading marketing, communications, public affairs, or brand management functions
  • Experience leading fundraising, donor engagement, sponsorships, grants, development operations, or revenue-generating initiatives
  • 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, funders, and external partners
  • Demonstrated ability to build collaborative relationships across internal teams and external stakeholders
  • Commitment to disability inclusion, accessibility, and community-centered leadership
  • Knowledge of healthcare, disability, advocacy, nonprofit fundraising, or membership organizations preferred
  • Bachelor’s degree required; advanced degree preferred

12 paid holidays

4 weeks vacation

Pay 100% of health insurance

Flexible schedule

Fully remote