Chief Operating Officer

About the Organization: 

The Center for Law and Social Policy (CLASP), based in Washington, D.C. and launched in 1969, is a national, nonpartisan, anti-poverty organization developing and advancing policy solutions that work for people with low incomes and people of color. CLASP advocates for public policies and programs at the federal, state, and local levels that reduce poverty, improve the lives of people with low incomes, and advance racial, gender, and economic justice. Our solutions directly address the institutional barriers faced by individuals and families because of race, ethnicity, gender, low income, and immigration status and identity.

Within its broad anti-poverty mission, CLASP’s policy work is currently organized around four teams: Child Care and Early Education; Education, Labor & Worker Justice; Public Benefits Justice; and Immigration and Immigrant Families. We also work across teams on racial equity and mental health. Our policy development and advocacy efforts are supported collaboratively by legislative, communications, finance, administration, and development teams.

About the Position: 

This is an exciting and important time for the organization’s growth. Come join our team of professionals dedicated to advancing economic, gender, and racial equity!

CLASP is seeking an experienced, visionary, strategic, flexible, and innovative individual to become the organization’s next Chief Operating Officer (COO). The successful candidate will be responsible for the development and implementation of effective operational, administrative, talent management, financial, cultural, and other organizational practices and procedures to continuously improve the functionality and sustainability of the organization. The Director of Human Resources and Operations, the Director of Development, the Senior Accounting and Finance Manager, and the Finance Coordinator report directly to the COO.

The COO at CLASP will be a personable, accommodating, and professional leader who embodies the values of collaboration, transparency, and organizational integrity. The ideal candidate will possess strong interpersonal skills and a natural ability to build trust and rapport across all levels of the organization. They will demonstrate a high level of emotional intelligence, approachability, and a solution-oriented mindset, creating a positive and inclusive workplace culture.

This individual must be an effective and confident communicator who can engage with staff, leadership, and external partners with clarity, empathy, and professionalism. They will be responsible for leading with a balance of compassion and accountability, helping teams navigate challenges and achieve strategic objectives.

In addition, the COO should bring experience working with labor unions and managing collective bargaining agreements. A strong understanding of unionized work environments is essential, including negotiating and implementing collective bargaining agreements, fostering constructive labor relations, and maintaining compliance with labor laws and union contracts. The candidate should demonstrate a proven ability to build respectful, productive relationships with union representatives and to lead with fairness and equity in all employment-related practices.

The COO serves as a visible and core member of the Leadership Team, contributing to overall strategic direction and growth planning for the organization. Reporting to the President & Executive Director (ED) and engaging with the Board of Trustees, the COO leads overall operations to advance and support CLASP’s mission and develops policies and management systems in areas of finance and accounting, fund development, human resources (HR), information technology (IT), and risk management/compliance to best meet organizational objectives. The COO is responsible for directing day-to-day operations in accordance with objectives established by the Leadership Team and approved by the Board of Trustees. The COO partners with the ED in developing effective and innovative growth strategies and ensures implementation of the organizational goals.

Key Skills:

In collaboration with the ED, the COO will be responsible for helping drive organizational vision, ensuring internal alignment, and leading and overseeing operational strategy through the creation of policies and procedures that center equity—all in partnership with other members of the Leadership Team. To fulfill these objectives, the COO needs the following skills:

• Strong organizational development and operational experience with at least 10 years in senior management/executive positions in non-profits.
• Outstanding leadership and management skills with the ablilty to delegate to colleagues while maintaining ultimate accountability.
• Excellent interpersonal and oral/written communication skills, and the ability to collaborate and supervise, motivate, and lead employees at all levels.
• Flexibility the ability to multitask, demonstrated resourcefulness in setting priorities and guiding investment in people and systems.
• Strategic thinking and problem-solving skills, with the ability to balance big picture thinking and day-to-day implementation.
• Demonstrated skills and experience in strategic planning, financial planning, personnel management, and resource development.
• Ability to strategically set actionable steps for growth and implement goal setting for the organization.
• Skills in analyzing internal operations and identifying areas for process enhancement.
• Strong skills in facilitating and supporting cohesion among and across teams as it relates to the operations of the organization
• Experience in reviewing and updating policies and procedures to ensure that CLASP is operating in accordance with federal, state, and local business requirements, enforcing compliance, and taking action, when necessary.
• Demonstrated experience in combining systems thinking with financial planning and analysis (including previous experience overseeing and monitoring organizational budgets, costs, income, and other related accounting information).
• Strong sense of accountability, integrity, and ability to handle highly visible responsibilities.
• A commitment to the vision and mission of CLASP.

Functional Areas of Responsibility

Finance and Administration:

• Lead financial operations and communicate the financial status of the organization to the Board and staff in a clear and concise manner. Communicate with the Board on an ongoing basis in coordination with the ED.
• Ensure regular review of 403b investments and reserve fund investments, making changes and/or recommendations where needed.
• Direct CLASP’s central services, including finance and accounting, fund development, contracts and compliance, and human resources and operations. The COO is responsible for ensuring that efficient, effective, and mission-aligned operational systems are developed, maintained, and continuously improved across the organization. This role includes oversight of day-to-day operations and direct supervision of finance, fund development, and human resources and operations teams. The COO will ensure these functions are well-integrated with CLASP’s strategic goals and support the organization’s long-term sustainability and growth.
• Work very closely with the Director of Human Resources and Operations to ensure that CLASP’s recruitment, onboarding, professional development programs, performance management, and other human resource systems effectively support and develop both new and existing staff.
• Periodically review fringe benefits, holidays, and other aspects of total compensation to ensure organizational sustainability, equity, and competitiveness.
• Ensure that effective recruiting, onboarding, professional development, performance management, and retention occur through the creation and refinement of systematic policies and procedures.
• Identify operational inefficiencies and recommend strategic improvements to enhance effectiveness and efficiency across the organization.
• Actively monitor and report on the organization’s annual plan and budget performance, ensuring alignment with long-term goals.
• Oversee compliance with office policies, operational systems, HR procedures, financial practices, and legal and donor requirements. This includes federal regulations, state laws (e.g., labor, registration, and tax), and grant-specific obligations.
• Oversee the creation and maintenance of robust financial reporting and compliance internal systems to ensure the effective and compliant implementation of all CLASP grants.
• The COO does not need to be a technology expert. However, the successful candidate should have a solid understanding of how technology impacts digital security, operations, communication, and organizational effectiveness. They should be forward-thinking and open to innovation, with the ability to identify and implement technology-driven solutions that enhance workflows, streamline processes, and support staff productivity. A key expectation is that the COO will proactively explore ways for CLASP to leverage technology to advance its mission, improve operational efficiency, and foster a more connected and agile workplace.

Organizational Culture:

• CLASP currently employs 45 full-time staff members, more than half of whom have joined the organization since March 2020

a period that coincided with the transition to remote work. The organization now operates under a hybrid work model, with staff working remotely up to four (4) days per week and in the office at least one (1) day per week, on average. A limited number of employees work fully remotely. The next COO will have a significant opportunity to shape the future of CLASP’s workplace model for 2025 and beyond.

The organization’s next COO also has a unique opportunity to evaluate, refine, create, and implement systems that support better collaboration across teams and the organization's culture while remaining true to CLASP’s values. This includes evaluating and refining the current hybrid structure, aligning it with organizational goals and staff needs, and ensuring it supports a strong, inclusive, and high-performing culture.

Policy and Advocacy:

While the COO does not need to be an expert in policy or advocacy, a successful candidate must have a strong understanding of the role that policy and advocacy organizations play within the broader social justice ecosystem. The individual should be mission-aligned and able to support and uphold CLASP’s strategic goals and values in this space. They will be responsible for ensuring that the organization’s operational activities, including lobbying and advocacy efforts, remain compliant with legal and regulatory requirements and are aligned with CLASP’s mission-driven priorities.

Leadership and Development:

The COO should step into the role as a leader from day one. In addition to demonstrating strong personal leadership qualities—such as sound judgment, strategic thinking, and decisive decision-making—the ideal candidate will have a passion for building people and systems. The COO will be expected to design and implement innovative strategies to support the professional growth and development of staff across the organization, fostering a workplace culture that prioritizes learning, collaboration, and equity.

The COO will also seek opportunities to build partnerships with other COOs and leaders in the policy and advocacy space, with the goal of creating new avenues for organizational and staff development. This role requires someone who is externally connected, internally trusted, and invested in the long-term success of the team.

Additionally, the COO, in coordination with the ED, will work closely with CLASP’s diverse Board of Trustees. This will include communicating regularly, supporting quarterly Board meetings, and playing a key role in updating Trustees on the financial health of the organization, organizational progress, and operational matters.

Related duties include:

• Advising the Executive Director and Board of Trustees on necessary revisions, additions, or deletions to organizational policies and procedures in response to regulatory, legal, and social changes.
• Providing regular operating status updates to the Executive Director and Board of Trustees, offering insights and recommendations for continuous improvement.
• Providing strategic leadership in collaboration with the Executive Director and Development Director to develop innovative and effective strategies that support organizational growth, sustainability, and alignment with CLASP’s mission.
• Serving as a key member of the leadership team, contributing to the development and execution of the annual business and operating plan.
• Collaborating with the ED to -ead, motivate, and support a high-performing management team by recruiting, developing, and retaining top talent.
• Representing CLASP in engagements with funders, external stakeholders, and business partners, as needed.

Internal Communication:

In a hybrid and remote work environment, effective communication and collaboration are essential. Therefore, the COO will be responsible for ensuring that internal communication related to finance and operations across various departments occurs in a systematic, consistent, inclusive, and transparent manner. This includes implementing systems and practices that foster clarity andencourage collaboration.

The COO will also be charged with developing additional channels for staff to provide feedback, share ideas, and have a meaningful voice within the organization. Creating a culture where open communication is welcomed and valued will be central to this role.

To succeed, the COO must be a strong communicator who can connect authentically with individuals at all levels of the organization. CLASP is seeking someone who is personable, accessible, empathetic, and takes time to listen—while communicating transparently (as appropriate) and always with integrity. Building trust across teams will be essential for the COO to lead effectively and foster a cohesive organizational culture.

Commitment to Racial Equity:

The COO must center racial equity in every aspect of their work. This includes applying an equity lens to decision-making, operational practices, organizational culture, and staff development. The COO will work closely with internal leaders—including the Deputy Executive Director for Racial Equity—to advance the goals outlined in CLASP’s Racial Equity Transformational Change Plan. This requires a deep commitment to equity and inclusion, and the ability to lead with humility, transparency, and accountability.

More information about CLASP’s commitment to racial equity can be found at www.clasp/about/racial-equity/.

Minimum Requirements/Qualifications:

• The ideal candidate will have a bachelor's degree in finance, Accounting, Business Administration, or a related field.
• Experience leading the financial operations of an organization.
• At least 10+ years of leadership experience at a non-profit organization in a similar capacity.
• At least 5 + years of supervisory experience in operational oversight and team management.
• Stellar decision-making skills and the ability to delegate effectively.
• Strong project management and organizational skills and the ability to see multiple initiatives from inception to completion simultaneously.
• Executive-level communication skills and experience in building consensus among internal and external stakeholders.
• Candidates must be based in the Washington, D.C. area or be willing to relocate.

UNION ENVIRONMENT AND POSITION STATUS

CLASP is a unionized organization, but this position is not part of the bargaining unit. Employees are represented by CLASP Workers United (OPEIU, Local 2). CLASP values collaboration, fair labor practices, and constructive engagement with the union. We have just finalized our first Collective Bargaining Agreement, which will be in effect until May 2027.

Compensation: 

Salary Range: $190,000 – 200,000

Salary is commensurate with experience. CLASP offers exceptional benefits, including several employer-paid health insurance options, dental insurance, life and long-term disability insurance, long-term care insurance, a 403(b) retirement program, flexible spending accounts, and generous vacation, paid sick leave, paid family and medical leave, and holiday schedules

Application Process:

Please apply here and include a cover letter with your submission. Applications will be accepted until the position is filled. NO PHONE CALLS, PLEASE.

CLASP is an equal opportunity employer, and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local laws.