Chief Operating Officer

Position Summary

The African Think Tank is seeking an experienced and mission-driven Volunteer Chief Operating Officer (COO) to provide strategic oversight of the organization's day-to-day operations.

This executive leadership role is ideal for a seasoned operations professional who enjoys building systems, improving organizational efficiency, and helping nonprofit teams perform at their highest level.

Working closely with the Board Chair, Board of Directors, staff, and volunteer leaders, the COO will ensure that programs, projects, and internal operations run smoothly while driving accountability across the organization.

Key Responsibilities

Operational Leadership

• Oversee the day-to-day operations of the organization.
• Ensure organizational priorities are executed efficiently across all departments.
• Develop and improve internal systems, workflows, and operating procedures.
• Identify operational bottlenecks and implement practical solutions.
• Monitor organizational performance and recommend process improvements.

Team Management

• Supervise and support operational staff and volunteer leaders.
• Conduct regular check-ins with department leads and committee chairs.
• Foster accountability by tracking deliverables and ensuring deadlines are met.
• Help create a collaborative, high-performing organizational culture.

Strategic Execution

• Translate strategic goals into actionable operational plans.
• Monitor progress toward organizational objectives.
• Coordinate cross-functional initiatives across programs, fundraising, marketing, and administration.
• Ensure alignment between daily operations and TATT's strategic priorities.

Project & Program Oversight

• Monitor the implementation of organizational initiatives and special projects.
• Track timelines, milestones, and responsibilities.
• Ensure programs are adequately resourced and operationally supported.
• Escalate risks and operational issues to the Board Chair when appropriate.

Organizational Systems

• Maintain organizational dashboards and operational reporting.
• Support the development of policies, procedures, and documentation.
• Improve communication and coordination across teams.
• Recommend technology and workflow solutions that increase efficiency.

Leadership Support

• Serve as a strategic thought partner to the Board Chair.
• Prepare operational updates for Board meetings.
• Support organizational growth and capacity-building initiatives.
• Help cultivate a culture of continuous improvement and excellence.

Qualifications

Preferred candidates will possess:

• Five or more years of leadership or operations management experience.
• Experience managing projects, teams, or organizational operations.
• Strong organizational and project management skills.
• Ability to prioritize multiple initiatives in a fast-paced environment.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
• Experience working with nonprofits, volunteer organizations, startups, or mission-driven organizations is highly desirable.
• Demonstrated ability to build systems and improve organizational effectiveness.
• A collaborative leadership style with a servant-leader mindset.

Desired Skills

• Strategic planning and execution
• Organizational development
• Process improvement
• Project management
• Team leadership
• Performance management
• Change management
• Problem-solving and decision-making
• Meeting facilitation
• Familiarity with project management platforms (e.g., Asana, ClickUp, or similar)

What Success Looks Like

Within the first six months, the Volunteer COO will have:

• Established a consistent operational cadence across the organization.
• Improved coordination and communication between staff, volunteers, and committees.
• Implemented systems to track organizational priorities and accountability.
• Streamlined key operational processes.
• Helped create a more efficient, organized, and scalable operating environment.

Why Volunteer With TATT?

As Volunteer Chief Operating Officer, you will play a pivotal role in strengthening an organization dedicated to empowering the African Diaspora through education, entrepreneurship, leadership, and community. Your expertise will directly contribute to building the operational foundation needed for sustainable growth and lasting impact.

This role offers the opportunity to:

• Shape the future of a growing international nonprofit.
• Work alongside passionate leaders committed to community transformation.
• Apply your executive leadership skills to meaningful, mission-driven work.
• Expand your nonprofit leadership experience and professional network.
• Leave a lasting legacy through systems and structures that enable long-term impact.

Commitment

• Approximately 6-8 hours per week
• Mostly remote with flexible scheduling
• Attendance at biweekly leadership meetings and occasional Board meetings
• Participation in major organizational planning sessions and key events, as availability permits