Chief Operating Officer

About the Health and Reentry Project (HARP)

Access to health care is vital for successful second chances, yet many people returning to communities after incarceration do not get care when they need it. The Health and Reentry Project (HARP) builds safer, healthier communities by improving access to health care for people who are leaving incarceration. HARP advances this mission by providing policy analysis, helping governments implement policies, and convening diverse stakeholders, including people who are directly impacted by the justice system, to drive collective progress.

You can learn more about HARP and our work at . 

The Opportunity

HARP is at a critical moment as it enters its fifth year and period of growth. The Chief Operating Officer (COO) will establish critical operational infrastructure and capacity for the team to grow and execute its mission. The COO will oversee all core internal operational functions across the organization and as a part of the leadership team to translate HARP’s strategic vision into a sound operational plan. The COO will report to the Executive Director and will supervise staff and consultants providing operational and administrative support. 

Responsibilities

The Chief Operating Officer (COO) will lead and manage the following core functional areas:

Operations & Information Technology 

• Serve as the senior leader for operations, ensuring business processes and technology support the impact goals and needs of the HARP team
• Identify and implement opportunities for improving processes and tools to support team collaboration while increasing efficiency

Financial Management

• Oversee all aspects of financial management, including financial planning, grant management, cash management, budgeting, reporting, and internal controls 
• Engage and manage oversee consultants and staff who perform financial, and operational, and administrative functions
• Oversee contract and grant compliance, particularly as it relates to government funding
• Collaborate with the HARP team on the development of fundraising strategies and operational systems to support execution.

Team, Culture & Human Resources (HR)

• Oversee all Human Resources functions, including talent acquisition, onboarding, performance management, employee relations, payroll, benefits, and HR compliance
• Work in collaboration with HARP’s Professional Employer Organization (PEO), Insperity, to support Human Resources administration
• Drive talent acquisition by forecasting internal hiring needs, partnering closely with hiring managers, and managing the full hiring and onboarding processes
• Actively champion and maintain a positive, inclusive, and high-performance organizational culture that aligns with HARP’s mission and values
• Oversee performance management and professional development, including goal setting, review cycles, and training that support effective talent development
• Design, create and reinforce structures and policies that foster strong team cohesion and job satisfaction across a multi-office and hybrid remote work environment
• Define, document, and implement organizational policies, including creating the employee manual and defining processes for procurement and office management

Organizational Leadership

• Participate in the HARP’s annual strategic planning process including establishing operational goals, plans, and performance management approaches
• Lead the translation of HARP’s strategic vision into a sustainable, long-term operational plan
• Support the development of a framework for monitoring and measuring the impact of the organization’s work

Preferred Qualifications/ Experience

• At least 10 years’ professional experience managing core operational functions within a non-profit, government, or policy organization.
• Experience leading teams within a remote work environment
• Direct experience leading operations for an organization navigating organizational growth 
• Exceptional strategic thinking capabilities with a proven ability to translate vision and mission into concrete, scalable operational plans
• Outstanding organizational and project management skills with a track record of successfully managing complex projects and designing and implementing efficient processes
• Strong understanding of nonprofit fund accounting; Experience managing government (federal and state) grants and contracts preferred
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills with the ability to articulate complex operational, financial, and HR concepts to diverse audiences
• A collaborative leader and team player willing to “roll-up their sleeves”
• Strong interest and/or expertise, including lived or professional  experience, regarding the critical role health care plays for communities who are returning from incarceration
• Technologically savvy and adept at leveraging systems and tools for effective team operations and collaboration. Familiarity and interest with the use of AI in operations. 
• Experience working with outside council on issues related to organizational governance, employment law, contracts, and other nonprofit legal needs 

HARP is a small, but growing, team that values team members who:

• Are organized, detail oriented, results-focused and thrive in a work culture that prioritizes growth and learning. 

• Can think strategically and creatively and adjust to changing circumstances in a rapidly growing nonprofit.
• Can maintain good humor and a positive attitude while juggling multiple priorities and meeting deadlines.
• Can express ideas clearly and concisely both in writing and orally.
• Are self-motivated and able to work independently on a small team in a remote or hybrid work environment.
• Are committed to creating an inclusive environment that values sharing and learning from diverse perspectives and experiences. 

HARP does not discriminate in employment on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, pregnancy, national origin, political affiliation, sexual orientation, marital status, disability, genetic information, age, membership in an employee organization, retaliation, parental status, military service or other non-merit factors.

Location:

Remote, with preference given to candidates residing in the Eastern Time Zone (EST). This role requires full-time availability and participation in meetings via Zoom during standard EST business hours.

Compensation & Benefits:

$160,000-180,000, commensurate with experience. HARP offers a competitive benefits package including medical, dental, vision, 401K, and more.