Leadership role
COO
The organization's second-ranking executive, responsible for running day-to-day operations and carrying out the CEO's plans.
Reporting and scope
Reports to the Executive Director / CEO and often serves as that person's deputy. Authority typically spans programs and internal operations across the organization, with several department heads reporting to the COO.
Core responsibilities
- Runs daily operations so the CEO can focus on the board, donors and external relationships
- Oversees program delivery, often across sites or regions
- Supervises support functions such as HR, IT, facilities or finance
- Turns the strategic plan into annual goals and tracks results
- Manages operating budgets and government contract performance
- Acts for the CEO when absent
How it differs
The Chief Administrative Officer covers internal administrative services and usually does not run mission programs. The Chief Program Officer leads programs but not support functions, and the Executive Vice President is a rank that may or may not carry operating duties.
By organization size
In small organizations the COO often carries programs, HR and finance personally. In large ones the role coordinates a team of vice presidents and is often the presumed successor to the CEO.
Filings from the last five years mapped to this role commonly report titles such as: COO; Chief Operating Officer; Chief Operations Officer; COO/CFO; General Manager/COO; Chief Operat