Posted on February 26, 2013

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Chief Operating Officer

The Chicago Public Education Fund (The Fund) accelerates student achievement in Chicago's public schools by building high-performing teams of principals and teachers, improving evaluation and accountability systems, and reinventing classrooms with the innovative use of time, technology, and talent. The Fund’s investors represent a broad cross section of Chicago’s business, civic, and philanthropic leaders. They have committed $50 million to The Fund since 2000, enabling the organization to identify high-quality programs and outstanding management teams in which to invest financial capital and strategic support. We track the performance of our investments, provide strategic and operational management assistance, and leverage the business acumen of our directors and management team to have a positive impact on students and schools. Building on a strong track record of success in Funds I, II, and III, The Fund is considering a launch of Fu nd IV in 2013 and needs to grow in order to do so. Please visit our website at www.thefundchicago.org to learn more about The Fund.

Responsibilities

The Chief Operating Officer (COO) will be responsible for The Fund’s financial and operations management as well as strategic planning and will help execute against the organization’s communications and development goals. Working closely with the Chief Executive Officer (CEO), the COO will be held accountable for results that include:

• Managing all day-to-day operations of the organization, including finance, human resources, office management, and IT, as well as providing support for execution against communications and development goals. The COO and CEO will work closely with the Board of Directors to establish and execute against a long-term vision, to build and support a high-functioning team, and to make The Fund a great place to work.
• Serving as the management liaison to the Operations, Finance, and Audit Committee; advising the CEO and Board of Directors on financial planning, budgeting, cash flow, investment priorities, and policy matters.
• Maintaining an appropriate system of policies, internal controls, accounting standards, and procedures; managing administrative and operational accounting services such as treasury management, 401k plan, benchmark payment processing, payroll, accounts payable, and purchasing. Serving as liaison to outside legal counsel and oversee organizational insurance policies.
• Planning, coordinating, and executing the annual budget and strategic planning process, including generating an annual report and facilitating quarterly progress updates with the full staff. The Fund’s budget ranges from $4-7M annually, depending on the stage of an individual fund and on the number of investments made.
• Building the professional capacity of the Operations and Communications/Development teams, with clear targets around productivity, professional skill development, staff satisfaction, and diversity. Although the CEO and program team leads will maintain primary responsibility for fundraising, the COO will manage the day-to-day responsibilities of the Communications/Development team.
• Growing The Fund’s network by representing the organization at local and national conferences, meetings, and events.

Qualifications

The COO will lead a small team responsible for the day-to-day operations of The Fund. Successful candidates will have at least seven years of professional work experience and at least three years of significant senior management experience; they will also possess:

• A history of success as both a tactical and strategic leader in a collaborative, fast-paced, and high-performing environment
• External audit and in-house financial management experience, preferably gained in a high-growth organization; knowledge of or ability to quickly adapt to nonprofit finance and accounting regulations
• The desire to work in an entrepreneurial environment with a small team, to take initiative, display a strong work ethic, pay attention to detail, continue to grow as a professional, cross boundaries, and help colleagues; must be willing to work tirelessly on behalf of Chicago’s students and to contribute positively to the collaborative, innovative, and outcomes-oriented culture of The Fund
• Outstanding written and verbal communication skills and the ability to effectively interface with senior management, The Fund’s Board, and staff; as well as superior analytical skills
• An MEd, MPP, or MPA with finance experience, an MBA, or a CPA strongly preferred
• Successful development, fundraising, sales, or public affairs experience, including prior work with national education funders or experience securing federal funding, a plus
• An interest in advising/guiding portfolio organizations and ventures as they establish their own operations teams a plus
• Strong Word, Excel, and PowerPoint skills as well as experience with financial management software required – experience with Financial Edge preferred

Compensation and Reporting Structure

This is an outstanding opportunity for a highly motivated professional to assume a pivotal role in the evolution of a fast-growing, highly respected organization. The Fund maintains compensation and benefit packages that are highly competitive and commensurate with experience. The COO will report to the CEO and serve on the management team. He/she will also represent The Fund at national conferences and have the ability to take advantage of professional development and training benefits.

Application Instructions

Additional Details

Applications, confidential inquiries, nominations for the position, or questions should be directed to Jolynn Bryant at careers@thefundchicago.org. The review of applications will begin immediately and will continue until the position is filled. For best consideration, applications should be submitted prior to March 15, 2013. Applications should include a resume, a cover letter, and a sample strategic or operations plan. The Chicago Public Education Fund is an equal opportunity employer; people of diverse background are encouraged to apply. No phone inquiries please.