Chief Operating Officer

Position Title: Chief Operating Officer (COO)

Reports To: CEO, Christine Sylvain

Location: Palm Beach County

Employment Type: Full-time, Exempt

About Path to College

Path to College is a dynamic and growing nonprofit organization committed to bridging educational gaps and providing opportunities for underserved students to gain acceptance to top-tier universities with full-ride scholarships. With a strong focus on fostering leadership, academic excellence, and community impact, we provide the support students need to overcome barriers to higher education. 

The Chief Operating Officer (COO) will play a pivotal role in supporting the CEO in driving the operational growth of Path to College. This leadership position will oversee day-to-day operations, manage cross-departmental functions, and ensure that all systems and processes align with the organization's strategic goals. The COO will be responsible for streamlining operations to enable the CEO to focus more on the field, public engagements, fundraising, and mission-critical initiatives.

Operational Leadership & Strategy

• Lead and optimize day-to-day operations, ensuring alignment with Path to College's mission and strategic priorities.
• Collaborate with the CEO on organizational goals, executing short and long-term strategic initiatives.
• Develop and implement operational strategies that improve efficiency, scalability, and sustainability as the organization grows.

Team Leadership & Staff Management

• Oversee the performance and development of key department heads, ensuring clear alignment of objectives and cross-functional collaboration.
• Foster a culture of accountability, innovation, and continuous improvement within the team.
• Assist with talent acquisition, retention, and leadership development strategies to build a strong, committed team.

Program Oversight & Impact

• Supervise the execution of core programs, ensuring they meet quality standards and produce measurable outcomes for students.
• Oversee program evaluations and refine program delivery to enhance the overall impact.
• Support scaling efforts for Path to College’s offerings, ensuring quality and impact at scale.

Financial Management

• Work with the CEO and Accountant to develop, monitor, and manage the annual budget and ensure responsible fiscal management.
• Help ensure that fundraising, grants, and other income streams are effectively managed and aligned with organizational goals.
• Provide regular financial reporting and insights to the CEO and Board of Directors.

Systems & Infrastructure Development

• Evaluate and enhance internal systems, processes, and technologies to ensure smooth operations.
• Lead the implementation of data-driven strategies, tracking key performance indicators (KPIs) to assess organizational health.
• Oversee and ensure the efficient use of all organizational resources, including facilities, software, and infrastructure.

Stakeholder Engagement & Partnership Development

• Represent Path to College in key external partnerships and build relationships with stakeholders to strengthen the organization’s mission.
• Lead communications with partners and funders, ensuring Path to College’s vision and goals are effectively articulated.

Experience:

• At least 8-10 years of progressive leadership experience, with a strong background in nonprofit operations and program management.
• Proven experience in scaling a growing organization, preferably in the education or youth development sectors.
• Strong financial management and budgeting experience.

Skills:

• Excellent leadership and team-building skills, with the ability to inspire and motivate teams.
• Exceptional strategic thinking, problem-solving, and decision-making abilities.
• Strong organizational and operational management skills with the ability to oversee multiple projects simultaneously.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to build relationships with diverse stakeholders, including funders, donors, and community partners.

Personal Attributes:

• Passion for the mission of Path to College and a commitment to educational excellence.
• Ability to operate with a high degree of autonomy and a results-driven approach.
• A solutions-oriented mindset with the capacity to thrive in a fast-paced, dynamic environment.

• Bachelor's degree required; advanced degree (MBA, MPA, or similar) preferred.

Additional Requirements:

• Must pass a Level 2 background check and drug test.
• Willingness to travel as needed for trainings, meetings, and events.

Why Join Path to College?

At Path to College, you’ll be part of a passionate team working to create meaningful change in the lives of students and the community. We offer a collaborative and supportive work environment, opportunities for professional growth, and the chance to make a lasting impact.

Path to College is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer.