Interim Chief Operating Officer Jobs in California

New Mandate: Chief Operating Officer (COO)

Summary

We are a one-of-a-kind, fully-funded, and global organization dedicated to empowering philanthropic leaders everywhere to take immediate and far-reaching climate action. By serving as an impartial guide, we equip new climate philanthropists with the information, insights, and curated roadmaps needed to drive transformative climate solutions - our client is the climate.

We are seeking a strategic, highly capable Chief Operating Officer (COO) to join our executive leadership team. Reporting directly to the President, the COO will translate our 2030 strategic plan into coordinated, high-impact operations. In this pivotal role, you will lead day-to-day operations and coordinate across all key functional leaders to ensure seamless integration, operational excellence, and purpose alignment as the organization scales.

Managerial Responsibilities

The COO leads the organization's Operations, Legal, Finance, and Technology teams.

• Direct Reports (5 FTE): Managing Director, Finance & Business Systems (Leadership Team member);Director of Operations; Interim Legal Counsel; Executive Assistant for Operations.
• Indirect Reports (5.5 FTE): Director of Finance; Director of IT; Associate Director, Business Systems;Salesforce Administrator; Product Manager, Salesforce (0.5 FTE); Operations Coordinator.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

General Operations & Administration (40%)

• Principal Operational Lead: Oversee core administrative functions, contract management, facilities, and keyvendor relationships.
• Planning & Alignment: Lead organization-wide and cross-team priority setting and planning to removeoperational friction and foster a responsive operating environment.
• Executive Strategy: Partner with the Leadership Team on major organizational decisions affecting top-lineOKRs, strategy, and budget allocation.
• Presidential Support: Advise and support the President on operational strategies to expand and scaleengagement with key global partners.

Risk & Compliance (20%)

• Legal & Risk Oversight: Direct internal and external legal counsel to oversee risk management, regulatorycompliance, and tax/legal considerations as the organization expands.

Board Management & Funder Relations (20%)

• Board Governance: Partner with the President on the strategic management and ongoing operations of theBoard of Directors.
• Funder Oversight: Maintain governance over funder relations, including grant renewals, compliancereporting, and new funding applications.

Executive Leadership (15%)

• Culture & Strategy: Model organizational values and collaborate with the executive team to define long-termstrategic direction.
• Fiduciary Responsibility: Contribute to master budgeting and financial planning processes led by the MD ofFinance & Business Systems.
• Mentorship & Coaching: Provide leadership coaching and mentorship across teams to build an inclusive,high-performing culture.

Finance & Business Systems (5%)

• Operational Integration: Enable the success of the MD, Finance & Business Systems across financialplanning, multi-year projections, IT systems, AI integration, and Salesforce administration.

Success Criteria

• Values-Driven Executive: Models authentic, values-led leadership, balancing high-level visionary strategywith practical, hands-on execution.
• Diplomatic Partner: Navigates complex multi-partner environments with diplomatic skill, building coalitionsacross functional and organizational boundaries.
• Team Architect: Designs operational structures that break down silos, promote cross-functional innovation,and cultivate organizational resilience.
• Results-Oriented Operator: Establishes operational feedback loops that connect daily execution directly tolong-term 2030 climate goals.
• Functional Leader: Synthesizes complex operational requirements into actionable organizational strategy,proactively identifying growth opportunities and removing blockers.

Qualifications

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

• Executive Management: Outstanding leadership and team-building capability across operations, finance,technology, and legal functions.
• Strategic & Tactical Agility: Demonstrated ability to move effortlessly between overarching strategy andgranular, detailed tactical execution.
• Contemporary Operations Toolkit: Comprehensive knowledge of modern operational systems, tools, andpractices required to scale growing organizations.
• Entrepreneurial Rigor: Combining the intellectual dynamism required for an entrepreneurial, fast-pacedenvironment with the discipline to build sustainable long-term infrastructure.

Education and Experience

• Proven executive leadership track record (COO or senior operations lead) within high-growth, matrixed, orcomplex mission-driven organizations.
• Demonstrated experience managing multi-disciplinary operational teams, supporting board governance, andoverseeing organizational risk.

Work Environment

• Our organization is headquartered in San Francisco, CA, with additional staff hubs in London, New York, and Washington, D.C.
• This position operates in a hybrid environment and is based in our San Francisco, CA office alongside the executive leadership team.
• Staff based in the San Francisco Bay Area work in the office Tuesday through Thursday each week.

Compensation & Benefits

• Base Salary: Highly competitive executive compensation package, expected salary range USD 375,000 -400,000. The actual salary offered will depend on various factors, including the candidate's level of directly relevant experience, core skills, and qualifications. This is a fixed compensation rate; the role does not include an annual bonus or carried interest.
• Benefits: Generous, comprehensive benefits package including premium health, dental, vision, and life insurance, short- and long-term disability coverage, 401(k) matching up to 9%, paid holidays, and unlimited time off.

How to Apply

This confidential search is being exclusively managed by our retained executive search partner. To express interest, nominate a candidate, or request a confidential briefing, please reply to this post in mutual confidence with your resumé, and/or reach out directly to our retained consultant, Duncan Hiller, at duncan@hedgeimpact.com.

We value diversity and treat all employees and job applicants based on merit, qualifications, competence, and talent. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, creed, national origin, citizenship, physical or mental disability, medical condition, genetic information, marital status, sex, gender identity, age, sexual orientation, or any other status protected by applicable law.