Chief Operating Officer - Leanlab Education
Kansas City, MO 64106
About the Job
ABOUT LEANLAB EDUCATION
Our mission is to launch breakthrough education solutions that have national impact. To realize this mission, Leanlab Education matches school partners from our AGILE (American Group of Innovative School Environments) Network with K-12 education innovations and facilitates research pilots that deeply engage school communities. The process, which we call ‘codesign research’, allows us to actively test new solutions that have the potential to dramatically accelerate student outcomes in key areas that matter most to schools, such as: social emotional development, literacy, and math competency. Diverse school-system teams work hand-in-hand with entrepreneurs and researchers to identify, influence, and launch breakthrough educational innovations in the form of technologies and services.
CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER
Leanlab Education is seeking a full-time Chief Operating Officer (COO) with exceptional financial acumen to lead the organization’s strategic and operational management across key functions, including: finance, people operations and systems, communications and development support. Knowledge of nonprofit finance and operations, experience in organizational leadership and strategy, and a flexible solutions-focused mindset are essential to success in this position.
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES
Reporting to the CEO, the COO will supervise 3-5 direct reports, plus vendors and outsourced contractors. The COO is responsible for financial management, all aspects of operational support, and providing strategic organizational leadership. Responsibilities include but are not limited to the following areas:
Financial Leadership (40%)
- Lead financial strategy, providing analysis of unit economics to assess profitability of earned revenue opportunities
- Oversee day to day financial management and outsourced accounting firm.
- Monitor and analyze financial performance, including monthly closing statements, review, and analysis.
- Lead financial forecasting and the annual budget process, working across the leadership team to ensure alignment with long-term organizational strategy.
- Staff the Finance Committee of the Board of Directors, including presenting reports, discussing strategy, and managing financial risk.
- Ensure Leanlab is in compliance, including leading the provision of information for the annual financial audit, IRS form 990, and other returns as required.
- Stay updated on changes in accounting standards, regulations, and best practices, including nonprofit GAAP.
Operational Oversight & Team Management (40%)
- Foster a culture of empowerment, accountability, and professional growth. Build alignment between team priorities, organizational goals, and individual roles, staying flexible as the organization grows and staffing needs evolve.
- Supervise the Operations Director in support of building excellent people and operational systems, including talent development and technology systems.
- Supervise the Operations Manager in providing excellent human resources, payroll, benefits, compliance, and AP/AR support.
- Supervise the marketing, communications, and development staff and contractors in delivering excellent communications and fundraising support.
- Manage pro bono counsel and oversee contracting, including revising and updating data security and privacy policies as necessary.
Organizational Leadership (20%)
- Serve as a strategic thought partner to the CEO, contributing to the development and execution of the organization’s long-term goals and vision.
- Facilitate Leanlab’s leadership team, helping to set organizational strategy and leading and supporting peers in driving results across the organization.
- Operationalize the strategic plan, working across teams and departments to monitor success and facilitate leadership’s ongoing strategic adjustments.
- Lead change management efforts for organization-wide shifts, increasing stability amidst growth and proactively managing staff through times of change.
- Ensure that the organization’s policies and practices promote diversity, equity, and inclusion in all aspects of its operations.
QUALIFICATIONS
- 10 years in operational leadership roles within the nonprofit or aligned sectors
- 5 years’ experience in a financial leadership role (working with nonprofits and in education is a plus)
- Familiarity with nonprofit GAAP and demonstrated financial expertise in budgeting, forecasting, and compliance
- Strong leadership in finance with a capacity to guide financial strategy and decisions at the executive level
- Track record in team leadership, including talent development and fostering accountability
- Ability to manage diverse stakeholder relationships, including board members and external partners
- Strategic thinker with experience in operationalizing strategy and complex organizational goals, monitor progress, and recommend changes
- Proficient in Google Workspace, QuickBooks, and CRM systems (e.g., Copper Hubspot, Salesforce)
- Experience overseeing people operations, including performance management
- Familiarity working with federal grants is a plus
BENEFITS & SALARY
At Leanlab, we take a holistic approach to compensation, supporting the “whole person” to enable each team member to achieve and sustain their best performance.
- Salary: $175,000–$190,000, with opportunities for performance-based bonuses.
- Health & Wellness: 100% covered healthcare plan, plus Health Savings Account (HSA).
- Dental & Vision: 90% of dental and vision plan coverage.
- Retirement: 403B plan with employer match.
- Insurance: Life and AD&D, short-term, and long-term disability insurance.
- Time Off: Unlimited PTO, plus four additional weeks off during annual office closures the week of July 4th, Thanksgiving, and two weeks over Christmas and New Year's Day.
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