This template is for nonprofits hiring a remote Chief Operating Officer (COO) — someone who will take the lead on internal operations and ensure the systems behind your mission are built to last. In many organizations, the COO is responsible for how work gets done: how budgets are managed, how teams stay aligned, how policies are upheld, and how daily decisions reflect the values at the core of the organization.
To adapt this post for your hiring needs:
- Update the “About the Role” section to describe how much strategic versus operational leadership you expect this person to hold
- Tailor responsibilities to reflect your structure — whether you’re stabilizing your operations, entering a new growth phase, or just starting to formalize systems
- Use the “What We’re Looking For” section to reflect your internal culture. What kind of leadership do you value? What does success look like in this role?
- Customize benefits based on what you can realistically offer. Transparency, even about limited perks, builds trust
Once you’re ready to hire, share the role on our Job Board to reach operational leaders who are experienced, globally based, and looking to contribute to mission-driven work.
Chief Operating Officer (Remote, Global)
Location: Remote (open to applicants worldwide)
Employment Type: Full-time
Salary Range: $95,000 to $135,000 USD per year or local equivalent, adjusted for experience and cost of living
We benchmark compensation using data from trusted sources like Glassdoor, ensuring we remain competitive within the global nonprofit sector.
Reports to: Executive Director
Direct Reports: May include Directors of Finance, HR, IT, or Operations
About the Role
We are hiring a Chief Operating Officer (COO) to lead the internal operations of our organization and support the infrastructure that makes our mission possible. The COO is responsible for overseeing finance, people operations, compliance, technology systems, and day-to-day execution across the organization. You’ll work closely with the Executive Director to translate strategy into implementation, ensuring that our people, systems, and resources are aligned with our goals and values.
This is a key leadership role that requires both strategic thinking and comfort with operational detail. You’ll be responsible for building sustainable internal processes, managing a high-performing team, and helping create a culture where remote staff can do their best work. The ideal candidate is someone who thrives on clarity, structure, and improving how things work — not just managing tasks, but building systems that serve people and purpose.
About [Organization Name]
[Organization Name] is a nonprofit organization working to [brief mission]. Our work is grounded in [values such as equity, collaboration, or sustainability], and we partner with communities, funders, and networks to deliver impact across [locations or sectors].
We are a remote-first team, with staff and collaborators in [list countries or regions if applicable]. Our culture prioritizes transparency, flexibility, and integrity. We believe operational excellence is part of how we model our values internally and deliver meaningful outcomes externally.
Responsibilities
- Oversee and improve internal operations including finance, human resources, IT systems, compliance, and risk management
- Work with the Executive Director and leadership team to translate the strategic plan into operational goals and workflows
- Manage and support senior team members leading finance, operations, and administrative functions
- Build and improve internal processes that enable clarity, accountability, and collaboration across departments
- Oversee financial management, including budgeting, forecasting, cash flow, grant compliance, and reporting
- Lead organizational planning cycles, ensuring operational input is reflected in timelines and priorities
- Support people operations, including recruitment, onboarding, performance management, and compensation systems
- Maintain and improve systems for remote communication, file sharing, security, and knowledge management
- Ensure compliance with legal, HR, and financial regulations across jurisdictions where the organization operates
- Work with the development team to ensure that operational capacity supports program growth and fundraising goals
- Champion equity and accessibility in all internal systems and decision-making processes
What We’re Looking For
This role is a good fit for someone who wants to bring structure to mission-driven work without losing the flexibility that nonprofits require. You understand that impact depends on how well people are supported behind the scenes — and you find satisfaction in building systems that work well, feel human, and hold up under pressure.
You’re comfortable managing complexity, building consensus, and knowing when “good enough” is better than perfect. You’ve worked in or with nonprofits before and know how to align day-to-day operations with values like equity, sustainability, and accountability. You communicate clearly, document consistently, and genuinely enjoy supporting teams to do their best work.
Required Skills and Experience
- At least 7 years of leadership experience in nonprofit operations, finance, or administration
- Proven ability to design and implement systems that improve organizational performance
- Experience leading or supervising teams in finance, HR, or operations — ideally in a remote or distributed setting
- Strong understanding of nonprofit compliance, budgeting, and funder reporting
- Excellent project management skills, with the ability to manage timelines, processes, and cross-team priorities
- Fluency in working with cloud-based tools like QuickBooks, Gusto, Google Workspace, Airtable, or similar
- Comfort working across time zones and cultures in a remote-first environment
- Experience with grant compliance and restricted funding is a strong plus
- A commitment to equity, transparency, and inclusive management practices
Compensation and Benefits
This is a full-time remote position open to candidates around the world. The salary range for this role is $95,000 to $135,000 USD per year, or the local equivalent, depending on experience and cost of living.
Benefits may include:
- Flexible working hours
- Paid time off (typically 4+ weeks)
- Health and wellness stipends
- Retirement plan or employer contributions
- Professional development support
- Annual home office or coworking stipend
- Parental leave and caregiver flexibility policies
Exact benefits vary depending on location and employment structure.
How to Apply
To apply, please submit a resume and a cover letter explaining your interest in the role and your approach to operational leadership in a nonprofit setting. Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis. Early submissions are encouraged.
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