At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead strategic operations and drive impactful change for Deaf communities.
- Company: Deaf Action, a Deaf-led charity empowering individuals since 1835.
- Benefits: Generous leave, pension scheme, mental health support, and development opportunities.
- Other info: Join a dynamic team committed to sustainability and high-quality service delivery.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in the lives of Deaf people while leading innovative projects.
- Qualifications: Proven leadership experience and a passion for accessibility and inclusion.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 80000 £ per year.
Are you a strategic leader with a passion for delivering meaningful impact? We’re looking for an exceptional Chief Operating Officer to help lead Deaf Action through its next stage of growth, ensuring our services, people, and operations are positioned to deliver lasting change for Deaf communities. Deaf Action is a Deaf‑led charity, supporting and celebrating Deaf people since 1835. We work with Deaf people across Scotland and the South of England, empowering individuals to achieve their potential and fully participate in society with equality of rights, access and opportunity. Through a range of charitable and commercial services, Deaf Action provides support, access, education, communication services and opportunities that improve the lives of Deaf people. We are committed to innovation, sustainability, and delivering high‑quality services that create lasting impact.
Role purpose
The Chief Operating Officer (COO) provides strategic and operational leadership across Deaf Action, ensuring the organisation delivers high‑quality, integrated services in line with its mission, values, and business plan. Working closely with the CEO and Senior Leadership Team, the COO will be responsible for translating strategy into effective operational delivery, driving organisational performance, commercial growth, and long‑term sustainability. The COO provides leadership across service delivery, operational systems, performance management, and organisational development, ensuring Deaf Action operates efficiently, effectively, and in alignment with its strategic objectives.
Key responsibilities
- Provide strategic and operational leadership across Deaf Action, ensuring high‑quality, efficient, and sustainable service delivery.
- Contribute to the growth and development of Deaf Action’s commercial services, helping to maximise income and long‑term sustainability.
- Work closely with the CEO and Senior Leadership Team to translate organisational strategy into effective operational plans and outcomes.
- Lead and develop high‑performing teams, fostering a culture of accountability, collaboration, and continuous improvement.
- Ensure services and operations align with Deaf Action’s mission, values, and commitment to Deaf‑led practice and accessibility.
- Lead major organisational projects and cross‑functional initiatives, ensuring successful delivery and integration across services.
- Support financial sustainability through effective budgeting, resource management, and oversight of commercial activities.
- Establish robust reporting and accountability frameworks, ensuring clear performance information is available to the CEO and Board.
- Build and maintain strong relationships with partners, funders, stakeholders, and external agencies, representing Deaf Action where required.
- Drive innovation and continuous improvement across the organisation, ensuring that services remain responsive to the needs of Deaf communities.
Person specification
Essential
- Proven experience in a senior operational leadership role, leading complex, multi‑service or multi‑department organisations.
- Demonstrable success in commercial income generation, organisational growth, or change management.
- Strong strategic planning, operational management, and decision‑making capability.
- Experience developing and managing high‑performing teams.
- Experience implementing performance management systems and reporting frameworks.
- Strong understanding of core organisational functions, including operations, finance, HR, and service delivery.
- Excellent communication, leadership, and stakeholder management skills.
- Commitment to Deaf Action’s mission, values, accessibility, and inclusion.
Desirable
- Experience working within the third sector, public service, or mission‑led organisations.
- Understanding of Deaf communities and Deaf‑led organisations.
- Experience working within the care or support service sector.
- Knowledge of accessible service delivery and inclusive practice.
- British Sign Language (BSL) skills or willingness to develop skills.
What’s on offer?
- Occupational pension scheme with employer contributions of 6%
- 32 days leave pro rata (inc bank holidays)
- 24/7 access to an Employee Assistance Programme provided by Health Assured
- In‑house Mental Health First Aiders
- Access to the Cycle to Work Scheme and IT Voucher Scheme
- Ongoing support for learning and development through our PDR process
Chief Operating Officer (COO) employer: Deaf Action
Deaf Action is an exceptional employer that champions a culture of inclusivity and empowerment, making a meaningful impact in the lives of Deaf communities across Scotland and the South of England. With a commitment to innovation and sustainability, employees benefit from a supportive work environment that prioritises professional growth, offers generous leave, and provides access to mental health resources and development opportunities. Join us in leading transformative change while working alongside passionate individuals dedicated to equality and accessibility.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Chief Operating Officer (COO)
✨Get Involved Locally
Dive into local volunteer opportunities or social initiatives. This not only beefs up your CV but also connects you with like-minded folks in nonprofits. Plus, it shows your passion for social impact, which is key for getting noticed by Deaf Action.
✨Tap into Professional Networks
Join networks like the National Council for Voluntary Organisations (NCVO) or local charities to meet professionals in the sector. Attend events and workshops to build relationships and learn about potential openings at organisations like Deaf Action.
✨Showcase Your Commitment
When prepping for interviews, be ready to speak about your personal connection to social issues. Dive into specific examples of how you’ve contributed to community projects – this will resonate with the mission-driven vibe at Deaf Action.
✨Utilise Online Platforms
We’re all about making connections, so use platforms like Idealist and CharityJob to hunt for full-time roles. And of course, you should keep an eye on our website for exciting opportunities at Deaf Action. Apply directly through us to stand out!
We think you need these skills to ace Chief Operating Officer (COO)
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for the Cause:In the nonprofit sector, it's super important to demonstrate genuine passion for the mission of Deaf Action. Use your cover letter to showcase any personal experiences or volunteer work that connects you to their social impact initiatives. This emotional connection can really help your application stand out.
Highlight Relevant Experience:When crafting your CV, be sure to include any relevant projects or roles that showcase your skills in social impact. Whether it's community organising, fundraising, or advocacy, highlight what you've done and the difference it's made. Don’t just list tasks; quantify your achievements and the outcomes of your efforts.
Tailor Your Documents to the Role:For a full-time role like Chief Operating Officer (COO), ensure your CV and cover letter specifically address the responsibilities outlined in the job description. Use their language to describe your skills and experience, making it easy for the hiring team to see how you fit into their vision.
Emphasise Teamwork and Collaboration:Nonprofits thrive on teamwork, so make sure to emphasise your collaborative experiences. Whether you've worked in a team setting, partnered with community organisations, or facilitated group projects, highlight these experiences in your application. Show them you understand the importance of working alongside diverse individuals to achieve shared goals.
How to prepare for a job interview at Deaf Action
✨Show Your Passion for Social Change
When we’re prepping for interviews in the nonprofit space, it's vital to demonstrate our genuine passion for social impact. Be ready to discuss not just your skills and experiences but also why you care about the mission of Deaf Action. Sharing personal stories or insights can really make us stand out.
✨Highlight Project Experience
We should focus on specific projects we've worked on that align with the goals of social impact. Whether that’s a community initiative, volunteering, or a class project, having solid examples that showcase our role and the outcomes will resonate well with the interviewers.
✨Familiarity with Relevant Tools and Practices
Let’s brush up on tools and methodologies commonly used in the nonprofit sector, like project management software or outcome measurement frameworks. Being able to speak fluently about these will show that we’re not just passionate but also knowledgeable and ready to hit the ground running.
✨Prepare for Scenario-Based Questions
Expect scenario-based questions that evaluate our problem-solving skills in real-world social issues. Think about how we’d handle challenges in the nonprofit environment and prepare stories that demonstrate our critical thinking and adaptability. Role-playing with a friend could help us feel more confident!
