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- Tasks: Lead operations and strategy for a philanthropic foundation making a real difference.
- Company: Join a leading independent grant-making foundation in the West Midlands.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, hybrid working, and a chance to impact local communities.
- Why this job: Be part of a mission-driven team transforming lives across the region.
- Qualifications: Senior management experience in nonprofit or grant-making organisations required.
- Other info: Opportunity for career growth in a supportive and inclusive environment.
The predicted salary is between 51600 - 65000 £ per year.
We are proud to be supporting the leading independent grant making foundation in the West Midlands and Warwickshire, in their search for a Chief Operating Officer. They nurture philanthropy, connecting people who care with incredible causes that matter. They help unlock the resources to tackle local issues and support people and communities to thrive across the region.
The COO will play a pivotal role in implementing their strategy, aimed at improving operational efficiency and diversifying income streams. The COO will ensure that ways of working are as effective as possible, enabling the team to meet their ambitions and modernise their internal operations and governance, freeing up capacity for the CEO to build strong relationships with donors and partners working with communities.
Key responsibilities include:
- Play a central role as a member of the executive team in the overall leadership, strategic direction and governance of the Foundation.
- Work with the whole team to implement the organisational strategy and business plan.
- Lead on the development of the grant making strategy, ensuring processes are efficient, compliant and deliver an outstanding experience for applicants and donors.
- Oversee the day-to-day operational management of the Foundation, ensuring systems, policies and processes are appropriate and effective.
- Oversee fundholder relationships, demonstrating value and impact whilst overseeing performance against programme delivery commitments.
- Oversee research, insight and impact inputs and ensure effective horizon scanning for emerging trends and technologies.
- Oversee HR and marketing strategies to strengthen the culture and visibility.
As COO, you will have a strong commitment to the mission and values of the foundation, with a passion for making a difference to the lives of people in the West Midlands and Warwickshire. You will need senior management experience within a nonprofit, charitable or comparable grant-making organisation, evidenced by successful strategic planning and execution.
How to Apply
To apply for the role, please upload your CV together with a supporting statement (of no more than 1000 words) onto the Prospectus website via the link below. Please ensure that you have included a telephone number, as well as any dates when you will not be available or might have difficulty with the recruitment timetable. If you wish to apply using an alternative format, please contact Prospectus.
If you would like to have an informal conversation about the role, please contact our retained partners. At Prospectus we believe passionately that a truly inclusive workplace leads to increased social impact. We are committed to supporting our clients build more inclusive teams. To understand how we are performing, we ask that you kindly complete the brief equal opportunities questionnaire when you submit your application via our website. Please be assured that your responses are kept confidential, separate from your candidate record, are not part of any application you make, and that the consultants never see individual responses to the questionnaire.
Recruitment Timetable
Deadline for applications: Sunday 8th Feb (midnight)
Interviews with Prospectus: 24th Feb – 2nd March
First stage interviews with the foundation: 17th and 19th March
Second stage with the foundation: 24th March
Chief Operating Officer employer: PROSPECTUS-4
Contact Detail:
PROSPECTUS-4 Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Chief Operating Officer
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in your industry, especially those connected to the foundation. A friendly chat can open doors and give you insights that might just set you apart from other candidates.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for the interview by researching the foundation's mission and values. Show us how your experience aligns with their goals, and be ready to discuss how you can contribute to their operational efficiency and income diversification.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice makes perfect! Conduct mock interviews with friends or mentors. This will help you articulate your thoughts clearly and confidently, making a great impression when it counts.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets the attention it deserves. Plus, it shows you’re serious about the role and keen to be part of the team.
We think you need these skills to ace Chief Operating Officer
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV is tailored to the Chief Operating Officer role. Highlight your senior management experience in nonprofit or grant-making organisations, and showcase how your skills align with the foundation's mission and values.
Craft a Compelling Supporting Statement: Your supporting statement is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you're passionate about making a difference in the West Midlands and Warwickshire. Keep it concise and focused on how you can contribute to the foundation's goals.
Be Clear and Concise: When writing your application, clarity is key. Avoid jargon and keep your language straightforward. This will help the hiring team understand your qualifications and enthusiasm without any confusion.
Apply Through Our Website: Don't forget to submit your application through the Prospectus website! It's the easiest way for us to receive your CV and supporting statement, and ensures you’re considered for this exciting opportunity.
How to prepare for a job interview at PROSPECTUS-4
✨Know the Foundation Inside Out
Before your interview, take the time to research the foundation thoroughly. Understand their mission, values, and recent projects. This will not only help you align your answers with their goals but also show your genuine interest in making a difference in the West Midlands and Warwickshire.
✨Showcase Your Strategic Mindset
As a COO, you'll need to demonstrate your ability to think strategically. Prepare examples from your past experience where you've successfully implemented operational strategies or improved efficiency. Be ready to discuss how you can apply these skills to enhance the foundation's operations.
✨Prepare for Scenario-Based Questions
Expect questions that assess your problem-solving abilities and leadership style. Think of scenarios where you've had to lead a team through change or overcome challenges in a nonprofit setting. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your responses effectively.
✨Engage with the Interviewers
Interviews are a two-way street! Prepare thoughtful questions about the foundation's future plans, team dynamics, and how they measure success. This not only shows your enthusiasm but also helps you gauge if the organisation is the right fit for you.
