Robert F. Kennedy Center for Justice and Human Rights
Scion Executive Search (www.scionexecutivesearch.com) has been retained to conduct the search for a new Chief Operating Officer for the Robert F. Kennedy Center for Justice and Human Rights. This impactful organization was founded in 1968 to carry on the work and sustain the legacy of Robert F. Kennedy. Today, the Robert F. Kennedy Center for Justice and Human Rights has grown to be one of the most prestigious and active international human rights organizations.
The Chief Operating Officer will report to the RFK Center President and work in close partnership with the Board of Directors, the Executive Director, and the organization’s managers. The Chief Operating Officer will lead business planning and oversee operations in the RFK Center’s three offices located in New York City, Washington, D.C. and Florence, Italy.
This opportunity is for direct hire, and works onsite in the organization’s headquarters in New York City, New York.
THE POSITION
The Chief Operating Officer is a hands-on executive management role responsible for the improvement and oversight of the RFK Center’s operational and financial function and strategy. In addition to hands-on leadership, the Chief Operating Officer will be charged with developing and implementing detailed policies and procedures designed to drive operational, financial, and strategic excellence, growth, and stability in support of the organization’s program and mission.
The RFK Center seeks a talented executive manager and process-minded operations leader with direct experience in scaling established organizations. Executives skilled at designing and implementing systems and programs, uniting organizational resources and processes, and driving performance are highly encouraged to apply.
RESPONSIBILITIES
Strategy, Vision and Leadership
Drive direct executive management of the RFK Center’s staff on behalf of the President, and in alignment with the Executive Director and Boards’ philosophy and direction.
Enhance, develop, recommend and implement policies, procedures, and systems that improve the overall operation and effectiveness of the RFK Center.
Advise the President and other key members of senior management on financial planning, budgeting, cash flow, investment priorities, and policy matters.
Serve as the management liaison to the board and audit committee; effectively communicate and present critical financial matters at select board of directors and committee meetings.
Contribute to the development of RFK’s strategic goals and objectives as well as the overall management of the organization.
Maintain continuous lines of communication, keeping the President informed of all critical issues.
Represent the organization externally, as necessary, and particularly in banking and lease negotiations.
Team Development/Leadership
Oversee, direct, and organize the work of the finance and operations teams.
Promote a culture of high performance and continuous improvement that values learning and a commitment to quality.
Ensure staff members receive timely and appropriate training and development.
Establish and monitor staff performance and development goals, assign accountabilities, set objectives, establish priorities, conduct annual performance appraisals and administer salary adjustments.
Mentor and develop staff using a supportive and collaborative approach; assign accountabilities; set objectives; establish priorities; and monitor and evaluate results.
Operations / Administration
Own and lead the planning, management, and execution of the Administration function on behalf of the RFK Center.
Upgrade and implement an appropriate system of policies, internal controls, accounting standards, and procedures.
Plan, coordinate and execute the annual budget process.
Ensure that RFK Human Rights is adhering to the strategic plan, and delivering status reports to the Board.
Provide analytical support to RFK’s internal management team including development of internal management reporting capabilities.
Improve administrative and operational accounting services such as treasury management, 403-B plan, grants payment processing, payroll, accounts payable, and purchasing.
Qualifications
Minimum 8 years of experience in a senior management role ideally with both external audit and in-house financial management experience acquired in a high-growth organization.
Experience either as an employee or board member of a nonprofit organization; must be familiar with nonprofit finance and accounting regulations.
Business, Accounting or related degree preferred.
Proven track record of success facilitating progressive organizational change and development within a growing organization.
Excellent judgment and creative problem solving skills including negotiation and conflict resolution skills.
Strong mentoring, coaching experience to a team with diverse levels of expertise.
Entrepreneurial team player who can multitask.
Superior management skills; ability to influence and engage direct and indirect reports and peers.
Self reliant, good problem solver, results oriented.
Energetic, flexible, collaborative, and proactive; a team leader who can positively and productively impact both strategic and tactical finance and administration initiatives.
Exceptional written, oral, interpersonal, and presentation skills and the ability to effectively interface with senior management, RFK Center’s Board of Directors, and staff.
Ability to operate as an effective, tactical and strategic thinker.
A passion for RFK Center’s mission.
COMPENSATION
This exciting position offers the opportunity to play a central leadership role in an enthusiastic, international team working to advance human rights, a competitive base salary commensurate with experience, full health benefits package including dental, health, vision, 403(b), 401(a) retirement plan, 7% automatic 401(a) contribution after one year of employment, a generous paid time off/vacation plan, sick time, wonderful working atmosphere, and job and mission that will inspire you.
THE ORGANIZATION
For 45 years, The Robert F. Kennedy Center for Justice and Human Rights has been defending human rights and working to realize Robert Kennedy’s dream of a more peaceful and just world. Forging long-term partnerships through the RFK Partners for Human Rights program, we assist human rights defenders on the cutting-edge of social change who have won the RFK Human Rights Award. We support investigative journalists and authors who bring light to injustice through the RFK Book and Journalism Awards. Through Speak Truth to Power, the RFK Center human rights education program, we tell the stories of human rights defenders and offer students and the broader public alike a tool kit for action to create change in their classrooms, communities, countries and our shared world. The RFK Compass program explores and promotes the connectivity between the duties of investment fiduciaries (optimizing risk-adjusted returns) and public interest considerations including human rights, the environment, social and governance issues. Through RFK Center/Europe, we provide human rights education advocacy programs to schools and communities across the continent. The RFK Training Institute in Florence, Italy, provides innovative training and education to enhance operational knowledge and skills of individuals and organizations directly or indirectly associated with justice and human rights outcomes. Through a joint effort with the Boston-based RFK Children’s Action Corps, we urge legislative reform of juvenile justice systems.
“Some men see things the way they are, and ask why? I dream of things that never were, and ask why not?” – Robert F. Kennedy paraphrasing George Bernard Shaw
ABOUT OUR FIRM
Scion Executive Search is a retained executive search firm connecting executive nonprofit leadership to nonprofit organizations and foundations across the country. Cultivated in the nonprofit sector, we provide expert search strategies and leadership for your organization. Our executive candidates are true agents for change, and we are experts at matching their talents, motivations, and passions to your organization’s mission. Scion Executive Search has led hundreds of successful executive searches. Information about our firm and successes can be found online at www.scionexecutivesearch.com.
Scion Executive Search is an equal opportunity employer and service provider committed to not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, gender, gender identity, national origin, citizenship status, sexual orientation, disability, political affiliation or belief. We are committed to the principals of Equal Opportunity Employment and are dedicated to making employment decisions based on merit and value, for ourselves, our client companies, and for the candidates we represent.
How to apply
For immediate consideration please send your resume and cover letter to Scion Executive Search, via email to executive@scionstaffing.com, attn: Isaac Schild. Please note, due to the high volume of applications received, Scion Executive Search/RFK Center will follow up with candidates as necessary.