Chief Operating Officer (COO) chez Hopelink

Title: Chief Operating Officer (COO)

Location: This role will be based in Redmond, WA. A hybrid schedule is available and will be guided by business needs. The COO is required to report to a Hopelink worksite a minimum of 4 days/week. To meet this requirement, employees must reside in WA state and within a reasonable distance to Hopelink sites.

Work schedule: Full time, 40 hours per week, typically M-F, 8am – 5pm with some flexibility. Some evenings and weekends required.

Who we are: Since 1971, Hopelink has provided stability-building programs for people experiencing poverty, immigrants and refugees, and people with disabilities.   We are the largest nonprofit in North and East King County.  

Make an impact in your community!  Hopelink equips people to exit poverty through comprehensive services, impactful partnerships, and advocacy for equitable opportunities for all.  

Hopelink programs work in tandem to fill gaps, supporting each family or individual’s unique needs. These include food, energy, and financial assistance, housing with case management, mobility management, non-emergency medical transportation (NEMT), Dial-a-Ride Transit (DART), English for work, family development, and financial capabilities.

Join us!  To learn more, go to https://www.hopelink.org/

The career opportunity: 

The COO is a senior executive who provides day-to-day leadership and management to achieve the mission, vision, values, priorities and strategic initiatives of Hopelink. This role is responsible for leading Hopelink’s core programmatic divisions—Community Services and Transportation, including oversight of all Facilities strategy and operations. This role requires deep expertise in program operations, strategic leadership, and cross-functional collaboration. The COO partners closely with the CEO and Executive Leadership Team (ELT) to ensure mission alignment, operational excellence, and strategic execution across Hopelink’s services. 

The COO must model a commitment to equity and trauma-informed leadership, ensuring that all service delivery is inclusive, culturally responsive, and aligned with Hopelink’s values. As a service-critical leader, the COO is expected to maintain consistent availability and presence during emergencies and adverse conditions.

What qualities we are looking for: 

• Minimum of 10 years of leadership experience in nonprofit or public sector, including program management and strategic planning.
• Proven experience in Community Services and/or Transportation program leadership.
• Demonstrated knowledge of the impacts of poverty and trauma.
• Experience overseeing Facilities operations.
• Strong interpersonal, communication, and project management skills.
• Proven success in securing and managing grants from public and private entities to support program growth and sustainability.
• High emotional intelligence and ability to lead in complex environments. 

Preferred Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in public administration, social work, nonprofit management, or related field.
• 15+ years of leadership experience in nonprofit and/or for-profit settings.
• Experience with Community Action Agencies or CSBG-funded programs.

Examples of what you will be doing:

Program Oversight & Strategy:

• Lead and support the strategic direction, operational excellence, and growth of Community Services and Transportation divisions. 
• Provide strategic leadership for Facilities operations, ensuring alignment with safety, accessibility, and long-term infrastructure planning.
• Support the growth of Hopelink’s mission-aligned entrepreneurial initiatives by identifying opportunities, developing business plans, and implementing strategies related to funding, staffing, siting, and program design. Collaborate with internal and external stakeholders to assess long-range planning implications and navigate potential regulatory impacts.
• Ensure programs are trauma-informed, equity-centered, and aligned with Hopelink’s mission and strategic plan while delivering the highest standards of customer service.
• Communicate respectfully with people of all backgrounds, identities, and abilities.
• Collaborate with program VPs to set goals, evaluate outcomes, and ensure compliance with contracts and regulations.
• Support revenue strategies in collaboration with program VPs as well as the VP of Development, Marketing, and Communications.

Executive Collaboration:

• Serve as the second-in-command of the Agency.
• Serve as trusted advisor and strategic partner to the CEO, ensuring the successful mission-focus of the Agency while helping to shape and execute agency strategy.
• Collaborate with other ELT members to align resources and priorities.
• Partner with the CEO and ELT to proactively identify, assess, and manage operational, safety, facility-related, and liability risks, ensuring organizational resilience and compliance.
• Collaborate closely with the Chief Financial Officer to oversee the agency’s budget, ensure sound financial stewardship, and make strategic decisions that support operational sustainability. Play a key role in budget development, monitoring, and year-round financial planning.
• Serve as a thought leader and advisor on programmatic innovation and impact.
• Attend and participate in Board meetings in support of the CEO. 

Organizational Development:

• Mentor and develop senior program leaders.
• Foster a culture of accountability, inclusion, and continuous improvement.
• Support succession planning and leadership development across program areas.

Cross-Functional Integration:

• Work closely with Finance, HR, IT, Organizational Excellence, Community Affairs, Communications, and Development to ensure integrated support for program operations.
• Lead or participate in cross-divisional teams to enhance service delivery and operational efficiency.

Community Engagement & Advocacy:

• Represent Hopelink in external forums, partnerships, and community initiatives.
• Advocate for vulnerable populations and promote Hopelink’s mission and values.
• Support public policy efforts and strategic collaborations that expand resources and impact.

How you will be compensated: Hopelink is proud to provide meaningful paid time away from work and an affordable, comprehensive benefits package.

• Compensation: $220,000 - $230,000 Annually, DOE

• Up to 10 paid vacation and sick days annually and 10 paid holidays, 
• Plus up to 7 paid float days available to use immediately; dependent on hire date and hours/week
• Medical, Dental, and Vision benefits after 1 month waiting period
• Flexible Spending Accounts; 401k with Employer Match; Life, Disability & Accident coverage
• Wellness Program; Employee Resource Groups; Employee Assistance Program; Employee Discount Opportunities; Training Classes
• Professional Development; Leadership Development; Career Path Coaching
• Annual Performance Reviews with Merit Increase Opportunities

Hopelink Values: 

Growth & Human Potential

Relationships Built in Trust

Culture of Belonging

Quality of Our Work

Community-Centered

Fiscal & Data Stewardship

We are actively building an environment that welcomes and encourages the involvement and success of all individuals and respects the new possibilities that are created when diverse people, beliefs and values are included. Home Page - Hopelink