Chief Operating Officer

Equal Access International

Location:

United States (San Francisco, CA)

Website:

www.equalaccess.org

Contact Information:

Silvia Castillo

Phone:

415-561-4884

Email:

jobs@equalaccess.org

Description:

Chief Operating Officer

Equal Access International, an international non-profit organization headquartered in San Francisco, CA, empowers underserved communities in the developing world with critically needed information, education and leadership training. With funding from bi-laterals, multilaterals, foundations, corporate and individual donors, we implement innovative media and community outreach programs that inspire positive social change on issues such as women's empowerment, human rights, global health issues, youth life skills & livelihoods, and civic participation & governance. Operating in Nepal, Cambodia, Afghanistan, Pakistan, Chad, Niger, Yemen and Lao PDR, with over 160 staff worldwide and an eight-year track record implementing media and social change projects in challenging locations, Equal Access is poised to extend its impact globally and seeks a highly motivated Chief Operating Officer to direct day to day operations, enhance internal systems and processes and partner with the CEO in charting Equal Access future growth and strategic response to an ever-increasing demand for the organization's services. Equal Access' culture is dynamic, hard working and collegial. With an annual budget for 2010 of more than 5 million and consistent annual growth, the COO position offers an extraordinary opportunity for our successful candidate to join a high performance team and dedicated Board of Directors in scaling an organization already reaching millions of beneficiaries and demonstrating positive impact across the developing world. Detailed information about Equal Access International and our programs is available at www.equalaccess.org.

About the Position: The Chief Operating Officer serves as a visible and core member of the Senior Management team contributing strongly to overall strategic direction and growth planning for the organization. Reporting to the President & CEO, the COO leads overall operations to advance and support the Equal Access mission and develops policies and management systems in areas of finance, business development, human resources and compliance to best meet corporate objectives. The COO is responsible for directing day-to-day operations in accordance with objectives established by the Senior Management Team and approved by the Board of Directors. The COO partners with the CEO in developing effective and innovative growth strategies and ensures implementation of the Annual Plan. Corporate management functions supervised by the Chief Operating Officer are Finance, HR, Compliance and Business Development Systems in support of HQ and field operations.

Primary Responsibilities

• Supervises key staff responsible for directing Equal Access Central Services (Finance/Accounting, Business Development, Contracts/Compliance, and Human Resources) and ensures efficient and effective operations systems are developed and administered at HQ and in field offices. • Provides financial oversight and ensures sound financial strategies and management systems. • Oversees the establishment, refinement, and administration of Equal Access' Operating Policies and Procedures at HQ and Country Program field offices. Advises CEO and Board of necessary revisions and/or additions/deletions to Equal Access Policies and Procedures resulting from regulatory or social changes. • Identifies inefficiencies in operations and proposes necessary changes. • Provides strategic leadership with the CEO to develop innovative and effective growth strategies ensuring fulfillment of the Equal Access mission and organizational sustainability. • Serves as a key member of the Senior Management Team and collaborates on the development and execution of the Annual Business/ Operating Plan. Actively monitors and reports on Annual Plan and five-year Strategic Plan. • Collaborates with the CEO on Business Development Strategies and Goals and leads Business Development Unit to achieve Business/Program Development Annual Goals. • Provides essential systems planning for monitoring development opportunities, preparation and submission of proposals and negotiation of awards. • Advises CEO on potential new funding relationships and strategic alliances that should be investigated and/or established. While CEO will provide external interface, COO will also represent the organization externally and collaborate on team presentations as appropriate. • Provides oversight support with regard to field office policies, operational systems, HR policies, financial systems and compliance to ensure that Country Program field offices operate in accordance with federal rules and regulations, local laws (registration, labor, tax, etc.) and donor requirements. • Oversees the creation and maintenance of internal systems to ensure compliant and cost effective implementation of all Equal Access awards. • Provides regular operating status reports to CEO and Board of Directors. • Motivates and leads a high performance management team; attracting, recruiting and retaining required members of the executive team. • Represents Equal Access with clients, donors, and business partners as necessary. • Fosters a success-oriented, accountable and high integrity environment within the organization.

We offer a competitive salary, benefits and the chance to join an innovative and dedicated international team passionate about our mission. To apply, please send a cover letter indicating your reasons for interest in the position, including your CV, salary history and one writing sample to:jobs@equalaccess.org. Please include “Chief Operating Officer” in the title of the email. All applications received before August 15, 2011 will be reviewed.

Equal Access International is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

Qualification:

Our ideal candidate has the following qualifications: • Strong organizational development and operational experience with at least 10 years in senior management/executive positions in international development. • Demonstrated experience in combining systems thinking with financial planning and analysis (including previous experience overseeing and monitoring organizational budgets, costs, income and other related accounting information). • Demonstrated skills and experience in strategic planning, financial planning, personnel management and resource development. • Strong Business Development and fundraising experience and significant knowledge of USAID, other bi-lateral/multi-lateral, foundation, and corporate funding streams and procedures. • Excellent written and verbal communications skills, with ability to negotiate partnerships and write proposals. • Excellent interpersonal skills and ability to collaborate as well as to supervise, motivate, and lead employees at all levels. • Ability to conceive of and direct plans for organizational spin-offs and new business models with diverse revenue streams to enhance growth and organizational sustainability. • Strong sense of accountability, integrity and ability to handle highly visible responsibilities. • A commitment to the vision and mission of Equal Access International. • Flexible and able to multi-task, with demonstrated resourcefulness in setting priorities and guiding investment in people and systems. • Ability to travel to Equal Access operating countries to provide on-site leadership and capacity building for country program office units. • Ability to respond to high level inquiries from clients, donors, regulatory agencies, or members of the business community. • Master's Degree or an equivalent combination of education and experience in senior management and international development.