Chief Operating Officer (COO)-Operation Lifeline
Categories Administrator, Development Officer, Executive Officer, Grant Specialist
Expires Nov 30, 2025
Description
About Operation Lifeline
Operation Lifeline Inc. (OLI) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit based in Green Cove Springs, Florida, serving communities across Northeast Florida and preparing for statewide expansion. OLI is a veteran-focused organization dedicated to fostering safe, inclusive housing and sustainable community growth. Its mission spans four core areas: affordable housing construction, home rehabilitation, permanent supportive housing (PSH), and workforce development. By combining housing delivery with hands-on vocational training, OLI creates long-term pathways to stability for veterans and low- to moderate-income residents.
The Opportunity
Operation Lifeline is at an inflection point—poised to expand its programs and impact across Florida. The organization is seeking a Chief Operating Officer (COO) to lead the next stage of sustainability and growth by strengthening internal systems, diversifying funding streams, and supporting program scale-up.
This is a hands-on leadership role ideal for a professional who excels at building structure within a growing nonprofit. The COO will oversee daily operations, financial management, and grant and fundraising systems while aligning teams across housing, construction, and workforce initiatives.
The ideal candidate is a strategic, organized, and entrepreneurial leader who understands how to move an emerging nonprofit from stability to scale. They will work side by side with the Executive Director to build financial resilience, expand statewide partnerships, and position Operation Lifeline as a trusted model for veteran-centered housing and workforce development in Florida.
Essential duties and responsibilities
• Build organizational sustainability by developing systems for financial management, reporting, and compliance that can scale statewide. • Lead grant strategy — identify opportunities, oversee proposals, manage deliverables, and ensure compliance with funder requirements. • Establish fundraising infrastructure by developing donor databases, recurring-gift programs, and foundation partnerships. • Support strategic growth by aligning budgets, staffing, and program expansion with funding capacity. • Strengthen internal operations through improved workflows, documentation, and interdepartmental coordination. • Develop performance metrics to evaluate program outcomes and communicate impact to funders and stakeholders. • Collaborate with the Executive Director to position OLI for long-term sustainability through diversified revenue and efficient scaling. • Supervise key staff to ensure consistent performance, accountability, and communication across housing, construction, and workforce initiatives.
Qualifications
• Demonstrated success securing and managing grants, contracts, and philanthropic funding for nonprofits or housing/community development organizations. • Strong understanding of fund development, including donor cultivation, corporate partnerships, and proposal writing. • Experience building systems and teams that support organizational growth and long-term sustainability. • Proven ability to manage multi-source budgets, track complex funding requirements, and ensure compliance. • Skilled in strategic planning, process improvement, and scaling operations beyond a local footprint. • Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to represent the organization to funders, agencies, and partners. • Collaborative leadership style with a commitment to mentorship, accountability, and mission alignment. • Deep commitment to Operation Lifeline’s veteran-focused mission and its four pillars: affordable housing, home rehabilitation, permanent supportive housing, and workforce development.
Education and Experience
• Bachelor’s degree required; advanced degree in nonprofit management, business, public administration, or a related field preferred. • Minimum of 7–10 years of progressive nonprofit leadership experience, ideally within housing, community development, or veteran-focused organizations. • Proven track record securing and managing grants, developing funding strategies, and building financial sustainability. • Demonstrated experience scaling programs or organizations, with the ability to design systems that support statewide growth. • Background in budgeting, compliance, and cross-sector collaboration with government agencies and philanthropic partners. • Hands-on management experience with small, mission-driven teams, emphasizing accountability, communication, and measurable results.
Salary/Salary Range
$75,000–$90,000 annually, plus benefits
How to Apply
Interested candidates should submit a resume and cover letter detailing their leadership experience, grant and fundraising success, and interest in advancing Operation Lifeline’s mission. Email applications to erick@oplifeline.org with the subject line “COO Application – [Your Name]”. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis until the position is filled.