Pillar Search & HR Consulting has partnered with the Arc of Massachusetts in search of their first COO. We are seeking a mission-focused, seasoned, strategic, and process-minded nonprofit leader with experience streamlining internal processes, and developing a performance culture among a group of talented and committed employees, consultants, and the 17 chapters of The Arc. 

ABOUT THE ARC OF MASSACHUSETTS

The Arc of Massachusetts is passionate about enhancing the lives of people with intellectual and developmental disabilities, including autism, and their families. For over 70 years, through advocacy, programs that promote inclusion, and belonging in the community, The Arc has focused on creating tangible changes in the lives of people with disabilities.

The Arc is a nationwide organization with each state running both a statewide chapter and local chapters within the state. The 17 local Chapters of The Arc in Massachusetts work throughout the Commonwealth to provide services and support to individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities – such as Down syndrome, Autism, and cerebral palsy – and their families.

The mission of The Arc of Massachusetts is to enhance the lives of people with intellectual and developmental disabilities and autism and their families. They fulfill this through advocacy for community support and services that foster social inclusion, self-determination, and equity across all aspects of society. They represent over 250,000 individuals and their families.

This role is based in Waltham, MA. Learn more about The Arc of Massachusetts here.

ABOUT THE OPPORTUNITY

The Chief Operating Officer (COO) will work as a trusted partner to the CEO, ensuring organizational priorities are implemented, strengthening relationships with the statewide network of chapters, and overseeing essential operations that support the organization’s success.

The COO will coordinate cross-departmental initiatives and manage organizational infrastructure.

The primary objective of this role is to manage the day-to-day operations of the organization. With a nearly $2 million budget and no other senior operational staff, the COO would be responsible for overseeing the core administrative functions that make the organization run smoothly. As a senior leader, the COO will work closely with the CEO to translate the organization’s vision into actionable plans.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

Executive Partnership and Strategic Leadership

• Serve as a strategic support and right hand to the CEO, ensuring alignment of organizational priorities and follow-through on initiatives.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with internal and external stakeholders, including staff, chapters, and key partners.
• Lead special projects and organizational priorities that cut across departments. Act as a liaison across teams, ensuring collaboration and accountability.
• Provide input on operational strategies and initiatives to achieve organizational goals. Translate the organization’s strategic plan into actionable goals, timelines, and performance metrics.
• Identify opportunities to streamline workflows and improve efficiency across all departments and with the chapters.

Chapter Relations & Support  

• Serve as a liaison to The Arc’s 17 chapters statewide, strengthening collaboration and advancing shared advocacy goals.
• Build systems for cross-chapter communication, administrative support, and shared learning.
• Work with the CEO to ensure that The Arc of Massachusetts is represented at key individual chapter events by attending or coordinating attendance by other staff leaders.
• Organize the annual chapter retreat.

Operations and Organizational Effectiveness

• Oversee human resources functions, including recruitment, onboarding, performance management, and staff development.
• Supervise IT systems to support all departments and manage relationships with external vendors and consultants.
• Partner with the Director of Finance on budgeting, grants, and operational compliance. Play a key role in the grant process.
• Collaborate on the annual budget, monitor departmental spending, and ensure operational costs are aligned with financial goals.
• Manage office administration and space, building, and facilities to ensure a safe, efficient, and welcoming workplace.
• Oversee the organization’s administration, internal policies, and procedures.

KEY QUALIFICATIONS

• Passion for enhancing the lives of people with intellectual and developmental disabilities, including autism, and their families.
• Bachelor’s degree/master’s degree in nonprofit management, public administration, social work, or related field preferred, or equivalent work experience.
• 12+ years of progressive mission-driven leadership experience in human services, nonprofit management, or a related city/state agency.
• Proven track record in operations and staff management/leadership. Team builder who builds consensus, fosters collaborative decision-making, and values the expertise and contributions of all.
• Able to adapt quickly to organizational needs and changes, identify organizational risks, develop and implement solutions, and think strategically with a long-term view.
• Strong financial acumen and experience with nonprofit funding streams.
• Excellent communication, organizational, problem-solving, and change management skills.
• Commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion as well as a positive organizational culture.

SALARY AND BENEFITS

The salary range for this opportunity is $115,000-$130,000 annually. The Arc of Massachusetts offers a comprehensive benefits package, and a culture that values and promotes work/life balance.

This role is full-time in the Waltham office for the first three months, and then hybrid with one day per week remote.

EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER

The Arc of Massachusetts is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer. The Arc of Massachusetts provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws.

TO APPLY

The Arc of Massachusetts has partnered with Cindy Joyce of Pillar Search & HR Consulting on the COO search. Please submit your resume and cover letter to jo**@**********ch.com.

No calls, please.