Chief Operating Officer

Who We Are

For over 135 years, the Boys & Girls Clubs of Western Pennsylvania (BGCWPA) has been a trailblazer in youth development, committed to unleashing every child's potential. Rooted deeply in the values of safety, fun, and inclusivity, BGCWPA has cultivated an environment where every child can flourish.

At the heart of our vision lies a commitment to providing opportunities that transcend boundaries. Through creative and forward-thinking programs, we aim to equip our youth with the skills, knowledge, and resilience necessary for a brighter future. BGCWPA is not merely an organization; it is a dynamic force that shapes destinies, cultivates dreams and empowers the leaders of tomorrow.

As a proud affiliate of Boys & Girls Clubs of America, BGCWPA aligns itself with a nationwide network of organizations dedicated to empowering young people. Our collective impact extends beyond our local community, fostering positive change on a national scale. Annually, BGCWPA reaches over 7,500 young individuals through a rich tapestry of innovative programs, services, and outreach initiatives.

BGCWPA is committed to building a culturally diverse community. We believe in the power of diversity and inclusion in alignment with our DNA Code. We understand that every individual brings a unique set of skills and experiences. While our job description lists specific qualifications, skills, and competencies, we also recognize that true potential can often transcend those lines. If you're enthusiastic about social impact and helping others succeed, even if you don't meet every qualification, we encourage you to apply.

The Role

As a vital member of the Executive Leadership Team, the Chief Operating Officer (COO) will provide strategic oversight of operational functions, including Clubhouse management, human resources, compliance, safety, technology, and facilities, ensuring consistent collaboration across all departments.

The COO will lead the day-to-day operations, championing the organization's mission by empowering a high-performing team and ensuring that daily operations are grounded in purpose, excellence, and safety. Serving as a central resource for resolving challenges, the COO will drive process improvements and foster alignment with organizational policies by cultivating a culture of trust, inclusivity, and accountability at all levels of the organization to create a lasting impact on the communities we serve.

Key Responsibilities

Strategic Leadership

• Foster a culture of collaboration, innovation, and accountability across the organization.
• Lead, mentor, and develop a high-performing team of operational staff.
• Collaborate with the CEO and Executive Leadership Team to develop and implement a comprehensive strategy for Club operations that aligns with the organization’s mission and goals.
• Drive continuous improvement initiatives to enhance the quality, consistency, and impact of BGCWPA’s operations.
• Shape and guide the evolution of Human Resources strategies that align with organizational growth, fostering a people-first approach to employee engagement and organizational culture.
• Partner with Human Resources to resolve complex employee relations matters, ensuring equitable resolutions that align with organizational values.
• Promote opportunities for staff feedback and engagement to support continuous improvement.

Operational Excellence

• Support and guide the daily operations of all Club sites, creating safe, welcoming spaces that are aligned with organizational and regulatory standards.
• Partner with Area Directors and Club leadership to co-create and implement best practices for operational processes and program delivery, ensuring quality experiences for BGCWPA staff and the communities they serve.
• Collaborate with the team to set and track meaningful performance metrics with a focus on growth and development.
• Cultivate a supportive environment where policies, procedures, and safety standards are collectively upheld, ensuring the well-being and empowerment of both staff and members.
• Lead the design and implementation of streamlined systems for coordinating operational logistics, ensuring efficiency and alignment across all departments and programs.

Facilities & Safety

• Oversee the Director of Technology, Safety, and Security to develop and implement the organization’s safety plans.
• Oversee the Director of Facilities & Fleet in the management of facilities, equipment, and fleet operations.
• Lead the execution of disaster preparedness and emergency response protocols.
• Nurture a culture of safety that prioritizes the well-being of everyone, ensuring policies and standards are thoughtfully upheld to create a secure and supportive environment for all.

Community Engagement & Partnership Oversight

• Drive the creation and execution of partnership agreements that foster shared goals and strengthen BGCWPA’s presence and impact in the community.
• Manage relationships with school districts and external partners, ensuring alignment with organizational goals.
• Lead collaboration efforts with food banks and volunteer organizations to expand the reach and effectiveness of BGCWPA’s programs.
• Oversee all third-party agreements for BGCWPA, including managing contracts for external partners, ensuring compliance with terms and conditions.
• Closely collaborate with the Advancement team on grant and funding proposals, implementation, and reporting

Planning & Reporting

• Establish and monitor performance metrics to evaluate the effectiveness of Club operations and track progress toward goals.
• Collaborate with the VP of Programs to prepare and present reports on operational and program outcomes and impact to the CEO, Board of Directors, and stakeholders.
• Partner with the VP of Finance to align budgeting and resource allocation with organizational priorities.
• Lead efforts to improve data collection and analysis tools for enhanced decision-making.
• Empower and guide the team, particularly Area Directors, in taking ownership of performance deliverables and budgeting to ensure alignment with organizational goals.

Your Skills and Experiences

Successful candidates will possess:

• Strong focus on creating a culture of belonging amongst all staff and a commitment to diversity and inclusion, demonstrated cultural competency, and an ability to embrace and value individuals from all backgrounds, identities, and experiences.
• Demonstrated progressive leadership experience in operations management; experience overseeing and collaborating with senior leaders in finance and human resources functions, including within an executive team environment.
• Proven track record of managing change and driving organizational growth.
• Strong strategic planning, budgeting, project management, and problem-solving skills.
• Exceptional interpersonal, verbal, and written communication skills.
• Ability to inspire and lead diverse teams toward a shared vision.
• Proficiency in Google Suite and other productivity tools.
• Ability to travel locally and work flexible hours, including occasional evenings and weekends.

Who You Will Report To
The President & CEO of BGCWPA Chris Watts. 

Compensation
Competitive salary starting at $150,000 annually. Comprehensive benefits, including medical and dental insurance, 401(k) match, and generous paid time off.

Location
Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. This position requires frequent travel to Club sites and community events, with at least 25% of time spent on-site engaging with staff, youth members, and partners.

Certifications and Clearances
BGCPWA prioritizes the safety of the youth we serve. CPR, Pediatric First Aid, Child Abuse, Criminal History, FBI clearance, NSOR certificate, PA Disclosure, PA Staff Health Assessment, TB Test, and Mandated Reporter certification required upon hire or within 6 months.

We encourage applicants from diverse backgrounds and experiences to apply.
We provide equal employment opportunities (EEO) to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, or genetics. Our organization prohibits any form of workplace harassment based on race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, age, genetic information, disability, or veteran status.