Over the next three years, LEEP aims to expand its paint programs to 50 high-priority countries, representing the vast majority of children globally who are exposed to new lead paint. Over this period, we expect the team size to grow to 20-30 people. The COO will play a pivotal role in building a highly impactful NGO and helping lead an exceptionally talented team, thereby positively impacting the lives of millions of people.

The COO’s responsibilities will include Organizational Systems, Finance, Legal, Compliance, People & Talent, and Special Projects. The COO will report to Lucia Coulter, LEEP’s co-founder and Co-Executive Director, and will manage Julia Berg, the Head of Operations, as well as outsourced operations. The COO’s number of direct reports will increase through time as they build a small, agile operations team. They will collaborate closely with the program team.

We are looking for a candidate who is committed to LEEP's mission and values, drives the organization’s growth, continuously seeks avenues for enhanced effectiveness, leads by example, and is adept at balancing the big picture and details within their domains. Experience in building the operations of organizations to 25+ employees is desirable.

Are you excited by this role, but think your experience doesn’t align perfectly for the listed responsibilities or for the “C-suite” title? We encourage you to apply anyway – you might just be the right candidate, and we are a flexible team of doers who care more about talent than credentials.  

About LEEP

LEEP is an impact-driven non-profit that aims to eliminate childhood lead poisoning, which affects an estimated one in three children worldwide. We primarily focus on one major source of exposure: lead paint. We generate data on the extent of the problem, support governments with the introduction and enforcement of  regulation, and assist manufacturers in switching to lead-free paints. 

Since our founding in September 2020:

  • We’ve launched lead paint elimination programs in 14 countries across three continents  

  • We’ve received government commitments of regulation implementation in six countries and received reports of lead paint manufacturers switching to lead-free in four countries

  • Founders Pledge estimates that it costs $1 to prevent one child’s lead exposure (in expectation) through our work, making LEEP one of their most cost-effective charity recommendations (as of August 2022)

  • We’ve been named a Giving What We Can top charity

  • We’re a partner of the WHO and UN Environment Programme's Global Alliance to Eliminate Lead Paint

  • We’ve received grants from major foundations, including Open Philanthropy and Schmidt Futures

  • We’ve appeared in Time Magazine, The New Yorker, and Vox and our co-founders were named in Vox’s Future Perfect 50

Responsibilities

There is flexibility in the COO’s focus areas: if you possess more expertise in some areas than others, that’s OK!

Organizational Systems and Special Projects

  • Work closely with the Co-Executive Directors to identify areas for improvement and growth in the organization, then implement plans accordingly.

  • Develop and optimize efficient systems and processes to support seamless operations.

  • Ensure clear communication channels and collaboration across the organization.

  • Lead the process of setting effective Objectives and Key Results.

  • Design and improve certain program delivery processes–such as within risk management, financial transactions, and travel–closely collaborating with the program team.

  • Oversee the organization’s planning and logistics, such as by designing systems to coordinate the large number of trips across the organization.

  • Lead special projects that widen LEEP’s impact. For example, manage a global “lead in paint community of practice”, set up a grants program, or advocate to the US government to support blood lead level testing.  

Financial Management

  • Develop the financial strategy in line with the organizational mission and goals.

  • Oversee financial operations, including budgeting, forecasting, reporting, accounting, payroll and financial controls.

  • Ensure compliance with US 501(c)(3) financial regulations and accounting standards.

  • Oversee incoming and outgoing grants, to ensure compliance and efficient utilization of funds.

Legal, Compliance, and Risk Management

  • Develop and implement comprehensive legal and compliance strategies.

  • Collaborate with legal advisors on contractual obligations, 501(c)(3) restrictions, and grant agreements.

  • Mitigate legal risks and ensure adherence to regulations.

  • Work with the Head of Operations to implement risk management strategies to protect the organization and its staff.

People and Talent

  • Oversee recruitment, ensuring the hiring of top talent, as we build our team.

  • Manage onboarding for new employees and training for the team.

  • Continue to develop and implement HR strategies, policies, and procedures.

  • Sustain and grow LEEP's culture of transparency and open-mindedness, ambitious positivity, and commitment to impact. 

In addition to the above responsibilities, we are open to expanding the remit of the COO depending on specific skills and expertise. One potential area is Communications and Fundraising: 

  • Develop and execute strategic communication plans to share LEEP’s successes and failures.

  • Design LEEP’s communications including the newsletter, website and social media.

  • Create compelling fundraising materials and grant applications.

  • Engage with donors, partners, and stakeholders to promote the organization's mission.

What we’re looking for

  • Systems mindset: Proficiency in stepping back from individual tasks to envision and optimize the overall system, seeking opportunities to improve efficiency and effectiveness.

  • Experience in building organizations: It's desirable to have 5+ years of experience within scaling operations or organizations, from smaller sizes up to 25+ people. Experience working in international nonprofit organizations or US 501(c)(3)s is also beneficial but not necessary. 

  • Commitment to LEEP's mission and values: A dedication to making a positive impact on a global scale in an evidence-based, cost-effective and collaborative manner.

  • Calmness and resilience: The ability to remain focused and solution-oriented in fast-paced situations.

  • Can-do attitude and growth mindset: A commitment to delivering results and an openness to new ideas and approaches.

  • Strong leadership and decision-making: The ability to lead by example, inspire through effective communication, and drive goal attainment. The candidate should be able to quickly and effectively process information for decision-making, with a view towards potential outcomes and LEEP’s values.

  • Organizational agility: An aptitude for multitasking and prioritization. The ideal candidate thrives in dynamic work environments with high task volumes, and is adept at switching contexts.

Work environment

Our culture is one of genuine care for each other and passion for our work and its impact. Though we are a remote team, we are supportive and close-knit. We hold a weekly team call where we have conversations about both non-work and work topics, we regularly share photos and celebrate milestones in our Slack, and we all meet annually for a team retreat.

Our team of nine people is based across three continents and speaks eight different languages. We have diverse expertise, from medicine to environmental health to international law.

Our work schedule is flexible. Some of the team work 9-5, some work four days per week, and some adjust their daily schedule around school pick-up. We value work-life balance and rarely contact the team-members outside their work hours. 

LEEP offers: 

  • 33 days of paid holiday, including national holidays, and generous sick leave

  • 18 weeks fully-paid parental leave for the primary parent and 10 weeks for the secondary parent

  • 4% pension contribution or equivalent salary match

LEEP is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees. Candidates and employees are always evaluated based on merit, qualifications, and performance. We will never discriminate on the basis of race, color, gender, national origin, ethnicity, disability status, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, mental or physical disability, or any other legally protected status.

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Before applying, please make sure that you have read the requirements for the position and that you qualify. Applications from non-qualifying applicants will most likely be discarded by the recruiting manager.