Chief Administrative Officer

FLSA Classification: Exempt

Salary Grade/Level/Family/Range: Executive level

Reports to: President & CEO

Direct Reports (current): 

• IT Director
• Office Manager
• Intake Coordinator
• HR
• Finance
• Other roles as developed (e.g., Volunteer Coordinator, Centralized Participant Support)

Job Description: 

About The Welcoming Center:

The Welcoming Center is dedicated to empowering immigrants and refugees through services that help them integrate into and thrive economically within their new communities. We provide critical support through education, employment, and legal services while fostering inclusivity and opportunity. Our mission is to create a welcoming environment that strengthens our communities, improves access to resources, and enhances social mobility for immigrants and refugees.

Job Summary:

The Chief Administrative Officer (CAO) serves as a key member of The Welcoming Center’s executive leadership team and is responsible for the organization’s internal business operations and infrastructure. Reporting to the President & CEO, the CAO works in close partnership with the Chief Program Officer (CPO) and Chief Development Officer (CDO) to ensure the organization has the financial, operational, technological, and human resource capacity to fulfill its mission and achieve its strategic goals.

The CAO provides executive leadership for finance, human resources, information technology, facilities, administration, risk management, and organizational compliance. The position ensures that internal systems, policies, and business operations are efficient, scalable, and aligned with the organization’s strategic priorities and continued growth.

As the senior executive responsible for business operations, the CAO serves as a strategic advisor to the CEO, supports Board committees as appropriate. Additionally, as the organization is in a growth trajectory, it is essential for the CAO to leading the scaling of operational infrastructure necessary to support and sustain that growth.

Key Responsibilities:

Executive Leadership & Strategic Planning

• Serve as a member of the Executive Team, helping shape organizational strategy, priorities, and long-term growth.
• Work closely with the CEO and senior leaders to lead the strategic planning process including allocating funds to strategic priorities, modeling long-term cash flow to ensure strategic initiatives are sustainable and reviewing programs to ensure grant and donor money yields the highest impact.
• Partner with the CEO, CPO, and CDO to translate strategic priorities into operational plans and measurable organizational outcomes.
• Lead implementation of operational initiatives within the strategic plan and monitor organizational performance against key objectives.
• Provide executive leadership for organizational planning, cross-functional collaboration, and change management.
• Present operational, financial, and organizational performance updates to the Board of Directors and appropriate Board committees.
• Leads proactive, effective communication of organizational updates, policies and impact.
• Serve as acting executive leader in the CEO’s absence when designated.

Financial Leadership & Business Management

• Provide executive oversight of all financial operations, including budgeting, forecasting, cash flow management, financial reporting, audit coordination, investments, and banking relationships.
• Ensure the organization’s long-term financial sustainability through sound fiscal management and strategic resource allocation.
• Oversee grants and contract financial compliance and support development of program and grant budgets.
• Lead annual budget development in collaboration with executive leadership and department directors.
• Monitor organizational financial performance and recommend corrective actions as needed.
• Provide periodic reports to the Board of Directors on the organization’s financial position;
• Ensure compliance with all federal, state, and local financial regulations and reporting requirements.

Human Resources & Organizational Development:

• Provide executive oversight of all human resources functions, including recruitment, compensation, benefits, employee relations, performance management, and professional development.
• Foster a workplace culture rooted in equity, inclusion, accountability, collaboration, and continuous learning.
• Leads implementation of effective employee onboarding procedures.
• Ensure organizational policies, employee practices, and HR systems comply with employment laws and best practices.
• Support leadership development and succession planning across the organization.
• Promote employee engagement, retention, and organizational effectiveness.

Operations, Administration & Technology:

• Oversee day-to-day business operations, including facilities, administration, information technology, procurement, vendor management, and organizational infrastructure.
• Ensure operational systems effectively support program delivery, fundraising, and organizational growth.
• Lead continuous improvement initiatives to increase efficiency, strengthen internal controls, and streamline business processes.
• Oversee technology strategy, cybersecurity, data management, and organizational information systems.
• Develop and maintain organizational policies, standard operating procedures, and business continuity plans.

Governance, Compliance & Risk Management:

• Ensure compliance with all legal, contractual, regulatory, and accreditation requirements.
• Oversee organizational risk management, insurance, contracts, and enterprise-wide compliance efforts.
• Support the CEO and Board in governance matters, including policy development and organizational risk assessment.
• Establish internal controls that safeguard organizational assets and promote accountability.

Data, Reporting, & Continuous Improvement:

• Establish and monitor key performance indicators (KPIs) to track operational performance and service delivery outcomes.
• Work closely with the CPO to ensure that operational and program data is integrated, analyzed, and used for informed decision-making.
• Lead continuous improvement initiatives, identifying opportunities to enhance service delivery, increase efficiency, and maximize organizational impact.

Qualifications:

• Education: Bachelor’s degree in business administration, nonprofit management, or a related field. Master’s degree preferred.
• Experience: Minimum of 7-10 years of senior management experience in nonprofit or social impact organizations, with at least 5 years in an operations leadership role.
• Proven track record of success in managing and scaling operational functions, ideally in a complex, mission-driven environment.
• Strong knowledge of nonprofit financial management, including budgeting, forecasting, and financial reporting.
• Experience working in cross-functional teams and with senior leadership to drive organizational strategy.
• Deep understanding of systems and processes that support programmatic work in social service, advocacy, or immigrant and refugee support sectors.

Core Competencies:

• Leadership: Visionary, strategic thinker with the ability to inspire and lead teams towards common goals.
• Operational Expertise: Strong background in managing diverse operational functions including finance, HR, IT, and administration.
• Collaborative Approach: Excellent team player who works well across functions and fosters a positive organizational culture.
• Problem-Solving: Ability to identify challenges and implement innovative solutions to improve operational efficiency and service delivery.
• Financial Acumen: Expertise in budgeting, financial forecasting, and resource allocation.
• Communication Skills: Exceptional written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to engage and influence a wide range of stakeholders.

Personal Attributes:

• Passion for social justice, inclusion, and equity.
• Demonstrated commitment to working with immigrant and refugee populations.
• High emotional intelligence, with the ability to lead with empathy, understanding, and cultural competence.
• Proactive, solutions-oriented, and results-driven.

Application Process:

Interested candidates should submit a resume and cover letter to jobs@welcomingcenter.org. We are committed to diversity and encourage candidates from all backgrounds to apply.

Affirmative Action/EEO statement:  

The Welcoming Center does not discriminate in employment opportunities or practices on race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, or any other characteristic protected by law.  

The Welcoming Center will provide reasonable accommodations for qualified individuals with known disabilities unless doing so would result in an undue hardship. This policy governs all aspects of employment, including selection, job assignment, compensation, discipline, termination, and access to benefits and training.  

Other Duties:  

Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities and activities may change at any time with or without notice.  

Job Related Requirements:

TWC offers a hybrid work policy with a minimum of three days a week of on-site work.