POSITION DESCRIPTION
Job Class: Senior Executive Job Title: Sr. Vice President, Chief Operations Officer
Department: Operations
Salary Grade: 20 Effective Date: 2/2025
Unrepresented, Exempt, 1.0 FTE
EEOC Classification: Executive/Senior Level Officials and Managers
Location: OPB Main HQ: Portland, OR
About OPB
Oregon Public Broadcasting (OPB) is an independent, nonprofit media organization serving communities across Oregon and the Pacific Northwest. Powered by the generous support of members, OPB connects people through trusted journalism that is freely accessible to everyone. Guided by public service, we deliver in-depth, fact-driven coverage of politics, science and the environment, arts and culture, education and more. OPB shares stories and programs wherever people seek them: on opb.org, OPB Radio and TV, the OPB News app, social media, streaming video, podcasts, or our daily “First Look” and other email newsletters.
The Opportunity
OPB is facing an unprecedented need and opportunity to expand the depth and reach of our journalism. With an existing network of influence and partners embedded in communities across the region, OPB is building an infrastructure to support our own original storytelling and dynamic news ecosystems throughout Oregon and southwest Washington. We strive for delivery of highest-quality, trusted journalism and storytelling accessible to all, that enriches and strengthens communities. OPB is respected for its strong brand, loyal membership base and contributions to a compelling mission at a critical moment.
As OPB’s SVP & Chief Operating Officer, you will be a key partner to the CEO as the senior executive responsible for systems and operational aspects of the organization. You’ll apply your expertise at the intersection of operations and strategy to elevate and expand our service to our communities, facilitate frictionless delivery of journalism to audiences across platforms, and create the circumstances for leaders and staff to do their best work.
Candidates ideally have experience working at scale in a multi-platform, matrixed organization and expertise with digital technology and platforms. The COO should bring an innovative organization-wide perspective, maximizing talented leaders’ expertise to create a modern and collaborative journalism operation. This role will report to the President & CEO and be a member of OPB’s senior leadership team.
Based in Portland, Oregon, the COO will be on-site at OPB headquarters most of the week, working closely with the CEO, senior leaders, and teams across the organization. If you bring a focus on strategy and operational excellence and a passion for leading teams with empathy and clarity, we want to hear from you.
Position Details and Responsibilities:
The Chief Operating Officer will serve as the senior executive responsible for optimizing and leading OPB’s business operations to ensure alignment with organizational goals and performance targets.
The COO will lead key departments and teams including finance and accounting, people and culture, technology, and legal, to support the expertise of department heads and create cohesive internal systems across the organization. This leader will partner closely with other leaders, including the chief of staff and heads of content, programming and development.
Key responsibilities include:
- Collaborate with the CEO in setting and driving organizational vision and strategy.
- Partner with the CEO and senior leaders to shape OPB’s goals, translating strategy into operational plans and leading the execution of cross-departmental initiatives.
- Lead key departments and teams including finance & accounting, legal, people & culture, technology, project management, data security, privacy & compliance, and facilities & security.
- Foster increased internal collaboration among and between functions and teams to maximize the
potential of OPB as a cohesive organization that communicates with transparency, promoting
cooperation and a unified vision.
- Lead efforts to modernize and streamline OPB’s systems, processes, and tools, applying a culture of adaptability, risk-taking and learning.
- Drive operational excellence through continuous analysis and improvement using key metrics, providing regular updates and forecasts to the CEO and senior leadership team along with recommendations for corrective measures.
- Develop operational budgets in partnership with the CFO and other department leaders, ensuring resources are used efficiently while maintaining financial stability.
- Ensure compliance with regulatory requirements.
- Identify operational risks and develop mitigation strategies.
- Lead and develop high-performing teams, fostering a culture of accountability, collaboration, curiosity, and inclusion.
- Consistently embody OPB’s values while building and maintaining strong relationships across the organization.
Working Conditions:
Working conditions are generally within the typical office environment. Occasionally may require working evenings, weekends, holidays, and some travel.
Reports to:
President and CEO
Minimum Qualifications (Knowledge, Skills, Abilities and Attitudes):
- Five or more years of experience in executive leadership roles.
- Experience at the intersection of strategy and operations, translating strategic vision into actionable initiatives and systems.
- Expertise in digital operations.
- Demonstrated record of aligning operations to support mission, culture and revenue.
- Understanding of advanced business planning and non-profit regulations.
- Experience with data analysis and the creation and implementation of performance metrics.
- Adept at quickly diagnosing problems and anticipating potential issues.
- Excellence in organizational management, with the ability to coach staff, support and develop high-performing teams, and set and achieve strategic objectives while fostering an inclusive and mission-driven culture.
- Demonstrated experience leading teams through organizational change management.
- Persuasive and engaging communicator with excellent interpersonal and multidisciplinary project skills.
- Enthusiasm for the mission and values of OPB.
Preferred Position Requirements (Knowledge, Skills, Abilities and Attitudes):
- MBA or advanced degree in business or management preferred.
- Experience in the media industry.
- Non-profit industry experience.
Additional Information
- This position reports to the President and CEO and is benefits-eligible
- The probable hiring range for this exempt position is between $270,000 and $310,000 annually, depending on qualifications
- For the safety of our employees, the contractors/vendors we work with, and the public we serve, OPB has a mandatory COVID vaccination policy, and all employees are required to show proof of vaccination
