President & Chief Operating Officer

over 2 years ago
Full time role
United States · Norway, OR, US... more
United States · Norway, OR, US... more

Company

The Good Food Institute is a nonprofit working internationally to accelerate alternative protein innovation. Globally, meat consumption is the highest it’s ...

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Job Description

Run the organization that is changing how meat is made

The Good Food Institute (GFI) is at the forefront of the movement to use food technology and markets to solve some of the world’s biggest problems, from climate change and loss of biodiversity to antibiotic resistance and the exploitation of animals. 

How You Will Make a Difference 

The Essence of the Role: You will run all aspects of GFI-U.S.’s programmatic and administrative operations, with support from the CEO. Most critically, you will: 1) ensure excellent collaboration across departments and globally (e.g., removing roadblocks & solving problems); 2) ensure effective systems, processes, and accountability for maximum mission impact as expressed via measurable results (OKRs); 3) ensure organizational unity across and commitment to GFI’s strategy and activities; and 4) coach GFI’s U.S. leaders to be maximally effective. GFI-U.S.’s President and Chief Operating Officer (COO) will be responsible for: 

Strategic plan implementation

  • Ensuring execution of the strategic plan, including coordination across programs & global regions (affiliates) with a focus on achievement of objectives and key results (OKRs), prioritization and adjustments to manage the organization’s capacity and resources.
  • Accountability for GFI-U.S.'s system for tracking and reporting on the progress of strategic plan implementation to the Leadership Team, Organization, Supporters, and Board.
  • Overseeing GFI-US’s programmatic (science, corporate engagement, policy) and administrative functions .
  • Co-overseeing, with the CEO, GFI-US’s Ccommunications and development functions (primarily responsible for non-strategic elements of oversight, e.g., integration with the rest of the organization; administrative and HR concerns; authority over day-to-day decisions as well as budgeting; etc.).
  • Providing programmatic leadership for all strategic plan implementation with the CEO, Leadership Team, and staff. Coach VPs as they implement the strategic plan.

Program leadership

  • Leading, coaching, developing, and retaining a high-performing GFI-US Leadership Team (i.e. the vice presidents of GFI U.S.).
  • Ensuring efficiency and consistency throughout GFI’s global operational methods and data collection needs, and through standardized programs and communications.
  • Identifying opportunities to leverage cross-program and cross-regional strengths to take advantage of new opportunities and/or to address organizational challenges. Facilitating and guiding cross-departmental and cross-regional collaboration.
  • Prioritizing peer collaboration with the international Managing Directors. Fostering communication between the US team and international teams to ensure the optimal use of GFI’s resources.
  • Providing effective and inspiring leadership by developing broad and deep knowledge of all aspects of GFI’s global operations.
  • Supporting the development and implementation of training programs and retreats to expand the capacity of all team members.

Infrastructure and operations

  • Ensuring the delivery of high-quality work while managing for current and future growth. Ensuring an appropriate system of policies, internal controls, and procedures.
  • Working with the VP of administration to plan, coordinate, and execute the annual budget process; monitoring budget and ensuring sound financial controls; and setting financial priorities to ensure the organization is operating in a manner that supports the needs of the programs and staff.
  • Working with the VP of administration to support and motivate U.S. staff; ensure strong internal communications with staff throughout the organization; create and promote a positive, multicultural work environment that enables high-performing culture and positive morale.
  • Providing analytical support to the organization’s internal management team including development of internal management reporting capabilities.
  • Identifying opportunities to streamline operational systems across the global organization.
Who We’re Looking For 

GFI is focused on bringing the founder’s mentality to all that we do. We strive to give every team member the opportunity to reach vocational self-actualization. Toward that end, we offer meaning, challenging work, and a high degree of deference to the team members who are closest to the work. That is, we strive to allow team members to figure out how to do their work most effectively, and in the event of disagreements, GFI’s leaders attempt where possible to defer to those closest to the work.

GFI’s U.S. President & COO must have:

  • Minimum 10 years of experience in leadership positions with at least 5 years in executive management; experience in the nonprofit sector preferred.
  • Experience and comfort successfully running a complex organization and being accountable for strategy execution.
  • Experience and comfort building and coaching teams and guiding, developing, and retaining leaders. 
  • Outcomes-focused mentality with a track record of delivering results. 
  • Cross-cultural competency: an ability to understand and effectively communicate with team members from different cultural backgrounds.
  • Comfort working remotely and in a rapidly growing and evolving organization.
  • Strong support for and alignment with GFI’s philosophy and mission - demonstrated interest in global health, climate/biodiversity, animal protection, and/or hunger relief.
  • An optimistic and collaborative spirit with a start-up mentality, flexibility, resilience, open-mindedness, and a sense of humor.

We want the best people and we don’t want biases holding us back. We strongly encourage people of every color, orientation, age, gender, origin, and ability to apply. Because we value a diverse workplace, we prioritize an inclusive climate absent of discrimination and harassment during the application process and after you join the team.

Research indicates that men tend to apply for jobs when they meet just 60% of the criteria, while women and other marginalized groups only apply if they are a 100% match. If you are passionate about GFI’s mission and think you have what it takes to be successful in this role even if you don’t check all the boxes, please apply. We’d appreciate the opportunity to consider your application. 

The Fine Print
  • Terms of employment: Full-time, exempt
  • Reports to: GFI CEO Bruce Friedrich & the GFI Board
  • Direct Reports: GFI’s VPs for Admin, Corporate Engagement, Policy, Science & Technology (chief of staff and exec assistant TBD)
  • Co-reporting (with CEO): GFI VPs for communications & development (responsibilities as above)
  • Location: Remote; United States 
  • Travel: Up to two weeks per year for company retreats.
  • Benefits: Working from home, full medical coverage, optional dental and vision packages, a 401(k) plan with employer match, flexible holiday and vacation plans, opportunity to do maximum possible good in the world, respectful and supportive colleagues.
  • This is a U.S.-based position: In compliance with federal law, all persons hired will be required to verify identity and eligibility to work in the United States and to complete the required employment eligibility verification form upon hire. 
  • Salary: Depending on experience
Application Deadline: Rolling

If after reviewing this job description, you have decided not to apply, please let us know why by completing this short survey. You can also sign-up to receive our newsletter with information about current and upcoming open roles at GFI and to let us know what types of roles you are interested in!

 

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