Chief Operating Officer (COO)

Location:Stamford, CT

Reports to:Chief Executive Officer

About Us

Childrens Learning Centers of Fairfield County (CLC) has been Stamfords leading early childhood education provider for more than 120 years, serving over 800 children annually. Through early learning, health, nutrition, and family support, CLC helps children build strong foundations for lifelong success.

CLCs work strengthens families, supports the workforce, and contributes to a more equitable community. We are a mission-driven organization committed to high-quality service, operational excellence, and continuous improvement.

Position Overview

The Chief Operating Officer (COO) is a key member of the executive leadership team and serves as the CEOs primary operational partner.

• The COO is responsible for leading and strengthening the operational infrastructure that enables CLC to deliver high-quality services across multiple sites.
• The COO oversees core operational functions, including Facilities, Information Technology, Human Resources, and Finance. This role directly supervises senior operational leaders, including the Director of Facilities, Director of Human Resources, Director of Information Technology, and Controller, and oversees the organizations relationship with fractional financial partners.
• Working closely with the CEO and senior leadership team, the COO translates organizational strategy into effective systems, structures, and execution.
• As CLC prepares for significant capital investments, the COO will play a central role in overseeing facilities strategy and major capital projects in partnership with Facilities leadership and external partners.
• This is a highly visible, onsite leadership role requiring a hands-on presence across CLCs sites.

Core Responsibilities

Executive Leadership and Strategy

• Serve as a strategic partner to the CEO and active member of the executive leadership team
• Translate organizational vision into operational plans, systems, and execution
• Lead high-priority, cross-functional initiatives that advance CLCs strategic goals
• Lead organizational change efforts, ensuring clear communication and successful adoption
• Promote a culture of accountability, collaboration, and continuous improvement
• Ensure operational decisions reflect the needs of children, families, and staff

Operations Leadership

• Oversee multi-site operations and ensure consistency and efficiency across locations
• Directly supervise and develop senior operational leaders
• Strengthen internal systems, workflows, and documentation
• Ensure strong coordination across departments and sites
• Identify operational risks and implement mitigation strategies

Finance Leadership and Oversight

• Provide strategic oversight of the finance function in partnership with the Controller
• Manage relationships with fractional and external financial partners
• Ensure strong financial systems, controls, and reporting processes
• Align financial operations with organizational priorities and sustainability goals

Human Resources Leadership

• Partner with the Director of Human Resources to oversee recruitment, onboarding, performance management, and staff development
• Ensure HR practices promote clarity, accountability, equity, and staff sustainability
• Support effective labor relations in a unionized environment
• Foster a culture of trust, transparency, and shared responsibility

Facilities, IT, and Capital Projects

• Provide strategic oversight of facilities, IT, and administrative systems
• Oversee planning and execution of major capital projects
• Ensure capital projects align with organizational priorities and program needs
• Strengthen technology systems, data management, and cybersecurity practices

External Partnerships and Risk Management

• Oversee organizational risk management, including insurance and compliance
• Manage relationships with insurance and benefits providers
• Represent CLC with external stakeholders as needed

Qualifications and Experience

• Bachelors degree required; advanced degree preferred
• Significant senior-level operational leadership experience in a complex, multi-site organization
• Nonprofit or public-sector experience strongly preferred
• Demonstrated success leading cross-functional teams and managing complexity
• Proven experience leading organizational change and driving adoption
• Strong strategic thinking, project management, and execution skills
• Experience in a unionized environment preferred
• Exceptional interpersonal, communication, and leadership skills
• Comfort operating as a visible, onsite leader

What Success Looks Like

• Clear, effective operational systems aligned with mission outcomes
• Strong, accountable, and well-supported teams
• Successful execution of complex, cross-functional initiatives and capital projects
• Reduced administrative burden and improved organizational efficiency
• A high-functioning partnership between the COO and CEO

Compensation

Salary range:$165,000 $175,000, commensurate with experience

CLC offers a comprehensive benefits package including medical, dental, and life insurance, 401(k) with employer match, generous paid time off, and professional development opportunities. To learn more about CLCs benefits package, pleaseclick here.

How to Apply

To apply, please submit:

• Your resume via the CLC website Job Opportunities page.
• Responses to the questions atthis link.Please note that the questions are also provided below, but you must submit your responses via the linked form.

Your application will not be considered complete unless your resume AND the question responses are submitted.

Application Questions to be submitted atthis link.

Note that responses are required to be less than 1500 Characters, which is approximately 250 words. All the questions are required.

1. Professional Journey, Motivation & Impact

Tell us about your professional journey and what brings you to this role at CLC. Please include:

• Key experiences that have shaped how you approach operations leadership
• Why this role and CLCs mission are a strong fit for you
• One operational system, process, or improvement youve led that had a meaningful impact

1. Leading Change in a Complex Organization

Tell us about a time you led a significant operational or organizational change.

• What was the context?
• What challenges did you encounter?
• What actions did you take?
• What was the outcome?
• What would you do differently?

1. From Strategy to Execution

Describe a time when you translated a high-level strategy into execution across multiple teams or functions.

• How did you structure the work?
• How did you ensure accountability?
• What challenges did you encounter?

1. Developing Leaders and Building Strong Teams

This role supervises senior leaders across multiple functions. Tell us about your approach to developing and supporting leaders on your team.

• How do you set clear expectations and maintain accountability?
• How do you support leaders in growing their skills and effectiveness?
• Can you share an example of how you helped a leader or team improve performance or collaboration?

CLC is an Equal Opportunity Employer and is committed to diversity in the workplace

Successful completion of background check and drug screening is required as a condition of hire. To learn more about CLC, visit:www.clcfc.org