Executive Director and Chief Operating Officer

Atlanta, Georgia (In Office)

Position Type: Full-Time

MovementForward, Inc. is a nationally recognized nonprofit organization dedicated to strengthening communities, advancing human and civil rights, improving public safety, and building trust between law enforcement and the communities they serve.

Through nationally recognized initiatives—including National Faith & Blue Weekend, the Professionalizing Law Enforcement–Community Engagement Training (PLECET) National Conference, the Law Enforcement–Community Engagement Network (LECEN), the Law Enforcement–Community Engagement Training (LECET) Seminar Series, One Congregation One Precinct (OneCOP), strategic public policy initiatives, and other national collaborations—MovementForward partners with law enforcement agencies, government leaders, corporations, nonprofit organizations, faith-based institutions, and community leaders throughout the United States to build safer, stronger, and more unified communities.

Our work is national.

Our mission is ambitious.

Our standards are high.

Our impact is real.

MovementForward is seeking an exceptional executive leader to serve as its next Executive Director and Chief Operating Officer.

Reporting directly to the Chairman & Chief Executive Officer, the Executive Director & COO serves as the organization's chief administrative and operating executive and Chief of Staff to the CEO. This executive provides strategic and operational leadership for every aspect of the organization, ensuring excellence in finance, operations, programming, fundraising, human resources, technology, communications, governance, compliance, and organizational growth.

This position is responsible for leading the day-to-day operations of a growing national organization while helping shape and execute MovementForward's long-term strategic vision.

The successful candidate will oversee the organization's national portfolio of initiatives, including:

• National Faith & Blue Weekend
• Professionalizing Law Enforcement–Community Engagement Training (PLECET)
• Law Enforcement–Community Engagement Network (LECEN)
• Law Enforcement–Community Engagement Training (LECET)
• One Congregation One Precinct (OneCOP)
• National strategic partnerships
• Public policy initiatives
• Special projects and emerging national programs

This is not a traditional nonprofit management position.

It is an opportunity to help lead an innovative national organization working at the intersection of community engagement, public safety, human and civil rights, public policy, and collaborative problem-solving.

We are not seeking someone who simply manages an organization.

We are seeking an executive who builds organizations, develops people, solves problems, executes at a high level, and consistently produces results.

Our team is intentionally lean. Our work is ambitious. Success requires discipline, initiative, accountability, exceptional judgment, and an unwavering commitment to excellence.

This position is not well-suited for someone seeking an easy workload, minimal responsibility, or an environment where simply checking boxes is enough.

We are building a team of people who execute.

People who think.

People who care.

People who earn trust by consistently delivering exceptional work.

The Executive Director & Chief Operating Officer will provide operational leadership in the following areas:

• Serve as chief-of-staff to the CEO.
• Lead day-to-day operations of the organization.
• Translate strategic priorities into measurable actions.
• Provide administrative leadership across all organizational functions.
• Lead cross-functional partnerships and national initiatives.
• Foster a culture of professionalism, accountability, collaboration, and excellence.

• Manage all federal, state, corporate, and foundation grants throughout their full lifecycle, including proposal development, budgeting, grant administration, compliance, reporting, renewals, and successful fulfillment of all grant and contractual requirements.
• Oversee organizational budgeting and financial management.
• Monitor financial performance and organizational sustainability.
• Ensure responsible stewardship of organizational resources.
• Supervise financial reporting, audits, contracts, and internal controls.
• Present financial and operational reports to the Board of Directors.

• Ensure successful planning and execution of national conferences, training programs, campaigns, and special initiatives.
• Establish systems that improve organizational efficiency, quality, and accountability.
• Develop organizational work plans and performance metrics.

• Lead fundraising efforts alongside the CEO.
• Cultivate relationships with foundations, corporations, government agencies, and major donors.
• Oversee and administer grants, contracts, reporting, and compliance.
• Expand strategic partnerships nationwide.

• Lead performance management and professional development.
• Ensure strong human resource policies and practices.
• Build a high-performance organizational culture.

• Serve as primary liaison to the Board of Directors.
• Prepare board materials, budgets, and organizational reports.
• Ensure compliance with all applicable laws, regulations, and organizational policies.
• Lead strategic planning and governance initiatives.

• Manage organizational technology systems and infrastructure.
• Lead communications, marketing, and brand efforts.
• Strengthen data management, reporting, and performance measurement systems.
• Leverage technology to maximize organizational effectiveness.

The successful candidate will possess:

• Bachelor's degree required; Master's degree, M.B.A., M.P.A., J.D., or other advanced degree strongly preferred.
• Significant senior leadership experience in nonprofit, government, corporate, or public sector organizations.
• Demonstrated success leading organizational operations, finance, personnel, and strategic initiatives.
• Experience managing complex budgets and organizational finances.
• Experience supervising professional staff and building high-performing teams.
• Successful fundraising and partnership development experience.
• Strong knowledge of nonprofit governance and board relations.
• Outstanding written, verbal, interpersonal, and presentation skills.
• Exceptional organizational, analytical, and project management abilities.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment.
• Willingness to travel nationally as required.

Experience working in nonprofit leadership, corporate external affairs, public policy, community engagement, government, social advocacy, philanthropy, or related fields is highly desirable.

The successful candidate will demonstrate:

• Strategic leadership
• Operational excellence
• Financial acumen
• Executive presence
• Sound judgment
• Entrepreneurial thinking
• Exceptional work ethic
• Integrity and professionalism
• Relationship-building skills
• Accountability
• Attention to detail
• Bias toward execution
• Commitment to service

Why Join MovementForward?

This is more than a job.

It is an opportunity to help shape nationally recognized initiatives that strengthen communities, improve public safety, advance human & civil rights, and positively impact millions of Americans.

If you are energized by meaningful work, inspired by ambitious goals, and motivated by producing exceptional results, we encourage you to apply.

MovementForward offers a competitive salary commensurate with experience, comprehensive benefits, professional development opportunities, and the opportunity to help lead a respected nonprofit organization working at the intersection of community engagement and public safety.