Chief Operating Officer (COO)
What We Do
YESS is a not-for-profit agency working with youth facing difficult realities. Based in Edmonton, our Youth Support Centre provides immediate and low-barrier 24/7 sleep support and individualized wrap-around supports for young people aged 15 -24.
We work collaboratively within a network of care, focused on the prevention of youth homelessness by providing youth with the necessary supports to stabilize their housing, improve their wellbeing, build life skills, connect with community, and avoid re-entry into homelessness.
We are committed to advancing equity, diversity, and inclusion, and to cultivating an environment where all individuals feel respected, valued, and supported. YESS is an equal opportunity employer and always strives to ensure all employment decisions are grounded in equity, fairness, and merit.
What You Will Do
Reporting to the CEO and as a key member of the executive leadership team, the COO contributes to the strategic direction of the organization while leading and overseeing the Operations Department. The Chief Operating Officer is responsible for leading the key components of operations services that include Finance, People & Culture (P&C), Facilities Management, Health & Safety, and IT. The COO will have ongoing responsibility to build productive relationships with the organization’s management team, staff, vendors, and funders.
The role will also be responsible for developing and maintaining corporate policies and processes to maximize use of YESS resources and contribute to the efficient and effective application of resources to achieve YESS’s mandate and goals. The COO will develop and lead a high-performance operations services team.
Key Responsibilities
Strategic Leadership & Planning - 20%
- As a key member of the executive team the COO will participate in the development of the organizations strategic plan and annual operating planning for the operations department including the development of KPI’s in line with the mission and mandate and values of the organization.
- This will include thought leadership initiatives with the goal of YESS being a role model within the youth and crisis space and building process and policies that support these initiatives.
- The role will further support cross-functional initiatives that drive process improvement, change management, and integration across departments and will collaborate with internal stakeholders to support interdepartmental integration and service delivery.
- Provide regular updates to the CEO and leadership team on all services initiatives.
- The role will also represent YESS professionally in meetings with contractors, partners, and at public events in promoting the mission and vision of the organization.
- This role may act in the CEO role as required from time to time.
Delivery of Operations – 50%
- The COO is responsible for the direct oversight of key operations functions and their delivery these include facilities management, finance, People & Culture, Health & Safety and IT.
- This includes the fiscal and administrative management of each area.
- The role will develop and manage annual financial reporting and budgets, facilities, human resources and Health & Safety and IT budgets and expenditure ensuring appropriate controls and sustainability.
- Ensure accurate, timely submission of departmental reports, including key performance indicators and quality improvement updates.
- Oversee the financial accounting system and processes, such as payroll, budgets and financial plans, financial reports and analysis, AR/AP, cash flow, annual audits, and financial assets.
- This will include the development and implementation and management of financial controls, systems and procedures that ensure accuracy and integrity of information and safeguard the organization’s financial and capital assets.
- Lead the financial team and act as a financial and corporate administration resource to other team members and executive leadership.
- Oversee all facility operations, including maintenance, security, emergency response, and compliance with safety regulations.
- Manage relationships with contractors, vendors, and service providers to ensure quality and efficiency.
- Oversee the implementation of facilities policies, procedures, and systems aligned with legal, regulatory, and accreditation standards (e.g., CARF).
- Oversee all aspects of the People & Culture area including recruitment and retention, total rewards systems, organizational and cultural development, coaching and performance management, and human resource policies and processes.
- Oversee all aspect of the Health & Safety program for the organization. This includes the oversight of development and implementation of safety policies and procedures, training and education of teams, inspections and compliance with all code and regulation requirements, emergency preparedness, incident management, and promoting a safe and inclusive environment for clients and employees.
- Ensure all staff are trained in and adhere to health, safety, and operational policies and procedures.
- Selection and oversight of IT contractor responsible for all hardware and software requirements for the organization.
Team Leadership – 30%
- As the COO this role will provide visionary leadership and direction to all operations team members by fostering a culture of continuous improvement, professional growth, and high performance.
- The role will develop goals and KPI’s for each team and team member and hold these teams accountable through ongoing individual and team feedback and coaching and continuous learning.
- Oversight of the distribution and utilization of all FTE’s within the operations department. This includes succession planning and HR allocation within operations team.
- Direct leadership, coaching, and support of the operations team.
- Overseeing and implementing appropriate performance management and coaching to ensure competency and individual development within the team and goal achievement.
- Responsible for assessing broad gaps in both management and service delivery team to ensure appropriate skill development and service delivery.
- Responsible for team culture and engagement across the department and facilitating that across the organization.
Core Competencies & Expectations
These core competencies outline the key behaviors, values, and expectations that guide how employees contribute to the YESS’s mission and work effectively with others.
- Demonstrate integrity by acting with honesty, fairness, respect, and maintaining confidentiality in all interactions.
- Communicate effectively through active listening, clear messaging, and respectful, transparent dialogue with team members and stakeholders.
- Deliver results by meeting performance expectations, taking initiative to solve problems, and supporting team success.
- Provide service excellence by responding professionally and compassionately to the needs of youth, partners, and colleagues.
- Apply strong problem-solving and judgment to assess situations, identify solutions, and seek support when needed
- Foster teamwork by collaborating effectively, contributing positively to team culture, and valuing diverse perspectives.
Qualifications and Experience
- Undergraduate or graduate degree in a relevant field combined with a minimum of 7 years of progressive senior leadership experience in operations and financial management that include oversight of finance and accounting, human resources, and facilities management.
- Experience with strategic planning is also required.
- Experience developing and implementing standard operating procedures and or policy and procedures in human resources, and facilities is ideal.
- CPA designation would be an asset.
- Some exposure to IT and Health & Safety would be an asset.
- Experience working in a nonprofit setting with vulnerable population would be a strong asset.
What You Bring
- Clear police clearance (PIC) and a Child Intervention (CIRC) check, both obtained within the last six months
- Valid Alberta class 5 or higher driver’s license and clean driver’s abstract
- $1 million PLPD Personal Liability Protection
YESS is an equal opportunity employer, committed to an inclusive and safe work environment for people of all backgrounds.
We thank all applicants for their interest, however only those shortlisted will be contacted.
