ABOUT THE ORGANIZATION

Innovate Alabama is the first statewide public-private partnership within the state of Alabama focused on innovation, entrepreneurship, and technology. Formed by Gov. Kay Ivey, Innovate Alabama is tasked with collaborating across sectors to advance industries, drive technology and facilitate an environment where innovation and entrepreneurship thrive.

In 2020 and 2021, Innovate Alabama partnered with Dr. Condoleezza Rice and Stanford University’s Hoover Institution to conduct comprehensive research, listen to entrepreneurs and small businesses across the state and develop forward-thinking policy recommendations to create a more resilient, inclusive, and robust economy for Alabama to remain competitive in a 21st century world. In December 2021, Innovate Alabama delivered a comprehensive report of these recommendations to Gov. Ivey. Now, under the leadership of CEO Cynthia Crutchfield and the board of directors, Innovate Alabama exists to implement these recommendations, help innovators grow roots in Alabama, and continue to serve the state’s innovation and entrepreneurial ecosystem.

Innovate Alabama is looking for exceptional talent to join our team. The COO will operate under the direction of the Chief Executive Officer (CEO).

The Innovate Alabama Chief Operating Officer (COO) plays a crucial role in ensuring the smooth and efficient functioning of business operations for the organization and will oversee day-to-day activities, manage resources, and implement processes to ensure the organization runs efficiently and effectively. The COO oversees all internal functions including financial management, business operations, staff performance, and goal setting. This role will drive processes and systems to ensure optimum efficiency and performance and work closely with the CEO to develop and execute the organization's strategy.

Duties and Responsibilities

Business Operations:

Work on the day-to-day operations of the organization and manage the business operations team members (both insourced and outsourced).
Collaborate with employee team members, including the External Affairs Director, around organizational impact and plans.
Produce and implement a Balanced Scorecard metric throughout the organization.
Provide direct oversight and management of the following:
HR, Finance and Accounting, Information Technology, Marketing and Communications, Legal Services, and Advisory Services.
Be familiar with the latest tools and technologies in these areas and be able to determine which will be best for Innovate Alabama and its productivity.
Manage physical facilities and assets.
Support engagements with the Board of Directors and supporting subcommittees, including Governance/HR/Risk, Finance, and Policy Subcommittees.
Depth of experience in managing teams, supporting cross functional collaboration, developing staff, and setting clear goals.

Strategic Thinking:

Work closely with the CEO and other executives to develop and implement business strategies that align with the company's goals and objectives.
Provide input on strategies supporting entrepreneurship, talent development, outdoor recreation, and policy/advocacy.
Work in partnership with the CEO, to create the strategic five-year plan and implement new processes and approaches to achieve it.

HR Management:

Oversee and ensure accuracy of payroll, employee benefits, and all business-related insurance.
Ensure compliance with all labor law and employee practices.
Oversee process for performance evaluations and compensation reviews.
Support recruitment and talent retention strategies for internal staff.
Instill a human capital development and coaching culture.
Upgrade human resources functions including training, development, compensation, and benefits, employee relations, performance evaluation and recruiting.

Financial Management:

Provide and implement processes to forecast financials, control expenses, and report on financial performance of the organization.
Develop a strategy to monitor financial performance and develop long range financial plans that align with strategic priorities.
Develop annual, multi-year, and project/grant budgets.
Ensure organization operates within operational constraints.
Oversee monthly and annual financial reporting, review and approve financial transactions and manage banking relationships and investment accounts.
Ensure alignment with GAAP and accrual-based accounting practices in preparation for and execution of annual audits as well as the federal single audit.
Help establish and track progress towards organization-wide goals.
Develop an accounting system that provides the organization with quick access to financial information and enables strategic budgeting.

Information Technology:

Analyze the current technology infrastructure and scope out the next level of information technology and financial systems that support the programs and the organization overall.
Determine strategy for providing scalable IT support to the organization.

Marketing and Communications:

Work closely with the Program Directors and Program Managers to support program planning and execution while actively participating in new initiatives.
Support Marketing and Communications functions, including external communications strategy and digital and social media strategy.

Legal:

Develop scopes of work and manages deliverables for external partnerships.
Handle all contracts, including grant agreements, business and vendor contracts, subcontracts, and federal agreements.
Ensure compliance with federal procurement standards when applicable. Review all legal documents and Terms of Service.
Ensure regulatory compliance and oversee legal and compliance-related matters.
Identify, select, and work with consultants (e.g. legal, financial, HR) to supplement expertise when necessary.
Identify and mitigate potential risks to the business, including developing and implementing risk management strategies.

Experience, Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

Excellent and demonstrated leadership, communication, and interpersonal skills.
Ability to think strategically and adapt to changing business environments.
Entrepreneurial mindset and passion for building and growing businesses.
Results-proven track record of exceeding goals.
Ability to consistently make good decisions through a combination of analysis, wisdom, experience, and judgement.
High level of business acumen including successful P&L management.
Ability to balance the delivery of programs against the realities of a budget.
Ability to think strategically, anticipate future consequences and trends, and incorporate them into the organizational plan.
Ability to effectively build organization and staff capacity developing a top-notch workforce and the processes to ensure the organization runs smoothly.
Action oriented mindset with the ability to act and react as necessary, even if limited information is available; can overcome resistance to leadership and take unpopular stands when necessary.

Education and Professional Experience Qualifications:

An undergraduate degree in business administration, management, or related field.
MBA or similar advanced degree highly desired.
Minimum of 10+ years of professional experience in operations and management.

HOW TO APPLY

To apply a resume and letter of interest are required. The letter of interest should address how your previous experiences have prepared you to serve in this role. For full consideration, resumes and letters of interest should be emailed to applynow@amjhrsolutions.orgbefore Wednesday, January 15, 2025. All submissions will be reviewed with outstanding candidates forwarded for further consideration.

Innovate Alabama jobs

Chief Operating Officer