Chief Operating Officer (COO)

The Shames JCC on the Hudson is a vibrant, inclusive community center serving individuals and families of all backgrounds in the Rivertowns and beyond. We offer a wide range of programs—fitness and wellness, early childhood, camp, arts and culture, Jewish life, and social impact initiatives—within a welcoming, “town square” environment.

We are seeking a strategic, hands-on Chief Operating Officer (COO) to oversee all day-to-day operations, including facilities, IT, and core operational functions that enable our mission and programs to thrive.

Position Summary

The COO is a key member of the senior leadership team and serves as the organization’s chief integrator—ensuring that people, processes, systems, and facilities all work together smoothly and efficiently. The COO will oversee:

• Facility operations and maintenance
• Information technology and systems
• Operational processes and policies
• Safety, risk management, and compliance
• Key vendor/contractor relationships

The COO will report directly to the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) and will manage a team that may include the Facilities Director, IT Manager/consultants, Security personnel, Front Desk/Member Services operations, and other operational staff.

Key Responsibilities

1. Operational Leadership & Strategy
   1. Serve as the chief architect of day-to-day operations, ensuring the JCC runs efficiently, reliably, and member-centrically.
   2. Develop, implement, and continuously improve operational policies and workflows across the organization.
   3. Partner with program and departmental leaders to ensure operational support aligns with program and member needs.
2. Facility Management
   1. Working with Facilities Director, oversee all aspects of building operations for the JCC campus, including maintenance, custodial services, mechanical systems, and capital improvements.
   2. Ensure that all facilities are safe, clean, welcoming, and fully functional for members, staff, and visitors.
   3. Oversee relationships with contractors, vendors, and service providers (e.g., HVAC, security, cleaning, landscaping, snow removal).
   4. Develop and manage preventative maintenance plans and capital replacement schedules.
   5. Partner with the CEO on facility-related planning for expansions, renovations, and major projects.
3. IT & Systems Oversight
   1. Oversee the JCC’s information technology infrastructure, including hardware, software, network, Wi-Fi, and cybersecurity.
   2. Ensure reliable, secure, and user-friendly systems for staff and members (e.g., membership management, registration, CRM, access control, financial/point-of-sale systems).
   3. Manage relationships with external IT providers and consultants; evaluate and implement new tools and platforms as needed.
   4. Support staff adoption and effective use of technology through training, documentation, and troubleshooting.
4. Member Experience & Front-of-House Operations
   1. Oversee front desk, membership operations, and other key member-facing operational touchpoints.
   2. Ensure processes and systems are in place for excellent customer service, efficient check-in, registration, billing, and communication.
5. Safety, Risk Management & Compliance
   1. Oversee Director of Security.
   2. Ensure compliance with all relevant local, state, and federal regulations (including health and safety, building codes, emergency preparedness, etc.).
   3. Develop and regularly update emergency procedures, safety protocols, and incident reporting systems.
6. Food Service
   1. Oversee the facility’s kitchen functioning, equipment, and Health Department licensing
   2. Manage relationship with concessionaires, caterers and other food service providers.
7. Financial & Administrative Partnership
   1. Partner with the CEO and finance team to develop, manage, and monitor operational and capital budgets.
   2. Identify opportunities for cost savings, efficiency, and revenue enhancement through improved operations and vendor management.
   3. Participate in contract negotiations and ensure contracts are documented, tracked, and managed effectively.
8. People Management & Culture
   1. Lead, mentor, and develop staff; set clear expectations and support professional growth.
   2. Foster a culture of collaboration, accountability, and service across all functions.
   3. Model the JCC’s values of inclusion, respect, and community in all internal and external interactions.

Qualifications

Required

• 8+ years of progressively responsible experience in operations, facilities management, or related roles; at least 3–5 years in a senior leadership or director-level position.
• Experience overseeing multi-use facilities (e.g., community centers, fitness/health clubs, schools, camps, or similar environments).
• Demonstrated success managing IT and systems implementation and/or working closely with IT partners.
• Strong project management skills with the ability to juggle multiple priorities and deliver on time and on budget.
• Proven experience leading teams: hiring, coaching, performance management, and culture-building.
• Comfort working in a fast-paced, member-focused environment with evenings/weekends as needed.
• Excellent communication, problem-solving, and relationship-building skills.

Preferred

• Experience in a nonprofit, membership-based, or JCC/Jewish communal organization.
• Familiarity with membership management, registration, or CRM platforms.
• Experience with capital projects, renovations, or campus expansion.

Personal Attributes

• Mission-driven and excited to support the role of the JCC as a community “town square.”
• Hands-on, practical operator who is also able to think strategically and long-term.
• Calm under pressure, solutions-oriented, and proactive.
• Collaborative partner to program, development, finance, and HR colleagues.

How to Apply: Resumes and cover letters should be sent to sborus@shamesjcc.org.