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Chief Operating Officer
Washington, DC · Volunteering/Non-ProfitChief Operating Officer (COO)
District Alliance for Safe Housing
Status: Full-time, exempt employee
Salary: $150,000–$160,000
Reports to: President & Chief Executive Officer
Location: Washington, DC
About the District Alliance for Safe Housing
Founded in 2006, the District Alliance for Safe Housing (DASH) is DC’s largest provider of safe housing and trauma-informed services for survivors experiencing homelessness due to domestic and sexual violence.
DASH supports survivors—individuals, families, and young adults age 18-24—with options and counseling for housing programs, emergency financial assistance, and emergency housing, transportation, and wraparound services. DASH operates 90 emergency and transitional-to-permanent housing units, including the 42-unit Cornerstone building, which is owned by DASH.
DASH has grown significantly over the past few years. In 2021, DASH fulfilled 4,205 service requests for adults and children through its continuum of housing services and supports, a 35% increase from 2020 and a 94.5% increase from pre-pandemic levels.
DASH’s success is driven by a talented team of approximately 40 people across programs, administration, external relations, finance, and property management. DASH currently manages employee benefits through Insperity, a professional employer organization (PEO). The DASH team has a hybrid work schedule with rented office space currently on a three-year lease in addition to owned property. DASH has a budget of approximately $10 million, with about 75% of revenue from government sources. DASH Properties, LLC is a wholly owned subsidiary that owns and manages property related to DASH’s mission with an operating budget of ~$1.3 million.
DASH holds Candid's Gold Seal of Transparency and has been recognized by the Catalogue for Philanthropy as one of the DC region's best nonprofits. To learn more, visit www.dashdc.org.
Position Overview
Reporting to and partnering with the President & CEO (CEO), the Chief Operating Officer (COO) leads DASH’s People & Culture and Business Operations teams. People & Culture manage all human capital and team culture activities, and Business Operations is responsible for administration, information technology, and facilities management functions.
As DASH grows, the COO will steward and champion change management processes within a dynamic, evolving, and positive organizational culture. They will be guided by integrity, discretion, and high ethical standards to ensure the best outcomes for DASH’s team and clients.
The COO's early focus will be on further stabilizing talent management by implementing clear policies, procedures, and standards of excellence required by DASH’s size and complexity. They will work in partnership with the CFO to streamline and optimize how DASH leverages and invests in human capital, operations, administrative, and IT resources.
As DASH embarks on new strategic planning later this year, the COO will work as part of the Executive Team, and with direct reports and departmental staff on long-range planning to inform DASH’s next chapter. The COO will strategize, anticipate, and provide counsel on the organization’s future needs and resources.
The COO is a member of DASH’s highly consultative Executive Team, which regularly assesses opportunities, risks, rewards, and tradeoffs related to programs, partnerships, team culture, and operations. They actively engage with colleagues to provide feedback and inform DASH’s strategic direction.
The COO partners with the CEO in a consultative relationship with the Board of Directors. The COO oversees a ~$3 million departmental budget with two direct reports, who in turn manage a current three-person (Business Operations) and two-person (People & Culture) teams.
Key Responsibilities
The COO will bring a balanced approach to strategy and operations. They will conduct organized, focused work; manage multiple projects under tight deadlines; and maintain an openness to changing situations and opportunities. Specific areas of responsibility include:
Human Capital Management (30–40% of time)
Experience, Skills and Qualities
The COO position will be a challenging and rewarding role that requires a diverse set of skills. While no single candidate will have every qualification, the following are priorities:
DASH offers a competitive salary in the range of $150,000–$160,000. Employees have access to 90% employer-paid insurance for health, dental, and vision, short- and long-term disability and life; a minimum of 20 days of paid leave, 15 holidays, a weeklong winter holiday; and a 3% employer contribution to retirement.
Application Process
DASH has retained the services of Good Insight, a national executive search firm serving nonprofits, to conduct this search. Interested applicants should submit a resume and a detailed cover letter that describes their interest in and qualifications for this role. Upload application materials at www.good-insight.org/careers. Direct confidential inquiries to Carlyn Madden and Isha Hunter at DASH@good-insight.org.
Location
DASH is located in Washington, DC. The COO position operates on a hybrid schedule that requires location in the DC region to support team meetings and oversee facilities.
Physical Demands
This role includes prolonged periods of sitting at a desk and working on a computer and may occasionally be called upon to perform a variety of physical tasks, such as pushing, pulling, and lifting up to 25 pounds unassisted. Contact DASH@good-insight.org to request reasonable accommodations.
Equal Employment Opportunity
DASH is a proud equal opportunity employer committed to an inclusive work environment and to building a team that reflects the rich diversity of our community. DASH bases employment decisions on each person’s performance, qualifications, and abilities. It does not discriminate in employment opportunities or practices on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, national origin, age, disability, or characteristics protected by District of Columbia and federal law. People of color, people with disabilities, and people of diverse sexual orientations, gender expressions, and identities are encouraged to apply.
All employment offers are contingent upon satisfactory proof of eligibility to work in the United States. A background investigation, credit check, and drug test are required for this role. A record of complete vaccination against COVID-19 is required; exceptions may be granted in limited circumstances for medical or religious reasons.
District Alliance for Safe Housing
Status: Full-time, exempt employee
Salary: $150,000–$160,000
Reports to: President & Chief Executive Officer
Location: Washington, DC
About the District Alliance for Safe Housing
Founded in 2006, the District Alliance for Safe Housing (DASH) is DC’s largest provider of safe housing and trauma-informed services for survivors experiencing homelessness due to domestic and sexual violence.
DASH supports survivors—individuals, families, and young adults age 18-24—with options and counseling for housing programs, emergency financial assistance, and emergency housing, transportation, and wraparound services. DASH operates 90 emergency and transitional-to-permanent housing units, including the 42-unit Cornerstone building, which is owned by DASH.
DASH has grown significantly over the past few years. In 2021, DASH fulfilled 4,205 service requests for adults and children through its continuum of housing services and supports, a 35% increase from 2020 and a 94.5% increase from pre-pandemic levels.
DASH’s success is driven by a talented team of approximately 40 people across programs, administration, external relations, finance, and property management. DASH currently manages employee benefits through Insperity, a professional employer organization (PEO). The DASH team has a hybrid work schedule with rented office space currently on a three-year lease in addition to owned property. DASH has a budget of approximately $10 million, with about 75% of revenue from government sources. DASH Properties, LLC is a wholly owned subsidiary that owns and manages property related to DASH’s mission with an operating budget of ~$1.3 million.
DASH holds Candid's Gold Seal of Transparency and has been recognized by the Catalogue for Philanthropy as one of the DC region's best nonprofits. To learn more, visit www.dashdc.org.
Position Overview
Reporting to and partnering with the President & CEO (CEO), the Chief Operating Officer (COO) leads DASH’s People & Culture and Business Operations teams. People & Culture manage all human capital and team culture activities, and Business Operations is responsible for administration, information technology, and facilities management functions.
As DASH grows, the COO will steward and champion change management processes within a dynamic, evolving, and positive organizational culture. They will be guided by integrity, discretion, and high ethical standards to ensure the best outcomes for DASH’s team and clients.
The COO's early focus will be on further stabilizing talent management by implementing clear policies, procedures, and standards of excellence required by DASH’s size and complexity. They will work in partnership with the CFO to streamline and optimize how DASH leverages and invests in human capital, operations, administrative, and IT resources.
As DASH embarks on new strategic planning later this year, the COO will work as part of the Executive Team, and with direct reports and departmental staff on long-range planning to inform DASH’s next chapter. The COO will strategize, anticipate, and provide counsel on the organization’s future needs and resources.
The COO is a member of DASH’s highly consultative Executive Team, which regularly assesses opportunities, risks, rewards, and tradeoffs related to programs, partnerships, team culture, and operations. They actively engage with colleagues to provide feedback and inform DASH’s strategic direction.
The COO partners with the CEO in a consultative relationship with the Board of Directors. The COO oversees a ~$3 million departmental budget with two direct reports, who in turn manage a current three-person (Business Operations) and two-person (People & Culture) teams.
Key Responsibilities
The COO will bring a balanced approach to strategy and operations. They will conduct organized, focused work; manage multiple projects under tight deadlines; and maintain an openness to changing situations and opportunities. Specific areas of responsibility include:
Human Capital Management (30–40% of time)
- Lead the People & Culture department and all human resources efforts with oversight for talent acquisition, compensation and benefits strategy, professional development, and employee relations.
- Update and refine systems, processes, and policies through a DEIB lens, including recruiting, hiring, professional development, performance evaluation, and compensation.
- Advise CEO and Executive Team on organizational, managerial, and cultural issues, including guidance on hiring processes and decisions.
- Ensure compliance with federal and DC law across the employment lifecycle, including those mandated by grants and contracts.
- Ensure compensation and benefit plans are consistent, competitive, and cost effective.
- Set a strategic approach to employee wellbeing and engagement through rewards, recognition, and team-building opportunities that align with DASH’s values and mission.
- Establish a cohesive training and professional development plan that supports DASH’s strategy and objectives.
- Advise on a comprehensive employee performance management system that includes annual performance reviews and goal setting processes. Partner with the Executive Team to support supervisors in implementing performance management processes.
- Monitor the People & Culture team’s guidance, counsel, training, and resolution of personnel matters such as performance challenges, peer conflicts, and worker’s compensation.
- Oversee the Business Operations department and serve as a resource and advisor to the CEO and Executive Team on administrative, technological, and facilities matters.
- Advise on the business and physical operations of DASH Properties, LLC, including legal compliance, grant and contract deliverables, and oversight of capital development.
- Work with DASH staff to develop systems to ensure high-quality project management, effective allocation of operational resources, and adherence to compliance requirements.
- Establish best practices in administration, technology, operations, facilities, and compliance. Ensure security and privacy in all documentation and client records.
- Maintain and build trusted relationships with staff, board, clients, partners, and vendors.
- With the Executive Team, monitor legal compliance and develop a proactive risk management strategy.
- Direct vendor management, including soliciting quotes for service contracts and projects, evaluating options, making recommendations to the CEO, finalizing agreements with the CFO, and monitoring contractor performance.
- Provide guidance on facilities and security management for DASH offices and housing units, including compliance with safety and OSHA requirements.
- Monitor the ongoing repair, replacement, and maintenance of offices and properties.
- Partner with the Executive Team to assess DASH’s operational performance.
- Provide input into the organizational budget and partner with senior leaders to ensure human capital needs are reflected in their departmental budgets.
- Lead implementation of strategic planning goals associated with human resource capacity and administrative infrastructure.
- Develop tools and systems to provide critical, relevant, and timely information to the CEO.
- Engage Executive Team and others about risks, trends, and changes in DASH’s operations, talent, and facilities. Establish and monitor annual objectives and business plans.
- With the Executive Team, implement changes to operations and human capital through effective communication, training, and support for staff and community stakeholders.
- Attract, develop, and retain high-performance team members; coach them through onboarding, professional development, performance management, promotions, and retention pathways that center transparency, equity, and accountability.
- Guide and contribute to a trauma-informed team culture.
- Provide leadership in development of inter-team communication and cohesiveness, sustaining culture and supporting staff during organizational change cycles.
- Ensure organization-wide policies, procedures, and practices are developed, implemented, and consistently maintained to reach DASH’s goals. Identify cross-team training opportunities to strengthen working relationships throughout the organization.
- Engage and support cross-departmental teams outside of direct span of control.
Experience, Skills and Qualities
The COO position will be a challenging and rewarding role that requires a diverse set of skills. While no single candidate will have every qualification, the following are priorities:
- Demonstrated passion for DASH’s mission.
- Commitment to working collaboratively with a management team of senior professionals.
- 7+ years of nonprofit management experience, including a record of supervisory experience effectively managing a small team.
- Leadership in human resources, business operations, and/or facilities management.
- Strong project management skills, attention to detail, and the ability to manage deadlines.
- Experience with human resources systems and processes, including talent acquisition and development, compliance, performance management, and building positive team culture.
- Experience with strategic planning; ability to implement plans into work streams and tactics.
- Proven leadership in change management settings, including building consensus, making tough decisions, and clarifying organizational goals and performance expectations.
- Comfort addressing conflict, diffusing disagreement, and supporting team communication.
- Ability to thrive in a dynamic, people-centered, results-driven, and fast-paced environment that requires flexibility, collaboration, and creative thinking.
- Understanding of government contracts, grants management and OMB regulations.
- Excellent verbal communication and interpersonal skills; comfort engaging at all levels of the organization, including with clients, staff, vendors, and donors.
- Demonstrated ability to exercise a high level of confidentiality and discretion.
- Established background in facilities, risk management, and compliance is a major plus.
- Strong technology proficiency, including Microsoft software, project management platforms (DASH primarily uses Monday.com), and databases, such as an HRIS; record of partnering with IT staff to manage critical programmatic technology systems.
DASH offers a competitive salary in the range of $150,000–$160,000. Employees have access to 90% employer-paid insurance for health, dental, and vision, short- and long-term disability and life; a minimum of 20 days of paid leave, 15 holidays, a weeklong winter holiday; and a 3% employer contribution to retirement.
Application Process
DASH has retained the services of Good Insight, a national executive search firm serving nonprofits, to conduct this search. Interested applicants should submit a resume and a detailed cover letter that describes their interest in and qualifications for this role. Upload application materials at www.good-insight.org/careers. Direct confidential inquiries to Carlyn Madden and Isha Hunter at DASH@good-insight.org.
Location
DASH is located in Washington, DC. The COO position operates on a hybrid schedule that requires location in the DC region to support team meetings and oversee facilities.
Physical Demands
This role includes prolonged periods of sitting at a desk and working on a computer and may occasionally be called upon to perform a variety of physical tasks, such as pushing, pulling, and lifting up to 25 pounds unassisted. Contact DASH@good-insight.org to request reasonable accommodations.
Equal Employment Opportunity
DASH is a proud equal opportunity employer committed to an inclusive work environment and to building a team that reflects the rich diversity of our community. DASH bases employment decisions on each person’s performance, qualifications, and abilities. It does not discriminate in employment opportunities or practices on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, national origin, age, disability, or characteristics protected by District of Columbia and federal law. People of color, people with disabilities, and people of diverse sexual orientations, gender expressions, and identities are encouraged to apply.
All employment offers are contingent upon satisfactory proof of eligibility to work in the United States. A background investigation, credit check, and drug test are required for this role. A record of complete vaccination against COVID-19 is required; exceptions may be granted in limited circumstances for medical or religious reasons.