Chief Operating Officer in Wilmington, Delaware at Community Education Building Corp

CEBDE Chief Operating Officer

The Community Education Building Delaware is seeking an experienced and mission-driven Chief Operating Officer (COO) to join our executive leadership team. This is an exceptional opportunity for a strategic and hands-on leader who thrives on building strong operational systems, developing high-performing teams, and creating an outstanding experience for employees, tenants, partners, and community stakeholders.

Reporting directly to the Chief Executive Officer, the COO serves as the organization's senior operational leader, translating strategic priorities into effective day-to-day execution. The COO oversees a broad portfolio that includes facilities and security, human resources, culinary services, hospitality and reception, client relations, events support, administrative operations, and organizational infrastructure.

The ideal candidate is an experienced people leader who combines operational excellence with a deep commitment to service, collaboration, and mission impact.

What You’ll Do

Lead Organizational Operations

• Provide executive leadership and oversight for the organization's operational functions, ensuring efficient, coordinated, and mission-aligned service delivery.
• Partner closely with the CEO and leadership team to implement strategic priorities and organizational initiatives.
• Develop and improve operational systems, policies, workflows, and performance standards that increase accountability, efficiency, and effectiveness.
• Identify organizational risks, operational challenges, and growth opportunities, implementing solutions that strengthen organizational performance.

Oversee Facilities and Security

• Ensure the safe, efficient, and compliant operation of all facilities.
• Lead facility maintenance, capital improvement planning, vendor management, and preventive maintenance programs.
• Oversee organizational security systems, emergency preparedness efforts, and risk management practices.
• Maintain strong relationships with law enforcement, emergency services, and community partners.

Provide Human Resources Leadership

• Provide executive oversight of the human resources function, including talent acquisition, onboarding, employee relations, policy administration, performance management, training, and professional development.
• Foster an inclusive, positive workplace culture aligned with organizational values.
• Ensure compliance with employment laws, regulations, and best practices.
• Oversee HR initiative related to employee engagement, retention, leadership development, and professional development.

Enhance Stakeholder Experience

• Oversee client relations and operations coordination functions to ensure a high-quality experience for tenants, partners, visitors, and other stakeholders using the organization’s facilities and services.
• Establish service standards that promote responsiveness, professionalism, and stakeholder satisfaction.
• Oversee shared-space utilization and operational coordination to maximize efficiency, support program delivery, and maintain positive stakeholder relationships.

Support Culinary Operations

• Provide leadership and oversight for culinary services, ensuring quality, safety, efficiency, and exceptional customer service.
• Monitor operational performance, budgeting, inventory controls, vendor relationships, and regulatory compliance.

Ensure Compliance and Organizational Readiness

• Oversee systems that support compliance with legal, regulatory, licensing, and contractual obligations.
• Partner with the CEO on legal matters, risk management, and organizational governance.
• Promote best practices in confidentiality, records management, and data privacy.

Lead and Develop Teams

• Supervise department leaders and operational staff across multiple functional areas.
• Build a culture of accountability, collaboration, and continuous improvement.
• Coach, mentor, and develop leaders while supporting organizational change and growth.

Education, Experience and Skills

• Bachelor’s degree in business administration, operations management, nonprofit management, or a related field.
• Minimum of 10 years of progressive operational leadership experience.
• At least 3 years of experience in a senior leadership role with responsibility for multiple departments or functions.
• Demonstrated experience leading teams, managing budgets, and driving organizational performance.
• Strong knowledge of human resources, facilities management, compliance, and operational best practices.
• Excellent leadership, communication, relationship-building, and problem-solving skills.
• Experience working in a nonprofit organization.
• Experience overseeing commercial leasing, property management, or multi-tenant facilities.
• Knowledge of security systems, emergency preparedness planning, and risk management.
• Experience leading organizational growth, change management, or operational transformation initiatives.

TO APPLY:

Please email a cover letter and resume to: Christine Watson at cwatson@blackwellhr.com

ABOUT THE CEB

The Community Education Building (CEB) is a nonprofit organization advancing educational equity by ensuring that students and families thrive regardless of race or zip code. Serving as a national model for whole-child, whole-family support, CEB operates an innovative co-location and shared services model that integrates high-quality education with comprehensive, educational and wraparound resources—including healthy meals, mental health services, life coaching, and family supports. Inspired by the Harlem Children’s Zone, CEB functions as a vibrant hub in Wilmington’s central business district, serving more than 2,000 students of color and their families. Through partnership with the families and authentic collaboration with resident schools - Kuumba Academy Charter School, Great Oaks Charter School, High Road School of Delaware, the University of Delaware, Delaware State University, resident community partners - Delaware Health Empowerment Coalition, Delaware Guidance, Network Connect, Delaware Institute for Arts in Education, and Strive - CEB removes barriers to learning, deepens family engagement, and drives academic and postsecondary success—ensuring every child from infancy to and through law school has an equitable opportunity to thrive.

EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYMENT

The CEB is an equal opportunity employer. We will extend equal opportunity to all individuals without regard to race religion, color, sex, national origin, disability, age genetic information, or any other status protected under applicable federal, state or local law. Our policy reflects and affirms the CEB’s commitment to the principles of fair employment and the elimination of all discriminatory practices.