Chief Operating Officer and Community Engagement Officer

Job Details

POSITION: CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER AND COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT OFFICER

SALARY: $145,977- $150,000

LOCATION: NJCU FOUNDATION

Reports to: Executive Director, NJCU Foundation

Direct reports: Operations/Administrative staff and contracted service providers (as applicable)

The Chief Operating Officer and Community Engagement Officer serves as the senior operational leader of the New Jersey City University Foundation and is responsible for the internal management and organizational infrastructure that support the Foundation’s mission and activities.

Reporting to the Executive Director, the COO ensures that the Foundation operates with strong operational systems and effective coordination across staff, board leadership, university partners, and community stakeholders. The COO leads the Foundation’s administrative teams, oversees internal processes and compliance, and builds the operational infrastructure necessary to support fundraising, stewardship, governance, and community partnership initiatives.

A key dimension of the role is helping to strengthen the Foundation’s connections with the Jersey City community. The COO operationalizes partnerships developed through the Executive Director, Board of Directors, and university leadership by managing the programs, initiatives, and engagement activities that connect the University and its Foundation with community organizations, businesses, nonprofit leaders, and civic stakeholders across the city.

This role will help guide the Foundation through an important period of institutional transition as New Jersey City University becomes Kean Jersey City following a planned merger in Summer 2026, while ensuring the Foundation maintains strong operational capacity and community partnerships that support the Jersey City campus.

RESPONSIBILITIES 1. Organizational Operations & Infrastructure

Provide operational leadership for the Foundation, ensuring that internal systems, processes, and administrative functions support effective fundraising, stewardship, governance, and mission delivery.

Key responsibilities include:

• Oversee the day-to-day operational management of the Foundation, ensuring efficient and professional execution across all activities.
• Translate organizational priorities into operational plans, workflows, and timelines that support Foundation initiatives.
• Manage cross-functional projects that support Foundation initiatives, including advancement operations, stewardship processes, event logistics, and internal workflow improvements.
• Oversee vendor relationships and administrative service providers including technology, office operations, and contracted services.
• Direct operational planning and execution for Foundation events, board meetings, donor engagement activities, and other organizational initiatives.

2. Operations Leadership

Oversee the Foundation’s administrative functions to ensure strong organizational effectiveness, accountability, and compliance.

Key responsibilities include:

• Maintain an organizational compliance calendar and coordinate completion of required filings and documentation.

3. Community Partnerships & Local Engagement

Support the Foundation’s role as a connector between the university and the Jersey City community by managing operational partnerships with community organizations, businesses, nonprofit leaders, and civic stakeholders.

Key responsibilities include:

• Coordinate partnerships with local organizations, businesses, and civic leaders that support the University’s mission and community engagement priorities.
• Translate strategic community relationships into sustainable programs, initiatives, and events that connect the University and Foundation with Jersey City stakeholders.
• Coordinate community-facing initiatives and activities that strengthen connections between the University, its students, and the Jersey City community.
• Support the operational planning and execution of Foundation programs and events that involve community partners and stakeholders.

4. Board & Governance Operations Support

Support the effective functioning of the Foundation’s governance processes by coordinating operational aspects of board and committee activities.

Responsibilities include:

• Coordinate logistics for Foundation Board and committee meetings.
• Prepare and distribute meeting materials and maintain governance documentation.
• Track board action items and ensure timely follow-up on governance-related initiatives.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

Bachelor’s degree or equivalent combination of education and relevant experience

8+ years of progressively responsible leadership experience in nonprofit operations, higher education administration, or a mission-driven organization

Proven ability to design and implement organizational systems, policies, and procedures

Experience managing staff and coordinating complex operational workflows

Experience supporting executive leadership and coordinating board-facing activities

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

Experience in a university foundation, advancement, or nonprofit fundraising environment

Experience coordinating community partnerships or civic engagement initiatives

Experience operating in a matrixed environment involving university, nonprofit, or public-sector partners

Experience supporting organizations during periods of institutional change or growth

Demonstrated Competencies

Operational leadership and process design

Strong project management and execution skills

Ability to build and maintain partnerships across diverse stakeholders

Effective team leadership and staff development

Strong written and verbal communication

High discretion and integrity in handling confidential matters

Commitment to service excellence and organizational professionalism

NJCU Offers a competitive Benefits Package:

• Comprehensive Health Insurance – Medical, Prescription, and Dental
• Life Insurance
• Retirement Plans:
  • 401(a) - Mandatory Retirement plan with an 8% employer contribution
  • Public Employees Retirement System (Pension)
  • Voluntary Retirement Savings Plans